Nonprofit Fundraising

Fundraising Tip — A Silent Auction

Silent auctions can be a great way to build relationships and partnerships while raising funds.

Author at a chamber of commerce luncheon. Photo credit: Author

You’re planning your next fundraising event and it is up to you and your team to decide on whether or not there will be a silent auction.

Last year there was. And the year before.

Many complain about the time and energy that have been put into silent auctions, and you think perhaps the time has come to pass on the idea.

As a fundraiser and as someone who loves a good (note: good) silent auction, I say go for it.

These are a few things I incorporate that will make your next silent auction rock without affecting your budget or draining you and your team:

Create a budget of how much you want to net.

As you secure items, add a conservative value to them, meaning how much you think you will get.