Fundraising Through Online Charity Auctions: Just a Few Clicks Away

These days, a charity auction event isn't what is used to be thanks to the advent of technology. Back in the day, bidders had to be physically present in a prescribed venue at a prescribed time to bid and pay for the item. Charity auctions nowadays are done online, over long periods and with participating bidders from across the world. Entrepreneur Jon Carson discusses why online auctions work in an article for About.com: An online auction ... removes the barrier of geography. Donors can live far away and still participate. Second, it removes the barrier of time. Online auctions run 24/7 so if donors have a conflict or would rather just stay home the night of the event, they can still participate. Lastly, online auctions are highly measurable, producing valuable information about what item categories get bids, etc. That information provides a map for improving your next auction.
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A Quick Guide to Adding Star Power to your Charity Online Auctions

Beyond a doubt, having celebrities around can make or break an event. Their mere presence can generate interest and attention. Organizers of online auctions are well aware of this, and strive to include celebrity memorabilia in their lineup. Gail Cohen, a contributor for eHow.com, writes about ways to request celebrities to donate money and/or items to charitable causes. Don't Get Confrontational Contacting a celebrity directly is not advisable since they are extremely busy and won't have time to read your request anyway. The people who do have time are usually their publicists and talent managers. These are the people the stars pay attention to, so it would be wise to get their attention first. Research the names of celebrity agents and managers. Write directly to the agents and managers of celebrities of interest to increase your chances of getting a response. Avoid taking the "direct approach."
http://wedocharityauctions.com/quick-guide-adding-star-power-charity-online-auctions/

A Nonprofit Group’s Guide to Using Auction Sites Online to Raise Funds

While nonprofit groups are committed to serving a greater good, they will need additional ways to raise money aside from relying on long-term donors and sponsors. Selling items through established auction sites online is a good way to raise money. These web auctions work similarly to organized silent auctions. Bidders place their bids silently by typing in their preferred amount, and at the end, the highest bidders get the items. Even so, heads of non-profit groups should realize that not knowing how to use these online auction tools properly can result in some disadvantages.
http://wedocharityauctions.com/nonprofit-groups-guide-using-auction-sites-online-raise-funds/

How Nonprofit Organizations Can Hold a Successful Silent Auction Event

Nonprofit organizations may support a variety of causes, but the one thing they all have in common is a desire to serve the public good rather than to make money. Some, however, face a challenge in finding donors and sponsors to ensure a continuous flow of funds, making it necessary to hold events like a silent auction fundraiser. How exactly does this work? Kathryn Lemmon of Yahoo Contributor Network gives a lowdown: What makes the event "silent?" A silent auction is one without an auctioneer. During the auction period, (a set amount of time such as 4-6 hours or all day Saturday) bids are written down on a sheet of paper. The bidder can see all the previous bids logged onto the sheet. At the end of the auction, the highest bidder wins the item.
http://wedocharityauctions.com/nonprofit-organizations-can-hold-successful-silent-auction-event/