The Washington Post recently reported that "D.C. area’s United Way tightens requirements for charity funding." You can read the article yourself, but the crux of the message is that nearly 200 smaller charities are at risk for losing funding from the United Way of the National Capital Area because the United Way is changing how groups qualify to receive money. The United Way is asking these charities to take on more responsibility for their funding. Charities must raise $50,000 themselves, ... Read On >
Administration
What NOT to do when the auction winner doesn’t pay
At a benefit auction a few years ago, a woman in the back enthusiastically bid in the live auction. She enjoyed bidding a little too much. After buying the trip to Hawaii, her husband let her have it -- verbally. In tears she told my auction team member that she couldn’t buy it. “Ma’am,” my team member gently reminded her, “You’ve already bought it.” “Sell it again,” she cried, “He’ll divorce me if I take it home.” Has this happened to you? If not, you just haven’t run enough benefit ... Read On >
VIDEO: How to easily find your 501(c)(3) number for the auction donation letter
If you're writing and mailing a silent auction donation letter, you'll want to include your charity's 501(c)(3) number (also called a Tax ID number) on the letters and/or forms. It will speed up the donation process. Some volunteers aren't sure what their charity's number is. In this video, you'll be shown how to look it up on an internet-based database. Watch the video below. P.S. For other helpful auction-related information covering a wide range of topics, enjoy this free ... Read On >
VIDEO: Four types of insurance for charity auction events
A Lexington, KY charity had a beautiful custom pink motorcycle donated to their gala. The bike was autographed by many western singers so it was truly a one-of-a-kind item. It could have sold for thousands of dollars ... had it not been stolen from their offices in the days leading up to the gala. In this video, learn about the four common types of insurance for charity auction events. Watch the video below. ... Read On >
Free training about auction fundraisers is on Thursday. Is it the right call for you?
UPDATE: The teleclass mentioned is over, but the content below is still valid. Keep abreast of future calls by subscribing to Benefit Auction Ideas. ++++++ We've got four auctions this week, so my keyboard and email are humming as I coordinate with Chairs. But when it was quiet a few months ago, I looked at the calendar and selected THIS Thursday as a great day to hold a free call for Auction Planners. It's called "The Five Myths Holding You Back From Making Big Money at Your Auction ... Read On >