A recent article in Profit Quests Fundraising titled “A New Trend in Fundraising,” details both the history, and per its title, unique new ideas in fundraising.
In regards to historical fundraising, the article offers an interesting history on the emergence of fundraising galas and events. When discussing new trends, the article cites new philanthropic support companies, like eTapestry.com and Kintera.com, “that have put an electronic twist to the old fundraising methods.”
At IML, we’ve seen hundreds of fundraising events achieve unprecedented success when using new technology to support unique fundraising ideas. Below, are two of the best:
- The Silent Auction: Paul VI Catholic School, needing money to upgrade school technology, hosted a silent auction where attendees could electronically bid for items at their own pace. Since bids were placed electronically, attendees were also alerted electronically and could immediately respond if someone dared to outbid them. The results were $30K more in donations than projected.
- The Prize-less Silent Auction: Much like the example above, but with one difference you can probably already guess – not a single prize was up for bid. At this silent auction, attendees in numbered table sections were encouraged to bid for no prize other than outbidding the table section directly to their left or right. Results updated instantly on mammoth screens in the middle of the gala, spurring more bids by turning the night’s event into a contest. The result was over $72 million raised for the New York poor.
Full disclosure, the events above achieved success, in part, because of electronic innovations like audience response systems and silent auction software created by IML. While we may be a bit biased in bragging about these stories, we would also be remiss in not sharing these stories.
Now, we want you to share your stories.
What other unique fundraising ideas, supported by technology, have you seen translate into success?
When I was in High School we did a fundraiser from http://www.justpoppin.com, which is a site for gourmet popcorn …. We set up a time period where friends, family, and alumni could go online and purchase their products and we would receive a percentage of the profit. Along with the popcorn, were able to offer canisters with our school logo design on it, which was very popular! Each student was given the website to the invitation our club president made, and we could print it or email it out. We did better than any of the candy or tshirts we normal did!!
There is a new, unique item that can be used as a fundraiser for any event. Its called the Jagorb and is a round nail file that works as a keychain and can be taken anywhere.. .even an airplane. Buy them at wholesale prices with your charity /website stamped on them and sell them for a profit. Its a useable item, that doesnt add calories and is affordable for everyone.. You dont have to be one of the wealthy to make a difference for a charity or cause.
Great idea Melody! I’ve received nail files from companies that use the them to promote their brand, and it really works. Every single time I use it, I think about that company, I can only imagine if it was a charity. I might be enticed to send them another donation.
Thank you for the new idea you have shared to us. Indeed this would help each and every one of us in finding ways on how to raise funds.