Your Spring Guide to a Blossoming Auction & Event Season

In an increasingly competitive nonprofit world, donors aren’t just looking to give—they’re looking to connect. Few fundraising tools can create the level of excitement and engagement like auctions. Whether live, silent, online, or hybrid, auctions inspire friendly competition, foster community, and amplify donations in real-time.

This spring, it’s time to go beyond the basics and make your events blossom. In this free, in-depth guide, we show you how to integrate auctions into your fundraising strategy — turning passive attendees into enthusiastic participants and boosting your revenue like never before.

Why Auctions Are the Secret Weapon in Your Fundraising Strategy

Auctions aren’t just a fun add-on—they’re a strategic way to create experiential giving. When paired with events like galas, golf tournaments, or virtual campaigns, auctions build energy, drive donor participation, and naturally break up formal programming.

Nearly 25% of nonprofit donors give through online auctions. Tapping into your event's momentum is a powerful opportunity to convert guests into donors while creating lasting memories.

Plan Like a Pro: Auction Types That Drive Results

In the full guide, we dive into how to choose the right event and auction format for your audience — and your goals. From elegant galas with high-ticket live auctions to family-friendly festivals with mobile bidding, we walk you through how to match your auction format to your event type, donor base, and resources.

You’ll learn the pros and cons of:

• Live Auctions (for high-energy, exclusive items)
• Silent Auctions (great for mingling events and mobile bidding)
• Online Auctions (for extending reach and maximizing time)
• Hybrid Auctions (for the best of both worlds)

Curate Irresistible Auction Items That Spark Bidding Wars

One of the key drivers of auction success? The right mix of items. In this guide, you’ll discover:

• How to source auction items from board members, sponsors, and local partners
• Tips to align offerings with your donors’ demographics and values
• Smart ways to bundle experiences and mission-aligned items
• The art of storytelling to make every item emotionally compelling

By matching items to what your audience cares about, you’ll boost bids and deepen engagement.

Promote, Engage, and Follow Up for Maximum Impact

An auction isn’t just what happens during the event — it’s a full-cycle experience. Our guide gives you a proven pre-, during-, and post-event roadmap to ensure your fundraising momentum doesn’t fade once the last item is won.

We’ll show you:

• How to build buzz early with item previews and early-access bidding
• Live engagement tactics like bid challenges, emotional storytelling, and charismatic emcees
• Post-event follow-up strategies that increase retention and encourage future giving

Use the Right Tools: Run Smarter, Not Harder with BetterWorld

BetterWorld’s free auction platform makes it easier than ever to host and manage live, silent, and online auctions. In the guide, you’ll explore how to:

• Use mobile bidding, QR codes, and auto-bid features to keep donors engaged
• Track performance with real-time reporting
• Save time with reusable item templates and automated receipts

BetterWorld’s all-in-one tools give you the flexibility to run successful auctions from anywhere — with zero platform fees.

Want to dive deeper and see exactly how to plan, launch, and measure a successful fundraising auction?

Download the full PDF guide and get step-by-step insights to make your next event your most impactful one yet.