Great Fundraising Ideas To Help You Raise More

The Texas Society of Homeopathy's journey from paper bid sheets to a digital auction that reached hundreds more supporters

Fundraising platforms are becoming more automated and efficient, but often at the expense of real-time human support, which is crucial during live events. When issues like payment failures or glitches happen, delays can directly impact revenue and the event experience. While many platforms rely on chatbots and queues, the real advantage comes from immediate, knowledgeable support.

In late 2025, a major fundraising platform was accused of withholding or severely delaying donation payouts. Nonprofits reportedly waited many months to receive funds their supporters believed had already been delivered.

With a fresh format and the help of GalaBid’s easy-to-use digital tools, the Salvation Army's Women of Distinction Fashion Show brought community spirit and fundraising success together—online and in style.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the way fundraising works—making it easier, smarter, and more effective. With the help of AI, fundraisers can better understand their donors, send the right messages at the right time, and run smoother, more successful campaigns.

Fundraising platforms do not all operate the same way. Pricing models vary widely - from free platforms funded by tipping, to percentage-based fees, flat subscriptions, feature-based charges, or multi-year contracts. Some platforms manage payment processing on your behalf, while others allow you to connect and control your own payment processing account.

A successful home tour fundraiser - lessons learned in how to set up the online fundraising auction, attracting international & local bidders. How to run the event on the day for an enjoyable experience for all stake stakeholders.

An overview of recent updates to GalaBid and upcoming features aimed at making fundraising easier to run and more flexible for supporters.

The live auction is often the pinnacle of a many fundraising events. Here's how you can get the most from your event highlight and smash your live auction targets.

Setting the perfect silent auction item price isn't always easy. Too high and you may deter bidders, too low and you may not get a good return on your prize. Here are some tips to help make sure the price is right.

At the end of last year we told you about our 2018 initiative to sponsor two children, one in Zambia and one in Uganda. Through charitable organisations, Zambia’s Childand School For Life, we’ll be helping the children access education and associated support to secure a positive future for them and their communities. We’ll receive regular updates about how the children are progressing and we’re looking forward to sharing their experiences with you.

Whether you're organising a gala dinner, golf day, school fundraiser, charity walk, church event or community fundraiser, here's how to build a volunteer team that makes fundraising easier.

A hybrid event extends your fundraising reach and boosts results without requiring a separate event, a separate platform, or a significant increase in organisational effort.

Social media is not just a place to announce your fundraising event. Used well, it is where you build anticipation, drive ticket sales, open pre-event bidding and raffle ticket purchases.

The MC is the most important person at a fundraising event who is not on the organising committee. They set the tone, drive participation, manage timing, and are responsible for translating the energy in the room into revenue.

Most fundraising events have screens. A logo on a slide, maybe a video at the start of the night, perhaps an acknowledgement of sponsors. And then the screens go dark for most of the evening while the fundraising happens elsewhere. This is one of the most consistent missed opportunities in event fundraising.

School fundraising has always been a team sport. Parents, teachers, volunteers, and school leadership all pulling in the same direction, usually with limited time, limited budget, and a committee that changes every couple of years as families move through the school.

most raffle prizes do not need to be purchased. Local businesses donate prizes to fundraising events regularly, and many actively want to do it. A donated prize costs your organisation nothing and gives a local business exposure to a roomful of potential customers. When the ask is framed well, it is not really a favour, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement.

The last guest has left. The room is quiet. Our checklist covers everything that needs to happen after your fundraising event, in the order it should happen, with guidance on how GalaBid's platform makes most of it significantly faster.

Whether you are briefing a team of volunteers for a gala dinner or stepping into that role yourself, here is everything you need to maximise raffle ticket sales from the moment guests arrive to the moment the draw is called.

If you are planning a fundraising gala, charity dinner, or benefit event, you have probably asked yourself this question. Should we do an auction? A raffle? A paddle raise? All four? And if all four, which one actually moves the needle most?

Whether you're organising your first gala or looking to bring more structure to an event you've run before, here is a complete planning timeline from six months out to the morning after covering everything you need to deliver a night your supporters will talk about for years.

The Best Online Auction Platform for Charity Galas? Here's Why So Many Nonprofits Keep Coming Back to GalaBid

Zeffy and GalaBid both offer free fundraising platforms. But GalaBid offers tip sharing (10% back to fundraisers), three pricing options, and advanced auction features. Here's the detailed comparison.

Small nonprofit budget? Learn how to diversify funding for a more stable operation, covers: grants, individual donors, events, and earned income.

Silent auctions underperform without quality items. Learn which items work and get ideas for 30+ items that actually sell.

Learn how to run a successful silent auction from start to finish. Includes sourcing items, setting up bidding, managing auction day, and fulfillment.

Choosing a ticketing platform for your fundraiser can be overwhelming. This guide outlines the key features nonprofits should consider and the essential questions to ask before selecting a platform for a gala, charity event or fundraiser.

How amazing are your volunteers? These people are passionate about your cause and happy to give their time and talents to help achieve great things for your non-profit.If you’re holding an in-person fundraising event, volunteers can make a huge difference to your guests’ experience and fundraising results.

Online fundraising has become a vital part of charitable efforts, however, you might find some of the terms and confusing when starting out. Our handy guide will give you the lowdown on all the need-to-know terms.

Haileybury School, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and community involvement, leveraged GalaBid to support their Master’s Appeal, aiming to raise funds for the renovation of their Grade II listed library. Marika shares insights into their auction experience, the benefits of using GalaBid, and the overall impact on their fundraising efforts.

The latest three day event took place online just last week, and I had the pleasure of being part of it. It was an excellent event, packed full of practical tips and inspiring and thought provoking discussion.

If you’re still running fundraising auctions using paper bid sheets, clipboards, and manual tracking, you’re not alone — but you may be missing out on major opportunities to increase engagement, raise more money, and streamline your efforts. The shift to digital fundraising can feel daunting at first, but the long-term benefits are well worth the transition.

Being time poor can leave you with little room to organize a traditional fundraising event. Here are three convenient digital fundraising options that will help you raise money effectively without overwhelming your already busy life.

Whether you’re running an online silent auction or a digital raffle, the quality of your prizes can determine the success of your fundraising. A single prize that has serious 'wow' factor can be as effective as a whole collection of prizes.

Setting the right starting price for each item in your online silent auction can make a huge difference to sale outcome. Too high and you might deter people from bidding, too low and there may not be enough demand - but setting it just right?

If you're looking to run a fundraising campaign for either for an online only fundraiser or at a live event, an online silent auction is an exciting and effective way to raise money for your non-profit cause.

Thinking of raising money for a great cause but worried you don’t have time to organise a big event? Digital fundraising is the effective and fast way to raise money without it turning into a full-time job.

Items on Consignment can be a convenient way, to source tried and tested prizes for your online auction on a sale or return basis. This guide includes 7 key questions you should ask when weighing up which supplier to use.

Running your fundraising auction online for the first time? This guide will explore 5 features you should consider using to maximize your total raised including, transaction fees, vouchers, donations, leaderboards and personal shoppers

There are lots of online fundraising options for individual fundraisers, non-profits, and communities to choose from. How do you know whether a silent auction, digital raffle or donation drive is the right fundraiser for your cause?

Love the idea of digital, online fundraising but baffled about the jargon? Unsure whether a silent auction or live auction is right for you? Worried you don’t know the difference between consignment and self-sourced prizes?Don’t worry, we’ve got all the low-down you need to make your next fundraiser a breeze.

Live auctions are the showstoppers at fundraising events. Here are five strategies event fundraisers can use to boost live auction results including spotting bids, a knowledgeable auctioneer and showcasing the prizes effectively.

Key takeaways on all things Fundraising at in-person Events and beyond. A summary of the amazing tips, insights and thought provoking anecdotes delivered by a very knowledgeable and experienced panel at AFP's latest conference in Seattle - ICON 2025

Attracting sponsorship is a vital element of many fundraisers. Corporate sponsors help provide financial support to stage and run many events. But what about small local fundraisers? Can they attract sponsors too? Absolutely!

Find out how GalaBid's innovative online fundraising software can maximize the success of your next fundraising campaign

Fundraising events play a crucial role in supporting various causes, and choosing the right approach can make all the difference. Two popular options are silent auctions and live auctions with each offering unique advantages and considerations.

A small fundraiser can still mean a big workload. Whether it's a community bake sale or local charity silent auction - every small fundraiser requires planning and organizing. If you’re time poor but still want your fundraiser to be a smash success, here are some tips to maximise results.

Whether you’re running a glamorous Charity Gala, a local school fair, or holding a fundraising auction as a standalone online campaign, we’ve compiled a guide to the essential features and considerations when selecting online bidding software.

At GalaBid, we believe in the power of fundraising to create meaningful change. As we look back on the incredible work accomplished by thousands of charities, nonprofits, schools, and community groups using our platform, we are filled with gratitude and admiration.

Nonprofit organizations rely on powerful digital tools to streamline fundraising, engage donors, and maximize revenue. Here’s a quick overview of the top 10 nonprofit fundraising platforms to consider in 2025:

Whether you're organizing a gala, online auction, or hybrid event, understanding fundraising terms can help you communicate effectively with donors, partners, and your team. This comprehensive fundraising glossary for 2025 breaks down essential terms every non-profit should know.

Digital fundraising has revolutionized how we give. We can donate to a great cause, or make a bid at a silent auction at the touch of a button. And, we can do this 24 hours a day from almost any location around the world! While digital technology has made giving more interactive, fun, and engaging - fundraisers may struggle to keep fundraising event guests from getting distracted by their device.

How long should my silent auction stay open for? How long in advance of the event should I launch my auction? At what point during the event should I close my auction, and is there a case for closing an auction post event? This article looks at the main factors event fundraisers will consider.

This guide outlines how to secure and leverage sponsorship to boost your fundraising event's success. Sponsorship ensures financial support for a fundraising event and increases visibility for your cause.

Choosing the right silent auction platform can be challenging. Compare the best free silent auction platforms for nonprofits in 2026, including features, pricing models and support, to find the best fit for your fundraiser.

Creating and selling tickets for a fundraising event can be a challenging task, especially if you are new to event planning or fundraising. However, with a bit of planning you can successfully sell tickets and generate revenue for your cause.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating your very own auction website using our platform. From setting up your organization and campaign to customizing the site's appearance and functionality.

Your leaderboard not only provides valuable information but also serves as a powerful tool to engage and motivate your event attendees. To ensure your leaderboard delivers exceptional results, we have listed the key inclusions and considerations.

Running a school fundraiser can be labor intensive for time poor parents and carers. Read about our three simple, fast and effective school fundraising ideas that will raise money and save valuable time.

In this guide, we'll take a look at how you can create an online fundraiser to rival the excitement of an in-person event, with a particular emphasis on silent auctions, fundraising campaigns, and raffles.

Crowdfunding is a great way for individuals, communities, clubs and charities to raise funds for a specific cause or project. GalaBid’s crowdfunding platform is easy to use and quick to set-up. Setting-up a Crowdfunding Campaign on GalaBid takes no time at all.

10 tips to help fundraisers write more successful copy to engage existing and potential supporters. From avoiding cliches and jargon to learning how to use emotion and how to craft a compelling call to action, this concise guide has you covered.

Community fundraisers are often inspired by a desire to help a local organisation, individual or family. But if you’re not a professional fundraiser, how can you make your cause count? Let's find out!

One of the keys to a successful silent auction is having a large variety of items. Sourcing a range of must-have items means you’ll get plenty of bids, generate healthy competition, and maximise your fundraising result.

Choosing the right auction items can make or break your fundraiser. Discover the silent auction prizes and experiences most likely to inspire competitive bidding and maximise funds raised.

Setting the right silent auction bid can be challenging. Too low and the item may not reach its retail or market value. If the starting bid price is too high, it may deter people from placing bids. Our handy guide will help you find the right starting price for your auction items.

Running your first online fundraising campaign can feel very daunting. We talked to some experienced fundraisers about what they learned from running their first fundraiser and how to make yours a success.

Without the help of your generous supporters, your fundraiser won’t reach the targets needed to make a positive difference to others. Here are a few things you can do to make sure every supporter knows your fundraiser is worth their support and that their contribution is appreciated.

Whether you’re hosting a charity gala, silent auction, or community raffle, a well-planned guest engagement strategy can help you draw in a larger audience while keeping supporters excited and motivated to give.

A summary of the panel session, which discussed the future of Event Fundraising at the AFP ICON event in Seattle in April 2025.

We collated four incredibly effective fundraising ideas that will help you get the most out of your donations. Whether you're a non-profit organization, a school, or an individual seeking support for a cause, these strategies can make a significant impact on your fundraising efforts.

Want to get the most out of your social media campaign to promote your fundraiser? We've enlisted expert blogger, Kathy Hope, to give some great advice.

A mobile fundraising app could revolutionise your fundraising. From school fundraisers to charity gala dinners, a fundraising app is the easy option that delivers great results.

Fundraising events can be complicated to organise. With so many elements to get right, plenty can go wrong. We've got the fundraising ideas you need to make sure your charity and non-profit fundraising event runs like clockwork.

Want to raise money for charity but don’t know where to start? Would it help if we told you there are mobile fundraising options right there on your phone.

Running a pre-event marketing campaign can make a huge difference to your fundraising success. And the good news is it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Find out how.

Solo fundraiser, Jimmy Hayes, is raising funds for MS Australia by undertaking a gruelling trek across The Great Wall of China. Find out about his trek preparation and how you can help Jimmy smash his fundraising target.

Want to give your fundraising auction bidders the chance to go wild? We’ve just added two amazing once-in-a-lifetime consignment prize options that are sure to feature on everybody’s bucket list.

We know that holidays are a consistent hit at fundraising auctions. Who doesn’t get excited at the prospect of a getaway to somewhere fabulous? While holidays are guaranteed to get bidders’ pulses racing, the trick is to offer a range of experiences that appeal to both the thrill and the chill seekers. GalaBid’s NEW prize update consists of consignment options perfect for people who relish the element of surprise. Our Tasmania adventure gives auction winners the freedom of the open road, while our mystery cruise offers relaxation and indulgence via a luxury liner.

GalaBid is committed to delivering innovative technology that maximises fundraising returns to non-profits and charities. We’re constantly reviewing our digital auction platform to ensure it offers our clients a best-in-class experience. It’s why we’re thrilled to announce the arrival of our brand NEW fundraising technology. Built from the ground up, our development team has worked tirelessly for over a year to hone the perfect platform.

Two different charities, two different events. Find out how both maximised virtual fundraising to smash their fundraising targets.

Although COVID19 restrictions are currently being lifted, it’s unlikely live fundraising events will return to normal for some time. Charities, non-profits and community causes need to plan for on-going disruption to fundraising events.

If you’re running an online fundraiser, you might wonder if you can make it as successful as a live event. Will your supporters find a virtual event as fun and engaging as a live fundraiser?

We talk daily to fundraisers who are sourcing prizes for their live and silent auctions. It can be a challenging and time consuming job. So, it's no surprise that 3rd party fundraising prizes are hugely popular. Here are 9 key questions to ask before you take the plunge.

Are you familiar with the key trends that will maximise your fundraising in 2020? Find out how these emerging and on-going trends are shaping the way successful nonprofits and charities attract support from donors and sponsors,

Want to entice bidders at your next online charity auction? Add these delightful European getaways to your fundraiser.

Our new online fundraising platform will transform your next fundraising event. Find out how about the awesome new ways to help you raise more.

We've expanded our fundraising prize collection to offer bidders even more tantalising choice at your next charity auction.

Good question! Sealed bids are a great way to introduce tension and excitement at fundraising events, but they should only be used for certain prizes.

Consignment holidays are a great drawcard for many fundraising auctions. However, before you include a luxury getaway in your fundraising auction prize package, make sure the quality matches your expectations.

Is your non-profit thinking about using a digital fundraising platform? He's why it chooses to opt for a flexible, white label solution.

Your fundraising leaderboard can deliver so much more than just donation updates. From custom display to amount tallies, find out how powerful your leaderboard can be.

Find out how GalaBid's NEW digital fundraising platform is all set to deliver amazing results for your great cause.

If you're baffled by online fundraising and fundraising platform terms, here's our guide to the words you need to know.

Fundraisers are often inspired by the needs of local people, families and organisations. Here are some great charity fundraising ideas to make your community cause count!

Want to raise money for a great cause but don't have time to organise a full-scale event? We've got some great digital fundraising solutions for time poor fundraisers.

Don't let your donation drive get lost at your fundraising event. Give it time in the spotlight to send cash pledges sky-high!

Want to boost donations and auction bids at your next fundraising event? The addition of a big screen can give you the revenue raising firepower you're looking for.