The new year is almost upon us, and with it a renewed season of fundraising auctions, galas, and strategies. If your gala is in the spring, you don’t need us to tell you how little lead time is left before invitations get sent or catalogs go to print.
The new year is almost upon us, and with it a renewed season of fundraising auctions, galas, and strategies. If your gala is in the spring, you don’t need us to tell you how little lead time is left before invitations get sent or catalogs go to print.
Here are five relatively simple things you can start doing right now to make sure your 2026 fundraising auction is successful.
1. Ask your big bidders what items they want to bid on in your auction in 2026.
Who knows your big bidders better than your big bidders? Empower them to help shape your auction, and they’ll reward you with higher participation.
2. Thank your live auction item donors and remind them of the difference they helped you make this year.
The people, companies, and organizations that contribute to your live auction literally make your live auction possible. Today’s “thank you” lays the groundwork for tomorrow’s ask.
3. Partner with your auctioneer to motivate participation from your board.
One service included in Stellar’s fees is presenting at board meetings to engage your board and empower them to make your event a success.
4. Reach out to everyone who contributed to your 2025 fund-a-need to remind them of the positive impact they helped you create this year.
Reaching out to your fund-a-need donors is like bidding: you can’t do it too often. Many donors use entry-level donations as a litmus test for how an organization treats them before they move up to larger donations. Regardless of intent, everyone who gives you money is an ongoing opportunity to engage and tell your story.
5. Take care of yourself.
Fundraising is stressful. Working in the non-profit space is stressful. The holidays are stressful. You are no good to the community you serve if you are stressed out too. Whatever your daily practice is, whether it is exercise, mediation, prayer, or all of the above, be sure to take care of your self: During the holidays and every day.
