Choosing auction items for an NPO can be a challenge. After all, no matter what cause your charity or nonprofit organization supports, there are certain steadfast principles that apply to fundraising. For instance - an auction will only ever be as effective as the items you have on offer.
As such, it’s very important to consider your auction lineup carefully to ensure that you are hitting all the high notes and attracting solid bids. Here is our list of tried-and-tested auction item ideas for charities and nonprofit organizations. These items consistently perform well in raising money for worthy causes.
The number one item of every charity’s wish list when it comes to auction items is travel experiences. It makes sense - everyone loves discovering new destinations, after all! So, it makes sense that NPOs are always on the lookout for donations of travel packages to bolster their auction offering.
From gorgeous getaways to tropical islands where guests are served cocktails on the beach as the sun sets, to far-flung adventures to epic national parks, there is so much to discover in the USA and beyond. Offer your donors the opportunity to dream about new vistas, and they are very likely to get pretty competitive on the bidding role!
Signed memorabilia is yet another auction golden-oldie. If you have a well-known celebrity or public figure who supports your cause, their signature can turn just about any article into a treasured auction item. For instance, a signed football jersey can become the pride and joy of a sports enthusiast. Or a well-known author who signs a copy of their well-selling novel might draw the interest of your local literati.
Most people grab the opportunity to learn a new skill, and these days it’s so easy to arrange and attend classes - you can even do it online! How-to courses can include anything from photography and graphic design to needlepoint, charcuterie, styling (or yourself or your home), dog training, watercolor painting, etc. You name it - there is a course for it! Find out what your demographic likes and lean into it.
TOP TIP: If you are unsure of what type of classes and/or experience your donor demographic would enjoy, it might be worth your while to ask them. Do a survey among your regular benefactors to get some feedback. This can then be used to inform your choices when it comes to auction items.
Training sessions are also a very popular auction item. This can be personal training at a gym or fitness center or ‘lifestyle’ training from a life coach that helps you to assess where you’d like to be in life and how to get there. In fact, sessions with other health professionals like psychologists, dieticians, physiotherapists, etc. can also be well-received, depending on your audience,
Dining experiences also fare well on the auction block. These can be straight-up vouchers for meals at a particular restaurant, or they could be a little more involved. For instance, some chefs give diners the chance to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and prepare a part of their meal themselves. Alternatively, it could also be the opportunity to have a celebrated chef cook for you and your friends or family at home.
Gift baskets can seem a little old-fashioned, but they can also be a lot of fun when you bundle together a few nice items according to a theme. For instance, you could go with a luxury snack basket filled with top-end chocolates, wine, and fine foods like caviar. Or, you could appeal to auto enthusiasts with a basket filled with car care utensils and a voucher for vehicle detailing. The options are endless!
No matter what type of charity you run, odds are your bidding community is filled with a bunch of busy folks who would appreciate a break from homework and yard maintenance.
Additionally, this type of service-related auction item is also something you can quite easily source from a new or established business in your vicinity. They can provide it without going out of pocket, and it's an opportunity for them to show their skills.
Think along the lines of land-scaping, fall yard clean-ups, home theater installations, IT support, snow removal, painting, carpet cleaning, etc. There are so many great services to choose from.
There are very few people on this planet who do not like a good self-care treat every now and again. This is why spa days and yoga retreats do so well as auction items. Again, you can really think outside of the box on this one.
Perhaps you can bundle together the services of a makeup artist, stylist, designer, and hairstylist for a ‘big event’ makeover? Or how about a closet makeover by a trained stylist who can help you to rethink the pieces you already have, and identify the key pieces that are missing from your wardrobe?
Give artists in your community some exposure by placing their services on the block. These days there are all sorts of wonderful custom artwork that talented makers can create. From bespoke ceramic pieces featuring people’s favorite pets to cartoon-style family portraits, donors love to invest in a piece that is truly their own.
When it comes to event tickets, the scarcer the tickets are the better. If the event is sold out, you’ve struck gold! This includes everything from music concerts and Broadway shows, to sports events, popular conferences, and more.
Choosing auction items that sell well can make all the difference when it comes to running a successful fundraising initiative. Certain items have universal appeal and always generate a lot of interest when it comes on the block.
This includes travel packages, signed memorabilia, dining experiences, and how-to courses. Training sessions, themed gift baskets, home services, and self-care treats are also very popular. Not to mention custom artwork and event tickets! So, get out there and start procuring items that will make your next fundraising auction a success!
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