Whether you’re a volunteer contributing to a bigger cause, or an employee of a nonprofit organization, these unique silent auction ideas are for you!
Charities often depend on donations or gifts as a way to cover their operating costs. By covering these costs, they’re able to keep their doors open and continue helping those who need them.
A great, tried-and-tested fundraising idea is to host an auction for all of your potential donors. While silent auctions might be on the quieter side of things, they can be a roaring success. We’ve combed through the best ideas to help you make the most of your silent auction.
A silent auction differs from other auctions in the way you would expect - there is no vocal bidding. Around a venue, items are displayed for bidders to examine. The most common way for people to bid on items is through individual bidding sheets.
Guests each receive a clipboard, pen, and a sheet outlining the items up for grabs. On their sheets, they can write down the highest amount they would be willing to spend on each item. Of course, guests only need to bid on the items they’re interested in.
Silent auctions allow guests to bid against each other with less stress. Guests will also only know of their bids, and they won’t be able to see the bidding sheets of other attendees. Once the auction is closed, the items will go to the highest bidders.
A silent auction has done a good job if it raises the funds you need. However, it's done a great job if it raises the necessary funds, and encourages donors to come back for more events. Try to take your fundraiser to the next level with these unique silent auction ideas.
Most often, silent auctions involve guests having individual bidding sheets. As guests won’t know what the competition on each item is, they may bid higher than they usually would to try and secure the item they want. However, a little healthy competition may also encourage them to bid higher if they see that the item is in demand!
Instead of giving each guest a bidding sheet, put bidding sheets under each item. Assign guests a number that they can use to bid instead of their names. This can make the auction a little more exciting, and allow guests to keep their anonymity. Assigning numbers will make attendees feel comfortable when they bid against others - even their friends!
Silent auctions are a great, orderly alternative to live auctions. However, there are some downsides and extra costs associated with in-person events. Firstly, people need to physically attend an in-person auction to partake in the fundraising. For people who live far away, or face mobility-related challenges, an in-person event may not be an option.
Secondly, in-person auctions need a venue, which may end up becoming crowded. Guests might find themselves having to queue to view items, or needing to push past groups to move around. This takes away time they might otherwise have to socialize and enjoy the evening.
For a fundraiser to be a real success- guests must enjoy the evening! This will encourage them to attend future fundraisers, which is essential for the sustainability of your fundraising.
To make the auction more accessible, and to address any spatial worries, consider taking your silent auction online! An online bidding platform, such as BiddingOwl, can help you make the most of your silent auction.
Unique silent auction ideas don’t just apply to the event itself - the items you offer can make a huge difference to the success of your fundraiser! We’ve created a list of some epic go-to item ideas.
These might depend on what is donated to your fundraiser for you to auction off. However, when asking for item donations, keep your target audience in mind. Make sure to tailor the items to what they would like to bid on, and are likely to spend a little more on acquiring!
Whatever your mission is as an organization, bring it into the auction! If you’re raising funds for the community theater, auction off tickets to a production and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour.
If you’re fundraising for a school, auction off a ‘principal for a day’ experience! If your nonprofit does work in another area, auction off a flight and accommodation, and offer bidders the option to work on the frontline with your organization.
Experiences are always a big hit, so why not include something to get the adrenaline pumping? Brave bidders might love a chance to bungee jump, skydive, or paraglide.
If you love the idea of air but want to tone it down a little, consider a hot air balloon ride. This is a great idea as it could be for a couple of people, rather than just one.
Bidders might be more inclined to splurge a bit on a group experience. A trip for the family, or a group of friends, might encourage attendees to bid a little higher! Think about a kayaking experience, a camping trip, or a day at a theme park.
Everyone loves a bit of glamor. Auctioning off custom jewelry is also a great way to partner with local businesses. They get exposure, and you get some beautiful pieces that your guests will be happy to bid on!
A great fundraiser not only helps you raise funds. It ensures that guests are invested in the sustainability of your organization, and encourages them to be a more consistent part of the journey.
Whatever you find yourself fundraising for, these unique silent auction ideas can help you make the most of your event. Remember to keep the enjoyment of guests at the center of your evening - and you’ve got a winner!
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