A paddle raise, also known as a fund-a-need or direct ask, is a powerful tool to drive significant revenue at fundraising auctions or events. This moment in your event allows attendees to pledge financial support to your cause. When executed effectively, a paddle raise can evoke emotions, inspire generosity, and create a sense of community among donors.
Whether you’re planning your first paddle raise auction or looking to refine your strategy, mastering this technique can significantly boost your event’s success.
What Is a Paddle Raise?
A paddle raise is a fundraising activity typically conducted during a live auction. The auctioneer or host invites attendees to make a donation at specific giving levels. Donors raise their paddles to indicate their commitment, which is recorded by volunteers or event staff.
Unlike bidding for tangible items, a paddle raise focuses on funding a specific charitable need, such as a new facility, scholarships, or program expansions.
Paddle raises are often the emotional centerpiece of fundraising auctions or events. They provide an opportunity to connect your audience with your mission on a deeper level and inspire them to give generously.
Why Include a Paddle Raise in Your Auction?
Incorporating a paddle raise into your auction can help your organization on several levels.
- Maximize Revenue: Paddle raises often outperform traditional auctions because they allow for unrestricted giving. Attendees who may not have been interested in auction items can still contribute.
- Engage Your Audience: A well-executed paddle raise captivates attendees and fosters a collective spirit of giving.
- Highlight Your Mission: This moment provides an opportunity to directly communicate your organization’s needs and impact, reinforcing the importance of donor contributions.
- Attract Diverse Donors: Paddle raise auctions accommodate donors at all giving levels, creating an inclusive fundraising experience.
How to Plan a Paddle Raise
Preparation is key to executing a successful paddle raise auction. Follow these steps to ensure your event runs smoothly and meets your fundraising goals.
1. Define Your Fundraising Goal
Be specific about what the paddle raise funds will support. For instance, if your organization needs $50,000 for new equipment, break down the costs and share how donor contributions will make a difference. Setting a clear goal motivates attendees to participate and gives them confidence in their impact.
2. Segment Your Audience
Understanding your audience is crucial for determining giving levels. Research past donor data to identify high-capacity donors and average gift sizes. This will help you set giving tiers that appeal to different segments of your audience.
3. Craft a Compelling Story
Nonprofit stories evoke emotions and inspire action. Share a narrative that illustrates your organization’s mission and the impact of donations. For example, a nonprofit supporting education might showcase a particular student’s success story, made possible through past contributions.
4. Enlist a Skilled Auctioneer
The right auctioneer can make or break your paddle raise auction. Look for someone with experience in fundraising events who can engage the audience, maintain energy, and create a sense of urgency.
5. Prepare Visual and Digital Aids
Use visuals such as videos, slides, or infographics to reinforce your message. Digital tools like DoJiggy’s mobile bidding platform streamline the donation process, allowing attendees to give even if they cannot raise their paddles in person.
Best Practices for a Successful Paddle Raise
1. Set the Tone Early
Introduce the paddle raise with a heartfelt message that connects attendees to your mission. This can be done through a short video, a speech by your executive director, and/or a testimonial from someone impacted by your organization’s work.
2. Start with High-Level Giving Tiers
Begin with your highest donation level to encourage leadership giving. For instance, start at $10,000 and gradually move to smaller amounts. High-capacity donors often set the tone for others to follow.
With your highest-level tier, finding a supporter who can commit in advance is best. You don’t want to call for a $5,000 fund-a-need and not get it. That will dampen the mood and momentum of your campaign. Once a supporter has accepted the challenge of a pre-committed donation, others will be more apt to jump in.
3. Acknowledge Donors in Real-Time
Recognize individuals as they raise their paddles. A simple “Thank you, Paddle #123, for your $5,000 gift!” creates excitement and encourages others to participate.
4. Keep the Momentum Going
Maintain energy throughout the paddle raise auction by using enthusiastic language and engaging the audience. Encourage applause and celebrate milestones, such as reaching half of your goal.
5. Incorporate Matching Gifts
Secure a matching gift from a major donor or corporate sponsor to double the impact of contributions. Announcing a match during the event can significantly boost participation.
6. End on a High Note
Conclude the paddle raise with a heartfelt thank-you to all donors, regardless of their giving level. This reinforces their sense of contribution and connection to your cause.
Common Paddle Raise Challenges and How to Overcome Them
1. Audience Fatigue
Keeping your audience engaged during a paddle raise auction is crucial. Plan a concise and dynamic presentation to maintain energy levels. Don’t draw out the paddle raise too long, and be ready to adjust based on the feeling in the room.
2. Reluctance to Give Publicly
Some attendees may feel uncomfortable raising their paddles in front of others. Offer alternative ways to give, such as anonymous donations via our mobile bidding app.
3. Setting Unrealistic Goals
While ambitious goals can be inspiring, unrealistic expectations may deter participation. Use data from previous events to set achievable target goals.
Post-Event Strategies
The work doesn’t end when the paddle raise is over. Follow up with donors to express gratitude and share the impact of their contributions.
1. Send Personalized Thank-Yous
Acknowledging donors promptly with personalized thank-you notes or emails reinforces their generosity and builds goodwill.
2. Share Impact Stories
Keep donors engaged by updating them on how their contributions are making a difference. For instance, share photos, videos, or stories highlighting the funded project’s progress.
3. Analyze Event Data
Review data from the paddle raise to identify trends, such as popular giving levels or donor demographics. Use these insights to refine future paddle raise events.
Final Thoughts on Mastering the Paddle Raise
Mastering the paddle raise can transform your fundraising auction into a revenue-driving success. Combining storytelling, strategic planning, and audience engagement can create a memorable experience that inspires generosity. Whether you’re hosting a paddle raise auction for the first time or looking to refine your approach, these strategies will help you achieve your fundraising goals while connecting donors more deeply to your mission.
Take the leap and incorporate a paddle raise into your next auction—your organization and the communities you serve will reap the benefits.
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