What is "Broken Spoke Fundraising"? - George Wooden, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising

 

Years and years ago, as our country grew, people began settling in various locations across this great country of ours.  As these locations grew, so did the need to build towns, cities and states.  Construction was a booming business and as time went by, new innovative building techniques arose.  Small houses changed to sky scrapers, outhouses changed to indoor plumbing and it goes on and on. 

Today, technology changes daily and what was innovative today, tomorrow will be outdated.  Building techniques and requirements now demand precision and laws around it have turned into Rules and Regulations in regard to Building Codes and permits. 

When pagers were the new hot item with a car phone in a bag for your car, has now turned into everyone carrying a computer the size of a small card in their pockets – everything worldwide is right at our fingertips.

However, the same is not true in the charity fundraising world.  Many charities or non-profits have not kept up with the times.  They still operate decades behind with outdated information and the reason is, there is no set of rules other than what the IRS publishes.  There is no source of information that charities can go to in order to learn what’s new and innovative.  There isn’t a Rule Book or Standard Charity Code.  There is nothing for a charity to go to other than the tried and true “Error of our ways” or studying and learning from our mistakes.

There is a common term which I use quite frequently called “Broken Spoke” fundraising.  What does this mean?  Well, it’s when a charity copies or duplicates another charity’s fundraising event without knowing if the fundraiser they are copying was successful or not.  They then repeat it but miss something the other charity did (a broken spoke) and their event fails or the result is even less successful.  But yet, they will not go back and study it to see where they went wrong. 

In my area of expertise, Fundraising, successful methods change day to day.  Plus doing it day in and day out, while speaking to my counterparts across the country teaches me and our staff on what’s “Hot” and what’s not.  Making a thousand mistakes but studying them and adopting new tactics and techniques offers our clients the ability to be at the forefront of a successful fundraising wave.

As an example, I recently met with a charity who has a large group of supporters is planning a fundraiser in the coming months.  When I asked them what their “Net Profits” were, it was dismally low – nearly not worth even doing the fundraiser.  Being inquisitive, I asked them what they were doing at the event to raise money.  That is when they described 1970’s fundraising methods which are so outdated and ran into the ground plus it costs them 50% of the funds they are raising.  Why you ask?  Because they simply do not know any better.

In reality, charities are made up of people.  These people are not fundraisers and live a full-time life, have a full-time job, with full time commitments and a full-time family – however at least once a year, they are asked to fundraise.  When fundraising is simply the single most important aspect a charity must do outside of their missions, they appoint someone with no fundraising background to hold the single most important aspect function of their charity.

The other issue which is prominent still, which is one of those “Old Rules” or a charity myth that can easily be dispelled is that everything must be “FREE.”  The evidence of success is all around them with large scale, multimillion-dollar fundraisers happening frequently.  However, they refuse to follow those successful tactics.

Along with the “Free” approach, many charities believe that being 100% volunteer is a badge of honor.  However, what they fail to understand is that in order to grow, you must have a full-time staff.  With a full-time staff who are salaried, you are able to attract the best and brightest who can take your charity to new heights. 

What’s the moral to this story – you must change with the times.  You must follow techniques and tactics that other much more successful charities are doing.  You must know what “Success” is and acknowledge what “failure” also is.  You must be your very worst critic in order to grow.  Learn from your mistakes, talk to professionals who know the correct paths you need to follow.

You must learn from success; you must learn from your mistakes and your must want to get better while attracting the people who can help you make that happen. 

If not, you know the old saying “The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over but expecting different results.”  It’s simply up to you.

If you would like more information or if I can help you in any way, please contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com or call me directly at 443.206.6121.  We would love to help you.

Your Fundraising Well will run dry if you don't heed this warning!!!

I’ve seen it time and time again.  I’ve warned them, shouted it from the rooftops and watched as the stream of money from the fundraising well slowed to a trickle then stopped – the well ran dry.  I've watched as my clients continue to ask for money even after they hosted a highly successful fundraiser.  They believe that people will continue to give. 

Before I begin, let me ask you a simple question:

Lets say a friend asked to borrow $20.00, you give it to them because you want to help them.  A week or so goes by and the friend returns asking for another $20.00.  You oblige them yet again.  The following week or so, they come back and ask again.  Are you going to give it to them?  Are you going to ask what they are doing with your money?  What will you do?  I can guarantee you won’t give it to them this time around.

Everyone in the world would do the same – BUT – why don’t charities think like this? 

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Just as if you are getting water from a well and not giving it enough time to replenish itself, the same holds true with fundraising.  The more you ask for money and the more fundraisers you host, soon your well will run dry.

First you must understand that people are getting absolutely “BOMBARDED” by charities, not just yours, asking for money.  As it seems, everywhere you go charities are asking you donate to them.  Some have huge budgets so they can spend an enormous amount of money trying to raise money.  But unfortunately, that’s not you or your charity.

I’ve seen clients and friends go to the fundraising well over and over again.  I’ve told them, I’ve warned them “Only host a few fundraisers a year – host an “A” event and a “B” event and that’s it” – but they don’t listen.

What happens is their ego gets pumped up and they begin to think that every time they host a fundraiser, it’s going to be successful…they are wrong. 

The more you ask, the less you will get.  It will become harder and harder to raise money.  More is not better, it’s less.  Charities or organizations should invest their time wisely in one or two major fundraisers then leave it sit.  Put all your energy into raising as much money as possible with those events.  But by all means, DO NOT continue to go to the fundraising well over and over and over again. 

People will get tired of you and your charity asking for money, in fact, you will inevitably push them away from you because you’re always trying to reach into their pockets.

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My best advice I can give you is that you do not let your ego get in the way – think clearly and remember how you would react if someone or a charity came to you over and over again asking for money. 

Continue to go to the well, soon it will run dry…then you only can blame yourself if your fundraising well runs dry.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  

With every single fundraising event which has tickets to attend, the same question pops up time and time again - should you “Comp” or give someone free tickets to attend?  This “Myth vs. Facts” blog hopefully will answer your questions.

 Here are a few things for you to consider when contemplating “Comping” tickets:

#1 – There is really no such thing as “Free Tickets” – Someone somewhere will actually be paying for those free tickets.  If you have costs with your event, those costs will have to be covered.  Normally, the costs are covered by ticket sales.  However, if you are giving away tickets, who is going to pay for the tickets you gave away?

#2 – Free Tickets to someone who donates an item or items – You may ask someone for a donation of an item or items for you auction or raffles.  As an example – the price of your ticket is $75.00 per person with your actual cost (which you have to pay out for food etc.) is $50.00.  The donor will give you and item which “Retails” for $150.00 and requests 2 free tickets.  So in this instance, it appears that you will be profiting $50.00.  Since you can not control what an item sells for in an auction, you place the item in your auction and it only sells for $75.00 instead of $150.00…you just lost $25.00.  This is what is referred to as an “In Kind” donation – someone gives you something and “In Kind” you give them something. 

#3 – “No Skin in the Game” – When people pay for tickets, they will attend your event because they spent money.  However, if you give someone free tickets, they have nothing invested so there is really nothing promising they will attend.  The day of your event, something comes up, they may not attend since they spent nothing on the tickets.  You are then left with paying for the spots and also empty seats. 

#4 – They will spend money at the event to cover the cost of the free tickets – There is absolutely no proof this will or does occur, this is a Myth.  Consider this – if you need to give someone free tickets to attend, should you have them at your event in the first place?  If they wanted to come and support you, they would most definitely buy tickets.  But they need free tickets to show their support such as politicians, athletes and celebrities…or simply people you know.  You can ask them to spend money there but you can’t force them. 

#5 – Is taking people to a party a part of the mission of your charity? – This is a common practice in certain arenas to give away free tickets to the people who a charities mission involves.  For instance, I (George Wooden) am a US Marine Corps Veteran and a retired Police Officer.  Charities who serve veterans and first responders normally help with mental health, medical needs, doctor bills etc., but their mission is not to take these heroes to a party.   If a charity who helps either veterans or first responders gives away free tickets to them to attend a fundraiser, even if someone else buys tickets to give to them, would it not be a better practice to use that donated money for the mission of the charity to help them and sell those tickets to supporters who will donate to help raise more money?

Remember, think of your mission first and why you are hosting a fundraiser.  Aren’t you trying to raise money?  Also, there is no such thing as a free ticket – someone will have to pay for that person to attend and more times than not, it’s your charity.  You’re far better off raising money to fund the mission of your charity. 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American charity fundraising leader in a convenient “One Shop” setting.  We help charities like yours all across the country host highly profitable fundraisers from coast to coast.  If we can help you, contact us at 443.206.6121 or go to our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.

 

Common Mistake: How big is your fundraising cake?

A common mistake most people planning a charity fundraiser make is not understanding the need and definite positive impact a professional fundraiser will have on the amount of money they raise.

In fact, commonly, they will think to themselves or friends/family will say “Why would we pay that?  We don’t want to give them a portion of what we make” as if they are talking about a cake.  They believe that if they plan and host their own fundraiser, it will be the same size and make just as much as if they had professional help.  Think of it as if they are talking about a cake.  They believe that they will be have to give a section of their cake away.

However, what they fail to realize is how big is the cake they are believing they have?  Without the help of a professional fundraiser or auctioneer, their cake is small like a tiny cupcake.  They believe they will have to give a section of that away.  That then will leave less for them.

But in reality, when they hire or have the assistance of a professional fundraiser or auctioneer, the cake grows dramatically.  So much so that the original cake or cupcake is merely a crumb in comparison.  With the growth of the cake or the amount of fundraising dollars, paying the professional fundraiser makes sense because the goal is to raise as much money as possible.

The mistake they commonly forget is that they are living a full-time life, with a full time job, with a full time family and full time commitments – then they are asked to be fundraisers without a clue how to truly fundraise.

The time commitment alone is daunting then getting everything together will exhaust anyone.  Plus locating the correct venue to host it in is vitally important as well.  Are you prepared to work full time in order to be successful?  If not, why are you doing it then? 

Of course, anyone can fundraise just like anyone can dance – but thinking the way that these potential fundraisers do…are they Prima Ballerinas?  No not at all.  They don’t realize successful fundraising is extremely strategic, deals with psychology coupled with event planning.  A professional fundraiser or charity auctioneer must keep track of fundraising trends and techniques which are changing rapidly.  They must understand the flow of the venue they are hosting their event in.  Where and how to set up the event in order to be effective. 

This has happened to us on many occasions – people will attend one of our events while videoing our Live and Silent Auction along with the raffles.  True, anyone can put items out on a table and sell them.  But do they understand why those items are there as opposed to somewhere else?  Why are they set up that way, what is the goal of the fundraising platform they are set up in or at.  There are hundreds of small fundraising cogs moving in perfect harmony to make the final event a success.

So the next time you think “Why would I want to give him or her a piece of our fundraising cake” ask yourself… “How big is your cake” – is it a cupcake or a massive sheet cake?

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American charity fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  We specialize in making our clients lives easier by planning it, managing their committees and hosting an event like no one has ever seen before that will raise more money than they could ever expect.  Contact us today at 443.206.6121.

“Certificates of Authenticity” ARE MEANINGLESS for Charity Fundraisers!

 

Too many charities across the country believe this myth “Well, it has a Certificate of Authenticity so we know it’s real.” 

Now that I have your attention, let me both educate you and hopefully save you time, energy, money and your charities reputation.

First – can you imagine finding out that you sold counterfeit autographed items at your charities fundraiser?  The damage would be horrendous. 

A Certificate of Authenticity is absolutely, unequivocally meaningless!!!  Anybody could create a certificate of Authenticity that looks really impressive, using big words that are meant to impress you such as “Forensic Authenticator” – what does that mean?

If you look up what the term “Forensic” means, it says:  “Relating to or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime.”  So basically, a “Forensic Authenticator is a fancy way of saying they use scientific methods to authenticate autographed items.”  So why not just say “Autograph Authenticator”? 

Don’t be fooled – a fancy card with a bunch of technical sounding terms means absolutely NOTHING!!!  Plus when someone really checks the autograph for authenticity and they take it too someone who is a reputable authenticator, the card is meaningless. 

Don’t you think if the autograph is fake or counterfeit, the awesome “Certificate of Authenticity” that came with it is counterfeit too? 

They commonly use fancy seals and graphically designed cards along with big terms.  They will also put a sticker on the item with a number.  All of this is an attempt to make you feel comfortable. 

But again, the Certificate of Authenticity is absolutely 100% MEANINGLESS.  Why do I say that?

Think about this – anyone can say they are a Doctor correct?  But when you look, they have a diploma from “Johnny’s Doctor School” in Cuba.  Would you let them treat you?  Oh no way. 

What matter is – WHO THE AUTHENTICATOR IS !!!  Are they reputable?  Are they accepted by Ebay or other outlets.  Do they have a long outstanding reputation. 

Here is another issue – Does that company authenticate more than just one autograph companies items?

Do your homework.  Check out the company you are getting autographed items from and then, ask “Who authenticated the autograph?”  If they “Self Authenticate” – RUN.  If they use a company who is relatively unknown – RUN.  If no other company in the world carries the same autographed items, RUN. 

Here is the most important – If the autographs are not authenticated by JSA, PSA/DNA, Beckett or Radtke – RUN. 

DON’T BE FOOLED – A Certificate of Authenticity is MEANINGLESS – Who authenticated the autograph is worth it’s weight in gold or just simply toilet paper.

 

If you would like to learn more about how to tell if an autograph is real or counterfeit, or you would like to ensure that you have 100% authentic autographed auction items, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you and your charity.

The Fundraising "MAGIC BULLET" Scam

 

As with everything in life, people are always looking for a “Magic Bullet” that will get them where they want to go quick or faster.  The “Get Rich Quick” schemes scam millions of people into attending seminars selling just about everything.  Diet fads come and go along with new “In Home” workout gear that will get rid of your belly and give you 6 pack abs nearly overnight. 

People looking for a “Magic Bullet” often fall prey to those selling them. 

In the charity and non-profit world, I see this all the time.  Between software that allegedly will make your life easier, to counterfeit autographed items from Musicians and Celebrities that no one else in the world has and also to direct mail campaigns. 

Then there are charities who ignore the “tried and true methods” of fundraising because they are convinced that those are wore out.  They often spend an enormous amount of work and lose hundreds of thousands of hours wasting their time to profit very little. 

Just like “Get Rich Quick” schemes never pay off, neither do the fundraising fads that
will make you more money and your life easier. 

The real charity fundraising “Magic Bullet” is hard work, determination and more importantly – TIME!!!  No one, not even me, can show up to a first-time fundraising event and somehow make your charity millions.  Charities and Non-Profits will often compare themselves to well established, centuries old charities who have been in existence for a very long time.  They will believe that if done correctly, they will fundraise the same amount as those non-profits do – WON’T HAPPEN!!!  Then when they do not raise a very large amount of money, will drop anything they are currently doing and begin again with some other plan.  When along they should know they have to stand in the fundraising trenches and build on what they have. 

Yet another method is, they will easily fall for a company promising that a direct mail campaign will raise them millions.  Then the hammer hits, the direct mail company wants an enormous fee and then wants you to provide the names for them to mail too. 

Recently, I sat through a sales pitch by a fundraising software company with one of my clients.  Because I’ve been around the block about 1,000 times in 12 years, their “Magic Bullet” tactics stood out like a sore thumb.  With my client being the President of a 2 year old charity, he had no experience and they knew it.  They showed him an “Example” of their software along with “Examples” of Sponsors such as Coca Cola, Google, McDonald’s etc.  They showed insanely successful auctions raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.  He fell for it hook, line and sinker and bit hard.  I could hear the salesperson slobbering over the phone at the monster commission she was about to get.  But then, there was me, a fundraising wolf in sheep's clothing standing beside him.

But what they failed to tell him, which I did was simply this.  We will call him “Bob” – I said “Bob, you know all that incredible stuff there shown in this presentation?”  He said “Yes and we want them too.”  I said “Well Bob, those are only examples and not real at all.  This company is using those brands and logo’s just to dress it up.  In fact Bob, you have to look at this software like going to a restaurant for dinner and you have to buy your own food, cook it and then the restaurant sells you the plate.  You or we have to do all the work.  This software is just that, an empty slate.”  “Oh” in a down voice he said “So they don’t give us these people at all?”  I said “No not at all, in fact, they don’t help us advertise it or get anyone to bid – OR – provide all those beautiful auction items – we must do everything.”  Well, that ended quickly with the salesperson wondering who in creation I was.

In closing, the charity or non-profit fundraising “Magic Bullet” is simply “hard work, determination and time.”  Plus educating you and your charity on the current fundraising trends that seem to change day to day.  Don’t fall for “Magic Bullets”…the only thing that will make you rich takes years of dedication and commitment.

Just put in the work.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  BW is known all over the country for expert guidance and assistance in the planning and management of highly profitable fundraising events as well as a leading provider of auction items for both Silent and Live Auctions.  Contact BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising today at www.BWUnlimited.com. 

Charity Spotlight on Cliff Richards Jr., President of the Hale Foundation: The true example of how to care and support your supporters.

Over the nearly 13 years we, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, have been helping guide charities and non-profits across North America on how to plan and host a large scale highly profitable fundraising event, one of the areas which we heavily believe in and attempt to teach our charity clients is how to attract and support their Sponsors and Donors.

Over the 27 years we have been involved in fundraising, we have seen time and time again how various charities receive either major financial donations or large-scale financial sponsorship's, yet they do either very little or nothing to support or promote their donors and sponsors.  Often, when someone donates, they don’t even go back and look to see if their use of the item was successful – they just accept whatever monies come in and move forward never looking back.  Also, they routinely don’t think of the when it comes to use of the items even when the donor is in attendance.  They must always protect the donors above and beyond all things. 

So, when I see someone do something that goes against what 99.9% of our clients do as well as other charities, I am both blown away and incredibly impressed.

Over a year ago, I met Cliff Richards who is the President of the Hale Foundation located in Augusta, Georgia.  He along with Patrick Cullinan, asked for our help to host a fundraising Gala in North Augusta, South Carolina this coming fall which is now known as the “Sunset on the Savannah Gala” on September 26^th at the Crowne Plaza. 

To know Cliff, he is a funny, friendly good ole Georgia boy.  It’s easy to like and get close to him right from the start because of his personality.  He is warm and inviting and can’t do enough for his friends and clients with the Hale Foundation.  He is an immediate friend to all who have met and know him.

Cliff recruited a “Rock Star” team of highly motivated volunteers and after being provided direction, they took off like a rocket.  They sold more financial sponsorship's in such a short amount of time than I have ever seen before.  They also had many of the auction items sponsored and were closing in on a very early sell out based on the number of sponsors they had.

Then COVID-19 hit like a meteor.  Everything stopped suddenly, the entire country went into lock-down.  Small businesses were shut completely down, people were losing their jobs and businesses and families began to struggle.

One morning, I received a call from Cliff.  He asked how I was doing and was worried about my family and I since we were also shut down completely.  He then started off the conversation by saying “I know you’re not going to like this but…”  What Cliff told me honestly, sat me back in my chair speechless. 

In a world of “what will you or are you doing for me?” or charity scams in a greed filled society, community, Cliff was thinking about all those who graciously became major financial sponsors.  Understand the it takes an enormous amount of money to do what the Hale Foundation does and is planning in regard to Valor Station, Cliff was not thinking of his own needs or the foundations.  I still remember his Georgia southern draw saying “I’m returning the money given to us from our sponsors since most are small businesses and they are going to struggle during this.  I know you’ll think I’m crazy for giving them their money back but it’s the right thing to do.”  I asked myself “Am I hearing this right?  Is Cliff actually taking money he needs and giving it back to his donors because he cares about them and their livelihoods?”  I was astonished and replied “No Cliff, I think it’s amazing that you would do that and in fact, you’re the first person I have ever heard even go that far taking care of those who were taking care of you.”

Many can learn a lot from Cliff Richards.  He thought beyond himself and the needs of his own charity, but thought of his supporters first.  That is the mark of a true leader and the definition of integrity and giving.  He knew that they gave when times were good but now that they are worried, he knew that the money they gave easily should be given back to help them.  

You couldn't find two better men than Cliff Richards and Patrick Cullinan who live their lives to serve and help First Responders nationwide.

Cliff, I applaud you sir, you are a remarkable man and I am proud to know you.  I am humbled by your selfless act of giving and supporting your supporters.  I appreciate you more than you know and speaking on behalf of our entire team from BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

To learn more about the Hale Foundation's upcoming event "Sunset on the Savannah Gala" on September 26th - go to Facebook at this link:

Sunset on the Savannah Facebook Event Page

Or contact them directly on how to sponsor or to purchase tickets via the contact information on the flyer.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  

Fundraising Myth Exposed: Using consignment items are bad and will hurt your fundraising efforts

There are many myths surrounding charity fundraising which originate back to the 1980’s or possibly earlier.  However, here is just one of the myths both described and the truth exposed:

MYTH:  Using items which you have to pay for is a bad idea and fundraising business practice.

#1 – Charities keep 100% of the profit from fully donated items.

#2 – Fundraising items that have a price or are consigned, draw bids away from donated items.

#3 – Charity guests prefer to bid on donated items vs. consigned items.

To properly address this myth, we first have to address the costs which charities easily incur during the planning of their fundraising events which are not donated.  By understanding and agreeing that this is true, it will truly show you how “opposite thinking” it is when it comes to the use of the items which actually raise the funds needed.

When planning a Gala or other fundraising event, the very first expense you incur is the rental of the venue along with catering and drinks which comes at an expense.  However, guests pay for tickets which in turn pays these expenses.  Keep in mind, that there is always “Margin/Profit” placed on each ticket price.  Then there is printing of tickets, programs etc.  Then entertainment, both bands and DJ’s charge for their services.  Add in decorations – all these line items come at a cost.  Rarely will you find any of this donated, especially the venue of your event.  The only item in the above list that creates profit is the actual tickets that sell.

With that in mind, after making these decisions, this is where charities turn off their thinking and this is when the myth kicks in that donated items are the best method to raise money.  However, they incurred costs easily as described above. 

Here is the “Reality of Donated Items”:

#1 – With over 1.5 million charities in the United States, businesses are bombarded with donation requests.  They can not possibly donate to everyone and if they do, routinely it’s something that is not selling in their stores.

#2 – Remember, you are hosting a local event with items donated by local businesses with your guests also living locally.  If your guests wanted those items, they would have gone and bought them themselves.

#3 – Our guests don’t spend or bid that high on the items we have.

#4 – Donated items are only bringing 1/8^th to 1/2 of their retail value at the very most across the United States in any Silent or Live Auction (study performed by BW Unlimited LLC. over a 3 year period). 

#5 – Donated items do not have a high appeal and routinely have no theme. 

#6 – Everyone is looking for a deal – Common donated items are Gift Certificates and Gift Baskets. 

a.     If someone reports that Gift Certificates are selling at full retail or above, they are lying or have not looked.  QUESTION:  Have you ever bought yourself a Gift Certificate?  No, that is why they are called “Gift” certificates – we give them away to someone else as a gift.  Routinely, these sell for 1/4 of their retail value.

b.     How many “Gift Baskets” did you give away to your family or friends for the Holidays?  None.  The reason is, no one truly wants them.   Again, routinely these sell for 1/4 of their perceived value.

#7 – Charities commonly utilize the same donated items year after year such as someone’s Vacation Home.  However, they fail to understand (2) most important derogatory aspects about this:

a.     People know they can go directly to the donor and get the Vacation Rental either for free or at a very reduced rate.

b.     Each year these items are auctioned, the appeal and audience goes down and down.

#8 – If an item that is donated has a significant cost and it sells for 1/4 of it’s retail and the donor either is a guest at your event or hears about the low selling price, do you think it will have a negative impact on them donating again?  Yes.

#9 – Are the items actually free?  Considering the time it took to get someone to donate an item, the time it took and the cost of the gas that it took to drive there and back.  Then the item sells for 1/4 of the retail – ask yourself, was it worth it?

The argument against using consigned items normally is based on charities not being fully educated on the importance or how to properly use them to ensure they are highly successful. 

(Only with BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, we advise our clients to increase the cost of our items by 20% so that on the very first bid, they are profiting – guaranteed.)

Here is the how and why this myth is dispelled:

#1 – Consigned items such as autographed memorabilia, vacation packages, jewelry etc. are very enticing and will set your event apart from all other local events.  If the items available are advertised on Social Media, they will draw many more eyes and possible guest attention.

#2 – Consigned Items that have high minimum bids will actually raise the bids on donated items.

#3 – Guests will not bid high on low value items if that is all that is there to bid on, however, they will bid extremely high on items which they have never seen before or are only available through BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or another company.

#4 – Guests routinely place extremely high bids and get into bidding wars over consigned items which can also be sold multiple times – guaranteeing the charity much more profit.

#5 – Consigned items do not cost the Charity anything, the buyer pays for the items, not the charity.  The charity just keeps 100% of the profit.  If the items do not sell, they go back to the provider without a fee of any type.  This is exactly like the venue and ticket prices – however, the profit is not fixed as it is with ticket prices.

#7 – Charities can have the items “Sponsored” or “Underwritten.” 

a.     Charities can select as many items as they would like to utilize and put them in a catalog format along with the cost of each item. 

b.     Many more people and businesses can sponsor at a lower rate than at the normal high-level sponsorships. 

c.      If “ABC Realty” sponsors an item for $250.00, they pay the charity for the sponsorship and a “Tent Card” is simply placed in front of the item saying “Sponsored by ABC Realty.” 

d.     The bid is started 20% above the cost – as an example, the winning bid is $500.00 – The charity just profited $500.00 because the sponsor actually paid for the item.

e.     If the sponsored item does NOT receive a bid, the item is returned and the charity keeps the $250.00 sponsorship.

In summary, I have a question:  What is the difference between paying for the venue, the food and drinks – OR – having high quality items that have a cost?  Shouldn’t you have great items for people to bid on instead of free items?

In closing, if someone is against the use of consignment items from either BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising or some other provider, educate them on the above.  Just ask our 1,000’s of clients across the United States if what I say above is not true.  If you have used consignment items and were unsuccessful, it’s possible you did not use them correctly.

If you would like more information on how to be successful using consigned items or would like to comment differently, please contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you. 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  We provide a host of consignment auction items such as 100% authentic autographed memorabilia, worldwide vacation packages, beautiful jewelry and incredible décor.  We also assist our charity clients with a host of charity fundraising event services.   Please contact us to learn more.

How to attract large Financial Sponsors

When explaining the “Reality of Charity Fundraising”, I try to use an image that most can imagine.  One of the most frequent questions I get from our clients is this:  “How do we get major Financial Sponsors?” 

As with most things involved in charity fundraising, we first have to get around sediment and understand reality since there are many “Charity Myths.”  The charity myth involved here is that major financial sponsors do so because they love the charity’s mission.  That’s partially true because some may love your charity or it’s mission but the vast majority are attracted by what I am about to explain here.

To begin explaining, I like to provide something “Visual” which most people are familiar with.  Imagine a ball of small fishing out in the ocean.  You may have seen one on TV, when the school of fish feel like they are going to be attacked by predators, they begin to swim in a tight ball.  That “Tight Ball” of fish represents the guests at your event.

The ball attracts large, predatory fish such as barracuda’s, Tuna, Dolphin and then Sharks which feed on them all.  The predatory fish ranging in all sizes from smallest to largest (sharks) all feed on the ball.  They quickly dart through it with their mouths open gobbling up as many as they can.  These “Predator Fish” represent Financial Sponsors of all sizes ($1,000.00 Sponsors , $2,500.00 Sponsors, $5,000.00 and finally the $10,000.00 plus Sponsor – The GREAT WHITE Shark). 

With your guest’s numbers being high, the sponsors are attracted to them in hopes to advertise to them.  Remember, all your guests are in one place at one time, what better way to advertise to a businesses target market.  Like ball of fish being fed on by the larger fish, the one thing that will and does attract larger financial sponsors is simply “Advertisement capabilities.” 

Ask yourself this – does it matter that the Financial Sponsor loves your charity if they are writing you a check for $5,000.00 check?  I would hope you would say absolutely not.  The donated $5,000.00 can be used to fulfill your charities mission.

As a real life example, I told one of our many clients that potential major financial sponsors will not care about where their money is going to or what it will be used for.  He later said and I quote "George, when you told me that I felt so angry I wanted to punch you in the nose.  But after we landed over $100,000.00 in sponsorships, do you know how many asked me where the money was going?  Not one.  You are right and I would have never believed it."  This same client one evening received a $5,000.00 sponsor and posted a their logo on Facebook announcing it.  The very next morning, the sponsors competition called asking about what they gave to our client and in response, said "Come over and pick up a check for $5,000.00" all based on competition and advertisement.

Just this morning, I was speaking with Tony Lebron, our client from the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program.  Tony said he is living proof that it works.  He posted a photo of him picking up a Sponsor's check on Facebook and in the comments, another person asked to sponsor too.  It just works!!!  Tony is living proof.    

So with that in mind, prior to beginning to seek large financial Sponsors, you must prepare a “Sponsorship Package” which includes advertisement/marketing of the sponsor.  The higher they sponsor, the more advertisement/ marketing they receive.  Think of the many different ways you can provide marketing of the Sponsor both outside of your event and inside then put it together in package at different levels.

If you would like to learn more about how to attract major financial sponsors or how to build sponsorship packages, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you.

The #1 WORST Enemy of a Charity Fundraising Committee

The worst enemy of a charity planning a fundraiser is “Negativity.”  Negativity has a tendency to spread like a disease if not cured quickly.

There are many causes for negativity in a fundraising committee, however this is what I have seen on many occasions:

#1 – Control – A member of your committee or team may want to be in charge. 

#2 – Destruction – A member of your committee may not like the person in charge and they will do whatever they can to ensure that the event is not a success.  They do this in hopes that the person in charge will fail and look awful, further making them look better.

#3 – Persistent Negativity – Some people are always negative and live a pessimistic life.

#4 – Hidden Agenda – A member of your committee may have been in charge or a friend of theirs was in charge in the past but was replaced by someone new.  If the new person in charge is successful, their failure or their friend’s failure will be revealed even more.  They will also want to see that person removed so that they or their friend can return to that role.

There are many reasons for negativity, however the best prescription for negativity is:

#1 – Recruiting – Look for positive, energetic people who want the event to be a success.

#2 – Tone – Set the tone with the committee right from the beginning. 

#3 – Prevention – If someone on your committee is constantly negative, remove them immediately before it spreads to the other members.

You will waste more energy and time trying to either change their behavior or simply dealing with them in order to keep them happy.  Remember, if they are negative, they will not do anything to help you and your charity be a success.  They will cause arguments and make life miserable for both you and your committee.

Look for people who will support your efforts, not people who will detract from it.  Building a strong team/committee is the most important aspect and the foundation of a successful fundraiser.  Do not just recruit everyone, carefully select an All Star Team.

If you would like to learn more helpful tips on how to plan a highly successful fundraising event from the beginning, check out our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Missing the Mark - Alternative Fundraising methods

Over the years, I have spoken to, observed or advised charities across North America.  The numbers are in the 10’s of 1,000’s and continue to grow each year.  I’ve spoken to and helped charities in every state and most of the Canadian provinces.  One single issue comes up all the time, charities or nonprofit organizations trying to find an alternative method of raising funds outside of a Gala or Dinner.

 

I recently spoke with (2) individuals from charities or groups that desperately needed to raise money.  One of these groups was actually deeply in debt and needed to fundraise to get themselves out of the financial hole they were in.  They were calling me asking for help but when I told them what we would do, both decided not to move forward because they feel that there are other ways to raise the funds they need other than hosting a social gathering. 

These charities represent many across North America who believe that “Gala’s” or events like that are over done.  They believe that there are other ways to raise a major amount of money like these events do.  Sadly, they are mistaken and inevitably work harder to raise less.  They will aim all over the target but the bullseye and miss the mark they so desperately need to.

These events are social, people get to purchase a table and be with their family or friends for a fun night out.  They can enjoy great music, great food, drinks and bid/win amazing items.  They also get to support a charity which they feel close to all at the same time. 

Creating an event causes everyone to come and attend and these are normally held on a Friday or Saturday evening.  Guests get dressed up, are relaxed and enjoy the evening out.  Sponsors on the other hand are attracted to such an event for marketing reasons and therefore will make large financial donations just so that the guests see that they support the charity hosting the event. 

When people are relaxed, enjoying themselves they are quicker to open their wallets and hearts to help the cause.  Furthermore, there is no better time to educate the guests on the mission of your charity/nonprofit.

Think about it, who doesn’t enjoy a great dinner and an evening out?  The bigger the event, the larger the attendance will be which equals larger donations and a successful fundraiser.

Give people what they want!!!  Have you seen Facebook lately?  On people’s birthday, they are asking for their family and friends to donate to the favorite charity.  There are GoFundMe pages posted every single day all over the country.  People get overwhelmed and "Numb" to charities because everywhere they turn, they are being approached "Cold" and being asked to donate.

But if you give people a great night out at a very nice place, who wouldn’t want to go to that?  If done correctly, your guests won’t even realize they are donating so much or donated at all.  These types of events are entertaining and that is why they are successful if planned and managed correctly.

If you would like to host an incredibly successful fundraising event, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising would love to help you.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North America Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you and your organization exceed your fundraising goals.