The "BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising Experience"

The reality of charity fundraising sucks!!!

Before you start reading, this is a true “Real Life” story.   I am going to change the names to protect the innocent and so that no one is embarrassed.  But the reality is, the name I am going to use represents everyone…every charity fundraiser across North America.  Because, to be honest with you, if the charities out there face facts and not hide from the truth, they are going to realize their efforts are terrible.  Ok, here we go: 

 

True Story:

Yesterday, a good friend who I have known for years, asked to stop our offices and talk about her fundraising efforts.  She has been a follower, client and fan of ours for years.  But after spending endless hours fundraising for her local charity, reality hit her in the face.

During our conversation, she told me about her efforts to host a fundraiser.  She explained that the best fundraiser she has ever hosted attracted only 75 people and her “Net” (Profit) was $4,000.00.  However, the more we spoke about her efforts, we both soon realized that that was not her true “Net” or “Net Net.”  After deducting other expenses, time and gas, that “Net” came down significantly.

Now, important for you to understand, the “National Norm” or “Beginning” of successful fundraising is $100.00 a person net.  Which means for every person who attends your fundraising event, each person equals $100.00.  So, she would have profited or “Netted” $7,500.00 but the reality was it fell well under $4,000.00 most likely, $3,800.00.

Here is where reality hit her in the face.  I then asked how long did it take her to plan and execute that event, her reply was 3 months.  I then asked how many people helped her with the planning and execution of it, she said 3 total. 

Her true “Net Net” was most likely $3,800.00 – if you divide that number by the 3 people who helped her, it equals $1,266.66 each.  What that means is, the 3 people who were involved in the planning and execution of her fundraiser (if they were employees), would have only been paid $1,266.66 for three months work.  So, if it were a salary, their monthly salary would have only been $422.22 a month or $105.55 a week. 

I asked her, if all three of you were happy with that, would you work for me for $200.00 a week?  She sheepishly said “No.” 

That my friends is the reality of charity fundraising and it sucks.  Once you see your efforts laid out in front of you, many come back with the same conclusion.

We then went into some of my tried and true questions which I pose to every single client we help.  I asked her how many Gift Baskets did she have at her fundraising event – she said 50.  She began to tell me about how she made them, how she got them donated until I stopped her and asked “How many gift baskets did you give to your family and friends for this past holiday season”….her head dropped and she quietly “None.” 

At that point, the sting of her reality, what she believed was successful, began to ache.  The reality slammed into her like a baseball bat and that is when she asked “Will you help me?”  Of course I replied and started to consult her on how to turn her efforts toward a much more successful path.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I understand how hard you work and why.  I understand that any money raised, helps your cause or charity.  However, my job is to help you maximize your efforts so that you and your charity raise’s the maximum amount of money each and every time.  Furthermore, that your efforts grow upon themselves, making your efforts that much easier.

Take this as a lesson or a learning experience – fundraising the “Old Way” is not successful.   You and your charity must heed my warning and understand that in order to be a successful fundraiser, you must change with the times – and we are here to help you meet and exceed your fundraising goals. 

 

As an example, look at all of the companies that are gone because they were stuck in the old ways.  Is that you?  Ask yourself, have you changed anything about your fundraising efforts or are you proceeding the same way year after year.

 

If you would like to learn more and get the absolute best advice on how to successfully fundraise, contact us today www.BWUnlimited.com or email me at George@BWUnlimited.com, I would love to help you.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help consult and guide you and your charity through the myriad of fundraising pitfalls while educating you and your staff about the trends of successful fundraising across North America.  Knowledge is power, more importantly learning how to maximize your efforts and minimizing wasted time is the key to your charities ultimate fundraising success.  If you would like our help, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Aaron Rodgers LARGER THAN LIFE

The "WOW Factor" to your next Live Auction: Hand Painted, Autographed and Framed Jerseys

Following up on my last Blog “How to attract and entice High Bids and much higher spending at your next Fundraising Event” (Click the title to read that Blog), Charities must have items that will get people excited.  That excitement leads to extremely high bids and turns an everyday guest into a “Big Spender.”  If you want to bring the "WOW Factor" into your next Charity Live Auction, well here it is:

With that in mind, I would like to introduce you to our exclusive partner, David Fatla of Legends Sports Art:

World-Renowned Sports Artist David Fatla started his career as a boy winning local awards for his work. This self-taught Artist's incredible attention to detail and realism began drawing national attention. Many large sport memorabilia distributors approached David to contract his work. He graciously declined to avoid "mass producing" his Art and risking the quality of his work. Today, David's Sports Art is in such high demand it is impossible for us to keep inventory.

Over the 2 years BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising has worked with David, his work seems to get better and better.  Previous to our partnership, we have worked with other artists who did not have the ability to truly hand paint the exact image of an athlete onto a Jersey – David without a doubt can and does.  Furthermore, David’s unique ability to pick the exact image that matches the jersey is uncanny.  

Then, David films his work in a time lapse YouTube video.  This video can be posted on Facebook etc. and can also be shown at your charity fundraising event.  The highest bidder can also download the video as a keepsake to go along with his “One of a Kind” Hand painted, autographed and framed Jersey.  

 

 

Each time David paints an image, it is absolutely “One of a Kind.”  There are no others like it.  Then, we frame the masterpiece and it is displayed on the Live Auction.  Of course, the autographed Jersey comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity but now it also comes with one from David Fatla, making it truly special for the winning bidder. 

For the Sports enthusiast or Fan, there is no other item that exists that matches the level of “WOW” that these items bring at your Charity Fundraising Auction. 

 

Here are some examples of David's incredible "One of Kind" Masterpieces:

 

If you would like to know how you can have one of David Fatla’s masterpieces at your next charity fundraising auction, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com

BW UNLIMITED: How to attract and entice High Bids and much highe...

BW UNLIMITED: How to attract and entice High Bids and much highe...: On a constant basis, I hear the same things from charities who want help.   Oddly enough, I don’t hear it from our charity clients because...

How to attract and entice High Bids and much higher spending at your next Fundraising Event

On a constant basis, I hear the same things from charities who want help.  Oddly enough, I don’t hear it from our charity clients because they have already found the answer.  Now, since I started BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, I have been screaming this at the top of my lungs, hoping charities would listen.  I am going to keep screaming and educating everyone so that I or we can effect change.

The statement I hear commonly is “We don’t have big spenders at our fundraisers” or “We don’t get big spenders at our fundraisers” – AND – perhaps the best one is “Can you get your big spenders to come to our fundraiser?”  Then I am also asked “How do we attract big spenders or rich people?”  The answer to these questions…the answer is the same.  But the question I have for you, our charity partners is….are you listening?

First, you must understand and accept the fact that people are not going to spend a lot on “Junk.”  Ask yourself this and since I am not asking for your response, don’t lie to yourself – if there was an item that is only worth $40.00 – would you spend $100.00 on it?  No you wouldn’t…in fact, the reality is, people at fundraising events regardless of the charity will commonly only bid 1/2 of the retail value.

You can believe what I am telling you and change or you can totally ignore it, but this is the real life truth.  Donated items are not exciting and never receive high bids.  They are commonly items donated by local businesses with your guests coming from the same area the business is located.

You can’t extract “Big Spending” while only offering low quality items.  Your guests will not spend over and above the retail value or anywhere near it on low quality items!!!  On another note, people with the means to spend “Big Money” want “great items” to purchase or bid on.  They are NOT going to place high bids on the low quality items charities commonly go after. 

Secondly, people lose interest on items that they can acquire easily or see at your charity fundraiser year after year.  The audience goes down and down each year. 

Charities need to wake up and realize that sticking to that kind of thinking is simple their down fall. 

Third, when the question comes about how to attract “Big Spenders” or if I will bring “Big Spenders”…the answer is always the same.  When we are consulting and helping with the planning of their fundraising events, I always answer this the same way “Just attract people, don’t target Big Spenders.” 

Successful charity events come from having high quality items that people do not see regularly or are not available easily.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:   Yesterday (02/07/15) we received a call from a friend and client Ron Zega, Regional Director of Ducks Unlimited.  Ducks Unlimited is perhaps the most successful fundraising charity in the world with over 1,500 chapters across North America.  Ducks Unlimited insists their chapters PURCHASE items for their fundraising events.  Ducks Unlimited is the "King of Charity Fundraising" in my opinion.  They have it absolutely figured out.

For more information about Ducks Unlimited, click the photo here:

Prior to the call, Ron asked for several items to use at his upcoming fundraising event.  While choosing items, he was not fully convinced that our “No Risk Auction Items” would do well at his event.

During the phone call, Ron was astonished.  He told me that all of the items we provided him with received incredibly high bids.  In fact, the Jack Nicholson “Approval” Quote sold for $1,000.00.  And, the reason it only sold for $1,000.00 was because the bid sheet stopped at $1,000.00.  That’s more than 4 times the Cost to Non Profit.  Ron was amazed and excited.

Charities need to seriously wake up and start accepting the fact that donations are great, but they will not garner “High Bids.” 

In order to attract “Big Spenders” charities must provide items that will receive “Big Bids.”  If its not our items, go after donations that will get people excited. 

Also important is that charities will receive high profit from people who are not big spenders when they have high quality items.  People don’t…let me repeat, people do not spend big money on items which just aren’t worth it.  Would you?

Plus, if there are “Big Spenders” out there…do you think they will be attracted to your charity fundraising event if the only items that you have available are items that are low quality?  Don’t kid yourself…they won’t be.  Example:  I have a friend who is very wealthy.  When he and his wife attend a fundraising event, he commonly have $20,000 in cash in his pocket.  Are you listening?  If they walk around the Silent and Live Auction and there is nothing that attracts or excites them, he will leave without spending a $1.00.  But – if there is something, no one will be able to compete with him – he is leaving with it – period.

Plus by having high quality items that there is a “Cost” for, these high quality items will support much higher bids on donated, not so exciting, items.

If you would like to change your fundraising attempts so that you can attract “Big Spenders” or entice high spending/bidding at your next charity fundraising event, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you and your charity.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a Charity Fundraising Leader in North America in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  Today, charities must utilize business tactics which entice supporters and donors.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is known for providing the absolute charity auction items known as “No Risk Auction Items” which attract and entice high bids over and over again.  With BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising’s proven methods, charities will absolutely see an increase in their fundraising efforts.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising constantly stays ahead of the fundraising pace by focusing on successful charity fundraising tactics and trends across North America.  If you would like help or would like to learn more, contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.  

Fundraising Secret #27 - The key to the success and use of Donated items

Do you play the Lottery?  I don’t but I know people who do.  Oddly enough, I study things like the Lottery to determine why people play and the odds on winning.  Over the years, I have seen lines of people at the Lottery machine spending their hard earned money on the “Possibility” of winning 30 Ga-jillion dollars!!! 

Let me ask you a simple question – and think about it like this – If I said “Give me $10.00 and I’ll line up 60 million doors in a field and if you pick the right door, you win $30 Million dollars” would you do it?  Would you even attempt it?  See, how to calculate the odds on winning are two (2) times what the pay out is = $30 million = 60 million chance to 1 that you win.  So, do you have $10.00? 

And – the statement you always here is “You have to play to win”…very true.  After speaking to 100’s of people and asking why they play the lottery, the answer is simple – I just like to play and I like to Win.  Everyone likes to win and one thing really funny about it is, they normally don’t care what they win – they just like to Win!!! 

The Lottery is a Raffle and that Raffle funds A LOT.  So as a charity, how can we utilize this method in our fundraising?   

Let’s go over the "Plain Hard" truth:

1 – Today, donated items are only bringing 1/8 to 1/4 of retail in any Silent or Live Auction across North America.

2 – Charities commonly utilize the same donated items year after year, losing the audience for that item after the very first year…driving the bid amount down year after year.  The same businesses and donors donate the same items.

3 – Everyone attending a charity event is looking for a “Deal.”

4 – Local businesses are trying to keep their doors open and lights on, if they donate, it’s an item that truly isn’t selling in their businesses.

5 – Local people attend your Local Charity Fundraiser with items donated by Local businesses – if your guests truly wanted those items, they would have gone and bought them, themselves.

6 – Gift Certificates utilized in a Silent Auction never get the full amount or the retails value, they normally only bring 50%.

7 – A common Charity donated item is a Gift Basket.  But, ask yourself this seriously, how many gift baskets did you give away to your family or friends this past holiday season?  Did you say Zero or 1?  Then why do we as charities put 10, 20, 30 etc. gift baskets on our silent auctions if you don’t even use them as gifts?

7 – A donated item truly is not donated, because there is cost in your time, Gas isn’t free, yet.  So if that $40.00 retailed item only brings $20.00 in your Silent auction, then you deduct your time and expense… 

These are the facts, unfortunately very true and very realistic.  So, if I told you that you could receive 10 times the retail GUARANTEED instead of 1/8 to 1/4 of retail, would you say I’m crazy or not believe me?  I hope your still reading and not calling a doctor for me. 

Using the Lottery story above, understand that everybody loves to win.  No matter what they win, they just love the thrill of the possibility, it’s exciting.  Raffles are the key to your fundraising success.  Lets say you are having an event with 200 people, if half the crowd buys a raffle one (1) raffle ticket for $10.00, you will make $1,000.00!!!  The key is only giving away a few nice “Mediocre” donated items in the raffle.   

The key to the success of the charity event raffle is 1 – it has to be fun to play, 2 – you need fun, outgoing and energetic people to sell the raffle tickets and most importantly, 3 – it has to be very visual.  What I mean by visual, it has to attract some attention by movement or the display of it.   Plus everybody can buy a raffle ticket.

Recently, we were assisting the University of Maryland with their Large Scale Gala and we did a raffle which we are known for across the United States – the “Balloon Raffle.”  They utilized 250 balloons.  We used 6 Gift Baskets and a Coffee Maker.  I asked a bunch of their volunteers to tell me their top bids on the items as if they were in a Silent Auction and the total would have been $325.00.  However, within 18 minutes of the raffle starting, it was SOLD OUT…bringing a grand total profit to our client of $2,250.00.  It always works. 

We have a bunch of great ideas on Raffles, all of which are 100% successful every single time.  If you would like to hear about these blockbuster raffles, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  We would love to share them with you. 

So…did you figure out which door you are going to pick? 

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a Leader in Charity Fundraising in North America in a “One Stop Shop” convenient setting.  The expert fundraisers at BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can guide you and your charity toward a highly successful, blockbuster fundraising event.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can guide you and your charity through the myriad of fundraising mistakes and pitfalls to hosting the most successful fundraising event you have ever hosted.  Contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com to learn more.