Building Momentum in Giving: Strategies for Nonprofit Events

When it comes to nonprofit events, building momentum in giving is more than just raising funds—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience that inspires people to give passionately. Here are some practical tips and trends to help you energize your next event and make every dollar count.

Trends in Nonprofit Events for 2025

If you’ve been to a few nonprofit events recently, you might have noticed a recurring theme: the same auction items showing up over and over. While these staples can be reliable, the real trend for 2025 is authenticity and passion. People want to connect with your mission on a deeper level. To stand out, make your event feel fresh, exciting, and aligned with your cause.

The Auction as Entertainment

Gone are the days when auctions were simply transactional. Today, they’re all about engaging your audience and making the experience memorable:

  • Bring Guests on Stage: Involve someone from the crowd in presenting or bidding on an item. This creates a moment of connection and fun.
  • Work the Crowd: Encourage your auctioneer to interact with the audience and build excitement.
  • Lean Into Your Message: Tie the auction items and overall tone of the evening back to your nonprofit’s mission.

A standout example comes from Firefighters for Healing. Their auctioneer donned a firefighter outfit during the event, creating a fun and meaningful connection to the cause. Think outside the box—“crazy” and “cool” ideas work!

Children's Cancer Research Fund's Nonprofit Event the DREAM gala

Refreshing Your Auction Items

One key to auction success is offering items that resonate with your audience. While restaurant gift cards can feel overdone, tapping into trends and local experiences can set your auction apart. Collaborate with communities, boards, and connections to source unique items—and don’t be afraid to ask! People love supporting causes they care about, and sometimes all it takes is an invitation. An example of this was a “staycation” in Stillwater, Minnesota auctioning for $5,000 at a Minneapolis fundraising event! Don’t be afraid to tap into your local networks. 

Creative Giving Levels

Tell your auctioneer not to just ask for round numbers—make your giving levels fun and meaningful. For example, if it’s your nonprofit’s 11th anniversary, ask for $111 instead of $100. If you requested $10,000 last year, aim for $11,000 this year. Small changes like these add personality to your ask and can spark bigger contributions.

Streamlining the Nonprofit Events Experience

No one likes standing in long lines. Streamline your event by:

  • Pre-Check-In: Allow guests to check in before the event to avoid bottlenecks.
  • Open Early or Extend Bidding: Use a digital bidding platform to open the auction early or keep it running after the event. This gives attendees more time to engage and contribute. Also, having exclusive items for “after hours bidding” builds excitement and keeps the impact long lasting.

Remember: There’s No Right or Wrong Way to Do Nonprofit Events

Every nonprofit and audience is different, so tailor your event to what works best for your mission and supporters. Experiment, learn, and keep the energy high—that’s how you build momentum in giving.

With these strategies, you can create an event that not only raises funds but also deepens connections to your cause. So dream big, think bold, and watch the generosity flow!

For more information on fundraising best practices, check out our Please Welcome episode featuring the Senior Director of Development at University of Minnesota Foundation and Auctioneer, Nick Engbloom.

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