Many nonprofit organizations, charities and schools to hold a silent auction as part of a fundraising event or dinner. It may be a great way to raise additional funds as people enjoying the event.

Before planning a silent auction, be aware of these five essential elements of a successful silent auction.

1. A goal

There are many books related to goal setting and why it is important for personal and professional success. Goal setting is so important in planning a fundraiser. This includes setting targets for the number of attendees, the dollars of his generals of the planned objectives and of course, only for the silent auction.

Decide how many auction items you want to put on the screen of the tender. It is often best to place the articles in prize packages or gift baskets, so that Donations can be 40, which could be grouped in 25 auction items. It just depends on how many and what type of items have been received.

2. Bidders

You must have people attend the event in order to get the bidders to your auction. Better to have a joint committee or "go-to" person responsible for publicity and to get RSVPs for the event. Then, the auction committee can focus on obtaining items and preparation auction.

3. Attractive Auction Items

Auction items get bids when they appeal to the interest of attendees and the supply matches their pockets.

With the exception of events that are based on themes such as art auctions, the auction should have a wide variety articles. When there are elements that appeal to a wide range of interests from wine gift baskets, travel, sports tickets, and everyone else – there is no best opportunity for attendees to find items to bid on.

4. Articles in the range of prices

Consider your audience and the amount of money that probably would be willing to pay for an item of the auction. Are they likely to offer $ 5,000 on a travel package? Or should the Most of their articles on the value of $ 25 – $ 100 range?

This is something we have to decide on the basis of their demographics, type of event, and I've had experience with other fund raisers for your group.

In most cases there should be a variety of types of items that fill a range values. Then, attendees are more likely to find something that interests them at a price they can afford.

You can also use add-on to raise funds, such as raffles and grab bags to appeal to all interests and give everyone a chance to take home something.

5. Volunteer Support

While silent auctions are good fundraisers because costs are low, requiring the leg work. Get the auction of donated items, sorted, and shows may take a little time. Without volunteers the auction does not even take off!

The current number of volunteers needed depends on how large The auction will be. Even for a small auction, at least two or three dedicated volunteers need to focus on getting auction items and organization of them. On the day of the auction of additional volunteers will help set up the auction, the auction to monitor and verify the winners.

Silent auctions can be a good way to attract the necessary funds for their organization. Just remember to set these five aspects as its foundation and was off to a great start.

About the Author: Sandra Sims is dedicated to helping non profits raise more funds to support their causes. She publishes Step by Step Fundraising which provides information about a variety of fundraising options Visit the website to find out more about charity auctions and other fundraising events.

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