In: Automatically assigning bid numbers
Out: Asking guests if they want one
Give everyone a paddle at check-in, no questions asked. It normalizes participation, removes decision friction, and speeds up payment if you also store cards on file.
It also frees up staff and volunteers to focus less on logistics and more on donor care.
Photo credit: LuxGive
In: Marketing your auction items early
Out: Surprising guests at the event
Donors need time to plan their bids. Promote your top 3–5 items a few weeks out, then provide guests with a full auction catalogue on event night.
Early awareness boosts attendance, sets bidder intent, and raises the bidding ceiling before the first paddle goes up.
In: Digital convenience
Out: Paper bid sheets
Mobile check-in, QR item detail pages, and digital bidding reduce lines and questions.
Tech also gives you live readouts on bidding momentum so you can adjust pacing in the room without guesswork.
In: Short, impactful programming
Out: Long, drawn-out galas
Keep your program tight with a short and sweet welcome, one moving story, your auction highlights, and a live appeal.
Aim for 60–90 minutes of “main program” that respects guests’ time and preserves energy for giving (and mingling).
Photo credit: Adobe Images
In: Premium, experiential auction items
Out: Generic auction items
Donors want what they can’t easily buy: travel experiences, chef services, bucket-list moments, and access to VIP events.
A smaller, higher-quality catalog elevates perceived value and keeps focus on marquee moments that move the needle.
In: Engaging storytelling
Out: Overloading with stats
Lead with an emotional story and memorable moment that captures the essence of your mission.
One concise, moving narrative does more than a slide of figures. Add a simple “your gift = tangible outcome” line to connect bids to impact.
Photo credit: Adobe Images
In: Silent auctions with a clear strategy
Out: Silent auctions with “everything but the kitchen sink”
Clutter kills urgency. Instead, curate 12–25 strong items (event size dependent) and display them beautifully.
Group by theme, set smart opening bids, and close in waves to maintain buzz.
In: Checkout with pre-swiped cards
Out: Long lines at the end of the night
Capture cards at check-in, confirm preferred receipt method, and send guests off excited and ready to bid.
Post-event follow-ups should be thank-yous and stewardship, not payment chases.
In: Matching gifts and live appeals
Out: Relying solely on auction revenue
Secure a match (corporate or major donor) and announce it just before your Fund-a-Need.
The multiplier effect unlocks generosity and diversifies income beyond items alone.
In: Donor-focused experiences
Out: One-size-fits-all events
Offer small touches that feel personal: VIP previews, reserved seating for sponsors, or a concierge table for top bidders.
When guests feel seen, they engage more and return sooner.
Photo credit: Raising Paddles
In: Using galas for donor cultivation
Out: Treating events as one-night-only fundraisers
Your gala shouldn’t be the finish line—it should be a springboard for donor cultivation.
Follow up personally, invite first-time attendees to connect further, and nurture one-time guests into long-term supporters.
Take Action
Staying on top of trends doesn’t have to mean reinventing your gala.
A few smart swaps can keep your events fresh, fun, and donor-friendly—all while making fundraising easier on your team.
At LuxGive, we love helping nonprofits find those quick and easy wins. Our turnkey travel experiences take the stress out of procurement and give your donors something unforgettable to bid on.
Want to see what auction items are trending for fundraisers?
Explore our exclusive collection of experiences and discover how travel is helping nonprofits like yours raise millions risk-free.
At LuxGive, we believe in the transformative power of travel. Our mission is to help nonprofits raise more funds at auction through once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.
Our travel experiences feature Premium Guest Services and access to an exceptional portfolio of private villas, resorts, and exclusive events around the world.
Whether it’s a luxury Caribbean villa, an all-inclusive resort, or a bucket-list sporting event, we have something for all your clients' needs.