Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.
Browse 50 end-of-year subject line templates tuned for nonprofit appeals, along with best practices like including deadlines, donor names, and emotional verbs to lift open rates.
Nonprofit donors today expect accountability, measurable outcomes, ease of donation, alignment with their values, and meaningful acknowledgment of their gifts.
Live auction software costs depend on features like real-time bidding, payments, analytics, and support. Typical pricing models are subscription or per-event licensing—expect basic plans from ~$297/event plus processing and platform fees.
Here are five plug-and-play email templates for your year-end campaign—holiday spirit, last-call countdown, match offer, tax incentive, and thank-you message—to simplify outreach and boost donations.
Review aggregator sites compare charity auction platforms by gathering user feedback, features, and pricing—but many run “pay-to-play” models, so be wary and cross-check ratings.
Leftover auction items don’t have to go to waste. You can repackage them, host a bonus online auction, offer “buy now” deals, repurpose them for internal use, or donate them — and use these moves to deepen relationships and clean up inventory.
Verify legitimacy by checking for clear terms & fees, contact info, past auctions, accreditation (e.g. auctioneer associations), user reviews, and secure payment options—red flags include vague rules, no credentials, or pressure to pay off-platform.
Display your auction items to catch attention: use good lighting, themed groupings, clear labels, and visual storytelling. Place high-value pieces in high-traffic spots and protect them while keeping them visible.
To win, research item value, set a strict budget, bid odd amounts, monitor quietly, and time a final snipe just before closing. Leverage tech (apps/alerts) and stay strategic—not emotional.