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How to Set Your Fundraising Goal for Your Auction

TL;DR

You can set a fundraising goal from your event settings to display progress publicly or track it internally. A clear goal boosts engagement, inspires donors, and helps your team measure success.

Author: Tom Kelly 2 min reads

Why Setting a Fundraising Goal Matters

A clearly defined fundraising goal can dramatically increase engagement and giving. It:

  • Creates a clear target for your campaign
  • Encourages donors to help reach a visible milestone
  • Builds urgency as the goal gets closer
  • Gives your team an easy way to track progress
  • Strengthens your event story and messaging

Step 1: Log In to Your Event Dashboard

  1. Log in to your auction dashboard.
  2. Select the event where you want to set your goal.
  3. Go to Event Settings.

Step 2: Find the Fundraising Goal Section

  • In the settings menu, look for “Fundraising Goal” or “Goal Amount.”
  • This is where you’ll enter the total amount your organization hopes to raise through the event.

Step 3: Enter Your Fundraising Goal

  • Type your goal amount (e.g., $25,000).
  • Choose whether to make the goal publicly visible or keep it internal for your team.
  • Save your changes.

Step 4: Display the Goal on Your Auction Page (Optional)

  • Toggle the “Display Goal” setting on if you want donors to see it.
  • A fundraising thermometer or progress bar will appear on your auction page showing real-time progress.
  • This creates momentum and can motivate last-minute giving.

Step 5: Update the Goal If Needed

  • You can adjust the fundraising goal during the campaign if:
    • You’ve surpassed your initial goal
    • You need to scale back or adjust expectations
    • You want to encourage continued giving after reaching the goal

Step 6: Track Progress

  • Your event dashboard will display how much you’ve raised compared to your goal.
  • Donors will see progress if the goal is public.
  • Use this information to guide marketing, reminders, and updates during the event.

Pro Tips for Fundraising Goals

  • Set a realistic but inspiring goal.
  • Use round numbers (e.g., $25,000 instead of $24,739).
  • Promote your goal in your email blasts and on social media.
  • Celebrate milestones during your event to keep energy high.
  • Update the goal if you exceed it to keep the momentum going.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I set a fundraising goal?

Setting a goal gives donors a clear target to rally around and helps your team track progress throughout the event.

Where can I set my fundraising goal?

You can set your goal from the Event Settings section in your auction dashboard.

Can I change my goal after the auction starts?

Yes. You can update your goal at any time, especially if you surpass it or need to adjust expectations.

Can I keep the goal hidden from the public?

Yes. You can choose to keep the goal internal or make it visible to your supporters on the auction page.

How is progress toward the goal displayed?

If enabled, donors see a progress bar or thermometer on your auction page showing real-time fundraising totals.

Can I track progress without showing the goal publicly?

Yes. You can keep the goal visible only to admins in the event dashboard for internal tracking.

Can the goal include offline donations?

Yes. If offline donations are recorded in the platform, they’ll count toward your goal just like online sales.

What happens if I exceed my goal?

You can increase the goal mid-event or celebrate reaching it and encourage donors to keep giving.

Will increasing the goal reset progress?

No. The total amount raised stays the same, but the progress bar adjusts to reflect the new goal amount.

Can I use the fundraising goal for reporting?

Yes. The dashboard includes reports that show progress toward your fundraising goal over time.

💡 Try this in ChatGPT

  • Summarize the article "How to Set Your Fundraising Goal for Your Auction" from https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/p/help/set-your-fundraising-goal-for-your-auction/ in 3 bullet points for a board update.
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Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly

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.

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