Items donated for the auction, as well as the monetary contributions, should be eligible for deductions under IRS rules. One crucial aspect to consider is the items' fair market value (FMV).
A direct ask is going to be best, but the most effective way for that ask to result in donations/donated items is to have someone who knows the business/owner you're approaching for the donation. Utilize your board members, connected volunteers, etc., and approach businesses that are related to your mission first…
Once the item sells at auction, credit the asset acquisition side of the transaction and debit the donation revenue side to show that the item is no longer in your organization's possession. You should still make sure you have a record of the transactions that took place.
A silent auction is a fundraising event where items or experiences are displayed for attendees to bid on through a written bid sheet. Bidders write down their name (or number if it's anonymous) and bid amount, and the highest bidder at the end of the designated time period wins the item.
Use simple, direct words like "Donate now," "Give today," or "Join us in helping." Place your CTA where people can see it right away, so they know how to help. Also, tell them why their action is important.
Here are a few effective methods: Verbal Acknowledgment. Sometimes, a simple spoken acknowledgment carries the most weight. Written Acknowledgment. Written acknowledgment works just as well, especially for contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Tangible s. Digital Badges and Signifiers.
Example 2: Individual Acknowledgment Letter Hi donor name, We're super grateful for your contribution of $250 to nonprofit's name on date received. As a thank you, we sent you a T-shirt with an estimated fair market value of $25 in exchange for your contribution.
How to Write a Silent Auction Donation Request Letter Step 1: Identify and address the decision maker. Step 2: Acknowledge your relationship with the prospect. Step 3: Briefly tell your nonprofit's story. Step 4: Include a clear call to action. Step 5: Highlight the benefits of donating.