The basics
A Fund-a-Need is the part of the program where guests are invited to give at a variety of levels by raising their bid paddle. Guests give once or several times, at the levels most comfortable to them. Nothing is sold. It goes by many names: paddle raise, appeal, live ask, Fund-the-Mission, Fund-a-Cause, Bid for a Cure, Bid from the Heart. The step-by-step mechanics are covered here.
How it differs from a live auction
A live auction may have a handful of active bidders and only one winner per item. A Fund-a-Need gives everyone in the room a way to support the mission, including guests who never bid on anything. The goal is 100% participation: capture every gift and thank every donor.
Choosing what to fund
Name a real, specific need: a program, scholarships, a vehicle, a year of services. Donors respond to a clear, credible outcome far more than to general support.
Setting the goal and the levels
Decide your financial goal and compare it with previous years. Then set the dollar levels with your auctioneer, based on your event history combined with this year’s information. Every event is different, so look at the data rather than copying another organization’s ladder.
The mission moment
Right before the ask, prepare the room with a powerful, emotional message: a brief speaker or a short video. This should be the high point of the program. For many guests, it is the first time they have heard your story.
Timing
Place the Fund-a-Need just before or just after the live auction, while the audience is fully engaged. Aim to have all fundraising complete by about 9:00 PM, and close the bar and silent auction during the appeal.
Planning checklist
- What program or need is the appeal for?
- What is our goal, and how does it compare to previous years?
- What dollar levels will reach it?
- How will we create an emotional connection right before the ask?
- When in the program will it happen?
- Are bid spotters briefed to keep paddles up until every number is called?
- Are two record keepers in place, plus an audio recording as backup?
- What visuals will be on screen: levels, the cause, a running total?
- Do pre-event emails tell guests there will be a chance to give?
Our free Fund-a-Need recording sheet helps your record keepers capture every gift.
After the event
Thank donors promptly and personally, and report back on what their gifts made possible. Donors who see results are the ones who raise their paddle again next year.
Common questions
Is a Fund-a-Need the same as a paddle raise?
Yes. Fund-a-Need, paddle raise, appeal, and Fund-the-Mission all describe the same thing: guests giving at set levels by raising their paddle.
How do we choose our giving levels?
Set them with your auctioneer, based on your event history, your goal, and this year’s guest list.
When should the Fund-a-Need happen?
Just before or just after the live auction, while the room is fully engaged, with all fundraising done by about 9:00 PM.
Planning a gala? Talk it through with us.
A free call with a benefit auctioneer who has run rooms like yours.