Supplementing Fundraising With Mobile Bidding Technology

Posted by Ben Crook on 20 October 2017

Fundraising events come in many shapes and forms. Are you planning a golf day, bake off, quiz night or a gala dinner? No matter what type of event you are planning, its important to set a fundraising goal from the outset to help you work backward and establish which fundraising components to incorporate.

Fundraising games such as heads and tails, raffles and giving trees are very common, however one platform which can be moulded to almost every fundraising initiative is the use of mobile bidding and pledging platforms. Mobile fundraising can significantly help you reach your fundraising goals.

Here’s why:

Mobile browsing is now used in most daily situations, which has also recently been transferred into the fundraising world. On Givergy.com, approximately 60% of site traffic comes from mobile or tablet devices and we see this number further increasing. Further, an increasing number of our charity partners are asking for mobile options at events and Givergy are leading the way, offering innovative and unique ideas tailored to each event.

Mobile makes it easier to check into an event and place bids all within a few taps. With mobile integration, sharing content is easier, not to mention easy for getting additional donations via sharing links on social media.

When hosting a fundraising event there are always 3 things to consider when determining if mobile bidding is the right option for you.

1. Fundraising Target

Setting a goal for your event can usually be defined quickly by setting a target amount you would like to raise. If you purely want to fundraise, then everything you plan around this event must be geared towards achieving this target amount. Remember, the amount raised should always have expenses and fees deducted. Mobile fundraising can certainly aid you in this aspect due to the ease of use and custom options which can be implemented in a mobile auction. As its a lower cost to fundraising alternatives and very easy to use, mobile fundraising is a winner for most charites.

2. Audience

Ensure when planning your event that your target audience is suited to engage in mobile bidding so that you can achieve your fundraising goal. Firstly, what is your audience demographic? Do the majority own smartphones? If the answer is yes, your onto a great start. Mobile technology can also enhance the reach of your donors as with easy access URLs, all wont even have to attend to participate in your auction. The ability to bid anytime, from anywhere means that donors can engage in competitive bidding, even from outside the event itself. For example, when someone is outbid they automatically will receive a text message to notify them to place another bid to stay in the running. Sound like something your crowd might like? And lastly, consider the size of the audience. Mobile bidding suits everything from standing receptions to golf days and even gala dinners. Just make sure the wireless signal is an appropriate level for donors so donors can actively engage in the action.

3. Budget

Introducing fundraising for the first time may seem like your taking a big leap, but the return on investment far out weighs any upfront costs. Mobile bidding technology is a cost effective way to create greater engagement at your event, all whilst helping you to achieve your fundraising target.

To learn more about how to use our bidding technology, click below to view our demo.

Ben Crook

Chief Operating Officer

Ben is at the forefront of every project in Givergy, listing and actioning constant improvements across the business. With over a decade of experience in the charity and events sector he brings a deep understanding of what the fundraising industry needs to operate effectively and efficiently.