Resources
Practical insights from the field — fundraising strategies, auction tips, and expert interviews to help you raise more.
Articles & Guides
Expert-written content from HGA Fundraising and our team — covering auction strategy, event planning, and donor engagement.
Our Articles
Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Professional Auctioneer
Discover how a professional charity auctioneer can transform your fundraising event and significantly increase your revenue.
Read article5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Charity Auctioneer
Make sure you are choosing the right auctioneer for your event by asking these essential questions.
Read articleThe Difference Between a Good Auctioneer and a Great One
Understanding what separates an adequate auctioneer from one who will truly transform your fundraising event.
Read articleFrom HGA Fundraising
The Question: Live Auction or Paddle Raise First?
Why the order of your fundraising program matters more than you think. On a recent episode, we explored the strategy behind sequencing your biggest revenue moments.
Read on HGAPaddle Raise vs Fund a Need: Why the Difference Matters
In the world of nonprofit fundraising events, few terms are used more casually — or more interchangeably. Understanding the distinction can significantly impact your results.
Read on HGAHow They Raised $50k From ONE Auction Item
Discover the exact strategy one nonprofit used to turn a single auction item into $50,000 for their cause, including how to multiply your auction revenue.
Read on HGA5 Reasons Why School Auctions Underperform
The gym was full. Parents dressed up. The football coach kept the room laughing. But by the end of the night, the numbers didn't add up. Here's what went wrong.
Read on HGAThe Nonprofit's Guide to Using Consignment Auction Items
If you're a fundraiser who has organized a nonprofit event, you know how much work goes into sourcing auction items. Consignment items can change the game.
Read on HGAWhy Trips & Experiences Are Outperforming Other Auction Items
During the pandemic, people lost the ability to travel. Now they're spending more on experiences than ever — and smart nonprofits are capitalizing on this shift.
Read on HGAThe Magic Number That Could Change Your Fundraising Forever
What if there's a single data point — one number — that predicts whether a fundraising event will exceed its goal or fall short?
Read on HGA18 Gala Theme Ideas to Boost Your Fundraising Potential
Choosing the right theme for your gala can make the difference between a forgettable evening and a record-breaking fundraiser. Here are 18 ideas that work.
Read on HGA7 Ways to Grow Sustainable Giving at Your Next Event
Guest article by Dave Raley, Author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving. Practical strategies to turn one-time event donors into recurring supporters.
Read on HGAEducational Videos
Short, practical videos covering the most important topics for nonprofit event planners — from hiring the right auctioneer to maximizing your paddle raise.
Top 5 Things to Do Before Hiring a Charity Auctioneer
An essential checklist for nonprofit event planners — from defining your goals to evaluating candidates and negotiating fees.
Watch VideoWhy the Right Auctioneer Changes Everything
See the real-world difference a professional charity auctioneer makes at a fundraising gala — with data from 2,500 events.
Watch VideoFund-a-Need Explained: The Highest-Revenue Moment of Your Event
A breakdown of how the paddle raise works, why it matters, and what to look for in an auctioneer who excels at it.
Watch VideoHey Nonprofits!
The #1 nonprofit podcast for fundraisers, hosted by Trevor Nelson of HGA Fundraising. New episodes every Tuesday — practical advice and innovative ideas to help you raise more money and further your mission.
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Featured Episodes
How They Raised $50k From ONE Auction Item
Hosts Trevor and Jason reveal how one nonprofit organization turned a single auction item into $50,000 for their cause.
The Question — Live Auction or Paddle Raise First?
Why the order of your fundraising program matters more than most people realize.
Get Your Board to Take Fundraising Seriously
Fundraising expert Renee Zau shares practical insights to transform how your board approaches fundraising.
Turn Event Attendees Into Loyal Monthly Donors
A step-by-step blueprint for creating sustainable donor relationships from every single event attendee.
Don't Buy the WRONG Auction Items
Trevor and Jason discuss the importance of asking the right questions when sourcing auction items and hiring auctioneers.
The 70% Rule
Jason Ledlow breaks down why raising 70% pre-event is crucial for nonprofit success and how to get there.