At Charitybuzz, the collaboration with our charity partners is a joy and creates truly special offerings, experiences and opportunities for our bidders and donors. Just this past month over a dozen Charitybuzz community members flew to Italy for cocktails and dinner with George and Amal Clooney in their Lake Como home. The evening was full of vibrant conversation in a magical setting. An experience you can’t find anywhere except Charitybuzz.
Access and exclusivity drives interest in a lot, but an organization doesn’t need a world famous movie star to deliver that value. Access can be created at any scale. We’ve drawn up a working list of assets your organization may already have on hand, hiding in plain sight, that can be packaged into auction lots and sweepstakes offerings worth bidding on. Whether hosted on the Charitybuzz platform or in your own independent efforts, unique offerings are likely closer than you think.
1. Proximity to expertise (not fame).
Celebrity is cool, but expertise is golden. Your organization almost certainly has accomplished people on its board, staff, or donor rolls. People whose knowledge others would gladly pay for. A donor who built a company might offer an hour of business counseling. A board member might donate a session of financial advising, a cooking lesson, or a styling consultation. Charitybuzz’s own Dating Consultation with a Celebrity Matchmaker is a case in point. The draw isn’t fame; it’s insight nobody can get elsewhere.
2. Elusive access not exclusive access.
There are some people who are either inherently busy or purposefully difficult to get in front of. High end chef’s, literary agents, college admission officers, or notable investors are all people that probably have a booked calendar, with a waiting line for future appointments. If you have a relationship with an in-demand, but elusive professional, then take advantage of it. People will eagerly bid for an hour of their time, to ask their advice, pitch and idea, or have access to their special services. At Charitybuzz we currently have an auction for a chance to pitch a book to a literary agent.
3. Utilize unusual spaces.
We’ve all been to a fundraising event in a hotel ballroom or a familiar restaurant back room. But for your next event look to spaces nobody has thought to use. Partner with a local and beloved retailer to host a cocktail party in a luxury setting. Or maybe someone on your team has access to a remarkable private space, like a great roof top patio, or cool urban farm. A Private Tour of the Bunker Art Space turns a setting most people will never see into the entire appeal of the offering. The right room can make an ordinary evening feel rare.
4. Backstage… somewhere
People are drawn to the rooms and spaces usually closed off. Not just backstage at a concert, or a performance, but backstage anywhere: Tours of the inner workings of the Zoo, or in the unseen parts of a sports stadium, or back in the kitchen of a great restaurant. If a partner has an area they don’t usually open to the public, that access alone is the lot. The Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour is a great example of showing people what might seem ordinary to those working there, but is intriguing and exciting to those of us on the outside.
5. Stretch what you already have.
Charities are no strangers to a gala or event. Often at these functions a notable figure presents, or talent is hired to host or entertain. Now ask yourself how you can stretch your investment. Can the talent sign a piece of memorabilia from the event, such as a program or photo? Can you auction off a personalized recorded message from your notable presenter? What are small easy asks that can be tacked on to your existing work that makes the most of your opportunity?
6. Community made experiences/items
Not every valuable item comes from a film set or a celebrity signature. Many items and experiences take on value and meaning when imbued with community and care. A quilt with patches from different participants in a program. A granny dinner, where all the local grammas make their specialities and accompanying cook book. Perhaps there is a first batch or limited edition of a product made by a local maker that can be valuable. This is the same instinct behind our Art Basel experience with Kathryn Mikesell the founder of the the Fountainhead artist residency. Mikesell is an integral part of the Miami art scene and can bring it life like no one else. Charity is ultimately about community and there are so many wonderful people already in your community making and crafting products and experiences that bidders and donors would love.
7. Meaningful Moments
People don’t just like meeting stars, they like to be the star. They want to be involved and part of the show. So why not make moments where people can shine? Auction off a chance to be the grand marshal of a parade, throw out the first pitch at a ball game, be a judge at a talent competition, or a walk on role in a TV show. People want their time to shine, and would love to also donate to your organization for the opportunity.
8. Bundles
If a single offering feels thin, combine it with others. Sports tickets become more compelling with a stadium tour and a first-pitch opportunity attached. A restaurant dinner becomes more compelling paired with a bottle of the chef’s signature hot sauce, signed. The Anna Wintour Meet and Greet, with Tour and Sunglasses shows how layering related elements turns one good idea into something considerably more auction-worthy.
9. Look to borrowed networks
When putting together an offering, start with your immediate circle: board members, staff, advisors, donors and even constituents that you serve. Within that network alone there are probably incredible underutilized assets that could make great lots and offerings. However, don’t stop there. Ask those people to open up their network in turn. Often, the connection you need is one referral away. And when you reach that connection, you’ve now also opened the door to a potential new supporter because donating time or expertise is frequently an easier first yes than a dollar donation. If the experience goes well, it can turn a stranger into a supporter before you ever ask them to give.
Access is closer than you think
You don’t need a movie star or a Lake Como villa to offer access and create special auction lots. Your organization might be surprised at all the opportunities available to them. Professional expertise, a special location, and insider tour. Your organization is special and already has incredible assets just waiting to be turned into a special moment that donors and bidders clamour for.