This is Part 3 of a 3-part series about organizing an auction to raise funds for your nonprofit organization. Part 1 describes How to Get Started on Planning an Auction. Part 2 describes How to Stage an Auction to Ensure Success.

If your nonprofit organization plans to stage an auction, carefully consider what items you will auction. The quality of the items on your auction table will be a critical factor in your event's success. Try to include plenty of high-quality, meaningful items that will generate buzz and enthusiasm among the bidders.

To make sure you receive high-quality donations, actively solicit the ones that specifically reflect your organization's objectives and mission. If you only make a general request, you are likely to receive garage sale leftovers and other items that will not be overly popular with bidders.

When soliciting for donations, it is important to write a donation request letter that includes a brief statement explaining the purpose and goals of your organization's cause. Illustrate how the money raised will directly impact your organzation's ability to reach its goals. Give specific examples and relevant statistics. To entice merchants, consider offering them free advertising in fundraiser promotions or complementary tickets to your fundraiser. Include contact and delivery or pickup information. Mail your donation request three to six months prior to your event.

Visit or call merchants two to three months prior to your event as a follow up to your letter. Ask owners to donate goods and offer a value range. Write thank you notes for every donation received to show your appreciation and enhance relationships.

Auction Item Ideas for Historic Preservation Fundraising Causes

Durable goods are the most obvious choice for auction items. But you should also pursue donations for services and experiences. They make great auction items because they do not require storage, shipping, or handling.

Durable Goods

It's possible that your organization's members may have excellent durable goods items to donate. Also, your partner organizations (such as your local Main Street program), supportive businesses, associations, or related nonprofits are good sources. Here are examples of durable goods that make good auction items for a historic preservation organization:

• Antiques
• Quilts
• Decorative arts
• Historic prints
• Historic post card collection
• Pottery reflecting a local tradition
• Historic fishing lure collection

Professional Services

Many of your members will have skills for which people would pay money. Here are ideas for professional services that would make good auction items:

• An in-home demonstration of proper wood restoration techniques
• A historic garden design appropriate for the period of the bidder's historic house
• A chain of title search for a historic house, possibly including biographies of previous residents
• Professional photography services
• A house portrait
• A paint analysis and historic color consultation
• A nomination to the National Register or State Register of Historic Places

Experience Packages

Ask your partner organizations, supportive businesses, associations, or related nonprofits to donate special tours, items, and hotel stays. Here are ideas for experience packages that would make good auction items:

• An overnight or weekend stay at your local historic bed and breakfast
• An "insiders tour" of a local landmark by the resident expert
• An all-day boating tour, especially if the tour includes unique views of historic places
• A fishing trip, especially if the trip involves telling the story of a historic area
• Lunch with a local celebrity or public office holder, especially if this person has done good things for preservation in your community

Learn More

Historic Preservation Advocacy Guide

Find more how-to articles about historic preservation advocacy.