{"id":25824,"date":"2023-04-24T00:00:33","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T07:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pro-migration.local\/?p=25824"},"modified":"2025-06-10T11:36:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T18:36:03","slug":"paddle-raise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gofundme.to\/__proxy\/pro.gofundme.com\/c\/blog\/paddle-raise\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Organize a Successful Paddle Raise for Your Nonprofit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Modern donors want to immerse themselves in the giving experience and take actions that mean something to the causes they care about. Enter the paddle raise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re thinking, \u201cWait, what is a paddle raise,\u201d we\u2019ve got you covered. You might know a paddle raise as a \u201cfund-a-need\u201d or direct appeal, but it\u2019s simply an <\/span>easy fundraising idea<\/span><\/a> that nonprofits can use to drive direct event donations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll dive even deeper into what a paddle raise event is below and the Classy team\u2019s best recommendations for making the most of yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Paddle Raise Event?<\/span><\/h2>\n\"paddle-raise-auction\"\n

A paddle raise event is a type of <\/span>fundraising auction<\/span><\/a> where supporters pledge certain dollar amounts to an organization, typically for a specific purpose or special appeal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can brand a paddle raise event around a specific initiative or keep it generalized to your overarching mission. Either way, it\u2019s a great way to create a moment of excitement that gives your supporters a direct path to contribute to your cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the purpose of hosting a paddle raise event?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Paddle raise events fuel excitement and comradery among a group of passionate people who come together around a cause. You might use a paddle raise event to tell your story and ignite action at a time of heightened need or engage your event audience with another way to showcase their passion through a fun addition to the agenda.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does a paddle raise auction work?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your paddle raise auction can be a live, virtual, or hybrid event with options for in-person or online attendance, thanks to <\/span>modern nonprofit event platforms<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During a paddle raise, the auctioneer asks for different donations in varying amounts from the crowd for raffle items. Guests raise their paddles or bid numbers to commit to a gift of that size. The gifts you choose and the timing of your paddle raise is up to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the benefits of hosting a paddle raise?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your paddle raise can boost energy to avoid lulls during your fundraising event and unite your community around a shared interest. It\u2019s also a way to spark healthy competition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might even consider positioning it as a team event that calls on each paddle raise as a piece to the larger solution your nonprofit creates with the money you raise.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you organize a paddle raise to reach your fundraising goals?<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is where your creativity comes in. We\u2019ll share some of our favorite tips from nonprofits that hosted paddle raise events through <\/span>Classy Live<\/span><\/a>, but ultimately you want to think about how to leave a lasting impression to garner continued support following the event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every decision you make will impact the way you make people feel at your event and the way they share that feeling with others when it ends. That\u2019s especially valuable after our <\/span>Why America Gives<\/span><\/i><\/a> report found that <\/span>71% of donors are most likely to learn about new causes and charitable giving opportunities from friends and family.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Top Tips to Plan Your Successful Paddle Raise Event<\/span><\/h2>\n\"paddle-raise-auction\"\n

1. Think About the Virtual Experience<\/span><\/h3>\n

Your paddle raise can become virtual to appeal to your audience, wherever they are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Classy Live lets you carry a consistent experience for in-person guests and virtual attendees with <\/span>mobile bidding<\/span><\/a>. You\u2019ll add your paddle raise auction item to the back end of the event platform with preset <\/span>donation levels<\/span><\/a>, then have admins add commitments made live to the back end to transition smoothly to the attendee\u2019s cart.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Virtually, you can host your paddle raise items on a public auction or <\/span>donation page<\/span><\/a> where guests can make commitments digitally on their mobile devices or laptops. From there, a simple self-checkout process guides them to completion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Make It Easy to Check in<\/span> Guests<\/span><\/h3>\n

On the note of seamless experiences for attendees, your check-in process matters. When nonprofit teams host an event in Classy Live, whether virtual or in person, they have full access to a single source of truth for attendee records.<\/span><\/p>\n

They can update attendee information throughout the event easily and allow attendees to add a credit card right at check-in to make any donations or purchases simpler than ever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For organizations using an integrated customer relationship management (CRM) tool, the CRM also updates each attendee record to help you stay in touch after the event. This is key to streamlining your <\/span>donor management<\/span><\/a> processes and initiatives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Think Through Payment Experiences<\/span><\/h3>\n

Since you don\u2019t want any barriers to interfere with donations, you\u2019ll need to provide various ways for supporters to give. Classy Live\u2019s card reader solution gives nonprofits a quick way to tap a guest\u2019s credit card and store the information on file for paddle raise commitments, fixed-priced items, or participation in a live or silent auction.<\/span><\/p>\n

We always recommend adding various payment methods in advance, such as PayPal, Venmo, or other trusted digital wallets. When your <\/span>donation forms<\/span><\/a> and registration websites offer the options donors prefer, you ensure a completed transaction in just a few clicks.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Keep It Simple<\/span><\/h3>\n

Events that include raising paddles come with a lot of considerations, especially when tied to a larger <\/span>fundraising gala<\/span><\/a> or charity auction.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your software can help ease the process of tracking bidder numbers, auction items, paddle numbers, and specific paddle raise items. Let your tech handle the fast-paced activity while you focus on engaging your guests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additional tracking details you can take advantage of include:<\/b><\/p>\n