Expert Tips for Effective Event Fundraising

You may already be planning the fundraising event that will define your year.If you want guests to give generously, stay engaged and return next year, the experience cannot be left to chance. Every touchpoint matters.In this episode, we sat down with Keely Scarlata Majka, founder of Sonder & Santé, to explore what it takes to design a fundraising event as a complete, cohesive journey. From guest arrival and program pacing to the emotional moment before the ask, Keely shares practical insight on how seamless execution builds trust, protects energy in the room and influences generosity.We also discuss how thoughtful follow up strengthens donor retention long after the evening ends.If you are responsible for delivering a high performing fundraising event, this conversation will help you approach it with greater clarity and intention.

In this episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising – Partner Edition, Jazz is joined by Dan Campbell, founder of Raising Paddles and one of the most respected voices in fundraising auctioneering.Dan shares his unconventional journey: growing up in a family of auctioneers, building a high-flying corporate career at Oracle, and then making a life-changing pivot into the nonprofit world after the loss of his daughter, McKenna. That experience now fuels a mission-driven business that helps nonprofits raise more than $120 million a year.Together, Jazz and Dan dig into what really drives a successful auction: why 80% of the work happens before anyone walks into the room, how board activation training can turn an $850k event into a $2.2m one, and why participation rates matter just as much as headline totals. They also discuss how charities are coping with external uncertainty, generational shifts in giving, and the role of gratitude and stewardship in keeping donors engaged long after the gala ends.If you’re planning an event or relying on an auction to hit your fundraising goals, this episode is full of practical, field-tested advice you can apply straight away.

In this episode of The Secret Guide to fundraising hostJazmin Peach sits down with Mary Davidson, MBA, founder of EP Events and co-host of the Better Events Podcast. With over twelve years of experience in fundraising and event management, Mary has helped countless nonprofits planpurposeful, mission-driven events that deliver real results.Together, Mary and Jaz discuss how to run events thatconnect with hearts as well as wallets, covering everything from avoiding common planning mistakes and keeping calm under pressure, to using technology to stay in touch with guests and turning good events into memorable, high-performing fundraisers.If you’re heading into event season and want to raise morewithout the stress, this episode is packed with practical, actionable advice you can start using right away.

George Franco is an Emmy-nominated journalist who spent decades reporting for FOX 5 Atlanta before pivoting into the world of fundraising. Today, he is known as the Good News Auctioneer and is one of only 3% of auctioneers nationwide with the Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation. He brings the polish of a broadcaster and the expertise of a seasoned fundraiser to every event he leads.In this episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, George explains why consistent messaging and thoughtful production are just as important as the auction itself. He shows how the right flow of energy in the room can unlock extraordinary generosity and shares practical strategies from the hundreds of benefit auctions he has led. Listeners will hear how to choose prizes that captivate bidders, how to read the room, and how to deliver a Fund-a-Need moment that inspires maximum giving.

From the world’s most exclusive art auctions to the heart of non-profit fundraising, Jacqueline Towers Perkins has carved a unique path as a benefit auctioneer. In this Partner Edition of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, Jacqueline shares the insider secrets that help organisations raise more on the night. From flawless pre-event prep, to reading the room, to turning guest engagement into generous giving tis episode is full of top tips to help you raise more at your auction.With years spent at the rostrum in prestigious auction houses, Jacqueline now runs her own benefit auctioneering business full-time, bringing the polish of high-end art sales to charity events. Discover her strategies for creating unforgettable guest experiences while maximising donations, and learn how to use guest data to truly understand, and inspire, your audience.Tune in today for a must-listen episode!

In this episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising: Partner Edition, Jazmin Peach sits down with Cheryl Gentry, founder and CEO of Glow Global Events, to uncover what it really takes to craft unforgettable fundraising events.With a dynamic background in public relations and more than two decades at the helm of an award-winning event agency, Cheryl has produced hundreds of high-impact events for nonprofits and global brands alike. She’s a celebrated industry leader, has been named a Top Female CEO by SmartCEO Magazine, and serves on the boards of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and the Kigali Reading Center in Rwanda. Cheryl brings a deep and informed perspective to the challenges facing nonprofits during this wide-reaching conversation.Tune in as Cheryl shares her top strategies for building meaningful guest experiences, explains how storytelling drives stronger donor engagement, and breaks down how fundraisers can still deliver excellence on tight timelines and limited budgets.

What turns a good fundraiser into a record-breaking success? In this episode, Jazmin Peach chats with fundraising expert Seth Weiner, known as Your Rocktioneer®, about the tools and techniques that supercharge benefit auctions. With over a decade in the fundraising space, Seth has helped nonprofits across the US generate millions through expertly executed events. Blending his background in music and entertainment with deep nonprofit expertise, he’s become a go-to auctioneer and consultant for organizations aiming to elevate their donor engagement and fundraising results.Here, Seth shares how to create energy with paddle raises, engage donors effectively, and introduce creative features like the “vacation station.” Packed with real examples and actionable insights, this is a must-listen for anyone looking to raise more at their next event.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your auction the highlight of the fundraising calendar—or why everyone keeps talking about the power of a paddle raise—this is the episode for you.In this special Partner Edition of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, Givergy’s very own Jazmin is joined by benefit auction royalty: Erin Ward, third-generation auctioneer and founder of Star Benefit Auctions. With a career that’s spanned everything from dump trucks to glittering gala nights (seriously), Erin knows exactly how to turn any auction into a powerhouse fundraising moment.Over the course of the episode, Jazmin and Erin dive deep into what makes benefit auctions tick, and what can cause them to tank. Whether you’re planning a high-energy gala, school fundraiser, or community event, you’ll come away from this conversation with a notepad full of real-world advice and insider know-how.

What makes a fundraising auction truly successful? It’s not just about fast-talking bids—it’s about storytelling, energy, and creating moments that inspire people to give. In this episode ofThe Secret Guide to Fundraising, we’re joined byTiWanna Kenney (TK), founder of Astounding Auctioneers, who has helped raise over$45 million for community causes.TK shares her expert insights on how to prepare for a fundraising event that drives real results, why a great auctioneer is more than just a fast talker, and how the power of storytelling can turn a simple auction into a moment of true generosity. She also reveals what nonprofits can do to make giving as seamless and engaging as possible, ensuring supporters stay connected to their mission long after the event ends.If you’re looking to take your fundraising events to the next level, this episode is packed with game-changing advice you won’t want to miss.Tune in now!

In this episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, host Jordan chats with Anthony Spencer, Event Manager at Help Musicians. With nearly a decade of nonprofit experience—and a unique background as a performer at Disneyland Paris—Anthony shares practical tips for growing your audience and boosting your campaigns. Discover creative strategies for sourcing unconventional venues, balancing digital and in-person engagement, and building strong donor relationships. Whether you're planning intimate gatherings or large-scale events, tune in for expert tips for effective event fundraising that will elevate your events and maximize your impact.