We had the honor of attending and presenting at the OneCause RAISE 2025 Conference in San Antonio. It was an inspiring few days surrounded by an incredible community of nonprofit leaders, development professionals, and partners—all committed to making fundraising events more impactful. The networking, the exchange of ideas, and the energy in the room were truly unmatched.
Our Session: Three P’s to Prevent a Fund-a-Need Predicament
Fund-a-Need (FAN) appeals should be the heart of every fundraising gala. The most successful paddle raises often look effortless and spontaneous, but behind the scenes, they are carefully and strategically orchestrated.
In our session, we focused on the three most overlooked opportunities that can make or break a FAN effort —and how proper planning can turn stress and uncertainty into confidence and results:
- Pre-Solicit
Systematically incentivize and strategically secure early commitments and set the stage for momentum in the room. - Publicize
Ensure every guest understands the opportunity to give. FAN success depends on awareness — front and center, from invitations to the event itself. - Professionalize
Streamline on-site execution through skilled professionals and well-defined roles, allowing your team to focus on donor cultivation rather than logistics.
We used real-world examples to show how each “P” can be leveraged to increase engagement, reduce tension, and maximize fundraising outcomes.
Strategic Takeaways:
- Early donor engagement drives stronger results.
- Investing in professional support — auctioneers, emcees, and event staff — pays off in higher giving.
- Leverage every tool available (especially within OneCause) to enhance participation and giving.
- Key Insight: A Fund-a-Need should be the reason you host a gala—not an afterthought. It can shape the entire event experience and elevate your organization’s fundraising impact.
Continuing the Conversation
We help organizations transform their Fund-a-Need strategy and unlock greater impact and fundraising results at every event. Looking to drive stronger results at your next paddle raise or explore strategic insights with your advancement team or at your conference? Let’s connect and elevate your fundraising approach.
📩 Get in touch: c2auctions.net
