How to Master the Paddle Raise: Basics + Revenue-Drivers

A paddle raise, or fund-a-need, fund-a-cure, or special appeal, is a powerful revenue driver that prompts donors to give immediately at your fundraising event. However, executing a successful paddle raise requires careful planning and thought.

In this blog post, we'll cover the basics of paddle raise fundraisers along with key strategies to help you master the paddle raise at your next fundraising event. From setting donation amounts to choosing who should conduct your paddle raise, this guide will help you engage donors and raise more money for your charity.

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What is a Paddle Raise?

A paddle raise fundraiser is a lively and effective way to generate immediate donations during an event. An auctioneer invites participants to raise their paddles in response to specific donation amounts, creating an interactive and high-energy atmosphere.

Paddle raises often complement silent auctions, adding an extra layer of excitement and increasing overall contributions. Ideal for engaging attendees who are passionate about the cause, a paddle raise helps amplify giving and provides a direct, easy way for donors to contribute to your fundraising event.

How Does a Paddle Raise Work? 

During your event, an auctioneer or host will call out various donation levels, from smaller amounts to more substantial ones. Guests show their support by raising their paddles in response to the amounts they wish to contribute, similar to bidding on items at a live auction. It’s a dynamic way to inspire giving and create a sense of excitement in the room.

You can run a paddle raise in person, where attendees raise their paddles physically, or in a hybrid format, combining both in-person and virtual participation. For fully virtual events, the process can be facilitated through online platforms, allowing guests to raise virtual paddles and commit their donations in real-time. By the end, you’ll have a collection of committed donations ready to support your cause no matter which format you choose.

Benefits of Hosting a Paddle Raise Fundraiser

Hosting a paddle raise fundraiser offers a range of benefits that can significantly boost your nonprofit's efforts. This high-energy event format is perfect for maximizing donations and engaging your audience. Here’s why a paddle raise can be a game-changer for your fundraising goals:

• Earn more donations at any fundraising event. Paddle raises create a dynamic environment where donors are encouraged to give generously, often leading to higher overall contributions than they may make in private.
• Create a sense of urgency and social motivation to donate. The lively atmosphere and real-time callouts for donations generate a sense of urgency, motivating guests to contribute on the spot. Plus, seeing others donate certain amounts may inspire donors to increase their own gift sizes.‍
• Embrace a sense of community between donors. Raising paddles together fosters a feeling of unity and shared purpose among attendees, strengthening their connection to your cause and each other.

Ultimately, incorporating a paddle raise into your event can transform the way you engage with supporters and drive fundraising success.

Elements of a Successful Paddle Raise

To run a successful paddle raise, you'll need a few key elements: 

• A charismatic auctioneer or host to energize the crowd, 
• Well-structured giving increments with clear amounts
• A streamlined strategy for collecting and processing donations ensures that every pledge is captured accurately
• At least a few pre-committed gifts

Combine these with a lively atmosphere and enthusiastic participants, and you’ve got the recipe for a highly effective paddle raise. Now, let’s dive deeper into each key element you’ll need.

An Experienced Auctioneer

It may be tempting to ask your board member with the most boisterous personality or your uncle who used to perform as a magician to host your paddle raise and live auction, but having done as many fundraising events as we have, you can tell the difference between a certified benefit auctioneer and someone who’s just good with a microphone. 

When you invest in a Benefit Auction Specialist (“BAS”) here’s what’s likely to happen, right off the bat:

• They will help you be prepared for your paddle raise. A true benefit auctioneer will work with you well in advance of your event to maximize the strategy for your paddle raise.‍
• They know how to engage your guests. A professional auctioneer will work the room to extract as much money from your guests as possible. They will make it a point to know the key people at your event, and they’ll understand how to communicate your message in a way that compels people to donate.

Benefit Auctioneers are located all over the country, and most are willing to travel. 

Listen to our conversation with Dean Crownover, Benefit Auctioneer, to learn how an auctioneer can help you dramatically increase the donations at your fundraising event.

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When selecting an auctioneer, remember that you want someone who can invoke an emotional response. Carefully pick who will speak or what video you might show that will prepare your donors to give. You want to elicit a powerful, emotional reaction that compels your guests to donate. Remember, they chose your event and your organization for a reason! A good auctioneer will remind them why they are there by using the power of storytelling and communicating the difference they can make. 

Structured Giving Increments

When planning your paddle raise, offering a range of giving increments is key to maximizing participation. To determine the right levels, consider your historical fundraising performance, past paddle raises, and your donors’ average gift sizes. 

Then, create diverse donor levels to engage a wider range of participants, ensuring everyone feels they can contribute meaningfully. Start with lower levels, like $25 or $50, and build up to $5,000 or $10,000 for those ready to make a bigger impact.

A word of caution, though: Secure at least a verbal commitment from donors for the higher levels in advance of your event. Nothing deflates the energy of a paddle raise faster than an awkward silence when a higher amount is called out and no one raises their paddle. By strategically setting your giving increments, you’ll create a seamless, engaging experience that maximizes donations.

Strategic Planning

Mastering a paddle raise is an art form, and there are several key factors to consider when setting the scene at your event. You’ll need to strategically plan your:

• Run-of-show placement. If you’re hosting a larger fundraising event, be intentional about where you put your paddle raise in your program order so you can maximize your fundraising potential. Consider when donors may be most excited to give, then build your run-of-show around that timeline.
• Timing. If your paddle raise is too early in the evening, guests may still be distracted and may not be fully invested in what’s happening on stage. Consider placing your paddle raise after a moving speech or video that highlights your organization’s impact. Additionally, think about the timing of the paddle raise itself, such as how long the auctioneer will spend on each donation amount and when to go to the next increment. 
• Paddle raise logistics. If you’re serving a meal, push your paddle raise until after your guests have eaten and plates are cleared. You’ll also want to instruct your servers and bartenders to pause service until after the paddle raise is complete. 

Strategically planning your paddle raise boosts donor engagement, increases donations, and strengthens supporter relationships. By creating a memorable experience and making it easy to donate at any level, you set the stage for a successful paddle raise.

A Few Pre-Committed Gifts

Before the paddle raise kicks off, it’s smart to have a few pre-committed donors lined up. Why? Because nothing gets the crowd buzzing like seeing that first paddle shoot up. 

Having a lead donor—someone who’s already excited to give—sets the tone and encourages others to follow suit. Think of it as starting a dance floor: once one person jumps in, everyone else wants to join. So, pick out one of your major donors ahead of time, verify that they’re willing to commit a large gift during the paddle raise, and watch as their enthusiasm inspires the whole room to give generously!

How to Run a Paddle Raise Fundraiser That Drives Revenue

Now that you know the basics, check out our expert tips for driving more revenue at your next paddle raise fundraiser.

Leverage the power of auction software

The paddle raise portion of your fundraising event should go at a fast pace to keep everyone’s energy high. But there’s a lot happening in the room, and you certainly don’t want to miss a single hand raised or donation amount. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right auction software to help you streamline the process and track your donations. 

Here are some key features to consider when selecting an auction software provider that can help you execute an effective paddle raise:

• Assign bidder numbers. Auction software can help you to get organized before your event program even begins. Look for software that has a robust and streamlined registration system that will help you track guests, check them in, keep a credit card on file, and assign them a paddle number when they arrive at your event (or check in online!).
• Collect donations remotely. You may be considering a hybrid event, where people can bid on auction items and raise their paddles remotely, without having to be in the room. Auction software can make that happen with ease!‍
• Streamline the payment process. With event technology like Handbid, you can record donations from your paddle raise into the software and immediately collect payment with the credit card you have on file for each guest. You can even text or email an invoice to each guest so they can review all of their donations for the evening and pay in one easy step.

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Create a leaderboard

Adding gamification to your paddle raise can really boost the excitement, and Handbid provides the perfect tools to make it happen. With Handbid’s paddle raise feature, you get gamification tools like:

• A real-time donation thermometer that rises with each contribution
• An interactive puzzle that fills in as donations come in
• Live stats and leaderboards showing your fundraising progress

These features turn your event into an engaging experience that motivates donors to keep giving while having fun. Set up that leaderboard with Handbid, and watch your fundraising soar!

Do a paddle sweep

Once your auctioneer has called out all the major amounts, consider calling out a small amount that almost anyone in the room can donate in what’s called a “paddle sweep.” We suggest an amount of about $50. This will encourage anyone who hasn’t made a donation during the paddle raise to do so easily. 

You will likely also get repeat donations at this level. Even if donors have already raised their paddle at the $1,000 level, what’s another $50? Then, have your volunteers pick up the paddles as they are raised so you can easily record the donations and speed up the checkout process. 

Secure matching gifts

Matching gifts are a powerful way to encourage donations, as it gives donors a sense that they are making an even bigger impact. Donors may give more if they feel that their donation will be doubled, and people who were possibly not planning to give at all may raise their paddle to max out the matching gift. 

Partner with a business, foundation, or individual to secure a matching gift sponsorship, and then communicate the amount to your auctioneer so they can maximize the match to its highest potential. For instance, a local business might commit to matching your paddle raise donations up to $10,000. With this in mind, your auctioneer can announce the match and push guests to give more until they reach the $10,000 mark and secure the matching gift.

Wrapping Up

A successful paddle raise involves more than just raising paddles—it’s about creating exciting, upbeat experiences and connecting with your audience to drive donations. For a smooth and effective paddle raise, consider using Handbid’s auction software to streamline the process, track donations seamlessly, and enhance your event with engaging features.