Turn mission-moment energy into real dollars—without making guests feel pressured
A Fund-a-Need (also called a paddle raise) is often the most profitable 6–10 minutes of a gala—when it’s planned with intention. In a giving climate where overall dollars can rise while donor counts fluctuate, many organizations are leaning into clearer storytelling, cleaner “asks,” and friction-free event night systems to protect revenue and retain supporters. The Fundraising Effectiveness Project has highlighted recent patterns where total dollars increased year-over-year while donor participation (especially small donors) has been under pressure—making the live appeal moment even more strategic for long-term health. (afpglobal.org)
For nonprofit leaders and event chairs planning a gala in Meridian, Idaho (or anywhere you bring supporters together), this guide lays out a practical, repeatable approach for a stronger Fund-a-Need: the story, the numbers, the pacing, and the tech decisions that keep guests engaged and giving.
What a Fund-a-Need is (and why it outperforms more items)
A Fund-a-Need is a direct mission appeal during the live program. Instead of bidding against each other for a physical item, guests raise their paddle (or tap a giving button) to fund a specific need. It tends to outperform “more stuff” for three reasons:
1) It’s pure mission: your best donors want impact, not another gift basket.
2) It’s fast: a clean giving ladder keeps the room moving and confident.
3) It builds community momentum: public generosity is contagious when it’s handled respectfully.
Set the stage: the three building blocks that make the ask work
Before you write the giving ladder, align these three pieces with your committee:
A single, specific need
“Support our mission” is too broad. “Fund 12 months of after-school tutoring for 40 students” gives the room something concrete to rally around.
A giving story with a human face
Center a client/student/family journey (with permissions), not organizational process. The “moment” should be heartfelt, not heavy.
Friction-free giving mechanics
Clear instructions, confident spotters, and simple payment flow matter. If guests are confused, generosity stalls—especially during a live ask.
If your event uses mobile bidding, plan your timing. Many event-night platforms recommend closing silent items before the live auction/program so guests aren’t distracted mid-appeal. (schoolauction.helpscoutdocs.com)
Build a giving ladder that fits your room (not someone else’s)
A giving ladder is the sequence of amounts you ask for, top-down. The “right” ladder depends on your audience, ticket price, sponsorship mix, and how many major donors are in the room.
A practical rule of thumb
Start with a number you believe 1–2 people can say “yes” to confidently, then step down in clear increments until you reach a level where broad participation feels comfortable.
| Tier (example) | Ask Amount | What you say from stage | Operational note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead gift | $10,000 | “Who will open the giving at $10,000 to fund…” | Have spotters ready; pause for visibility. |
| Momentum | $5,000 | “Who can join at $5,000…” | Call numbers steadily; avoid rushing. |
| Core support | $2,500 / $1,000 | “If that’s a stretch, this level funds…” | Keep impact statements short and clear. |
| Participation | $500 / $250 / $100 | “Help us finish strong—every gift matters.” | Make giving feel welcoming, not obligatory. |
Your ladder is also a donor experience tool. Recent sector reporting has pointed out how important it is to re-engage smaller donors and improve retention—so the bottom tiers matter more than ever for participation and future giving. (afpglobal.org)
Step-by-step: a Fund-a-Need plan you can hand to your committee
1) Choose one clear funding target (and name it)
Pick one program outcome and one time horizon (ex: “12 months,” “this summer,” “this school year”). If you have multiple priorities, bundle them under a single theme so the appeal stays focused.
2) Write impact statements for each giving tier
Keep each one to a single sentence. Example: “$1,000 provides 20 counseling sessions.” If your math is fuzzy, guests feel it.
3) Script the pacing—especially the transitions
The biggest “leaks” happen between tiers. Decide ahead of time how long you’ll pause, how you’ll acknowledge groups of donors, and when you’ll move down the ladder.
4) Assign roles: spotters, recorder, and a tech captain
Even with great software, people are the system. Put your strongest communicators in visible “spotter” positions and give them a simple hand signal plan.
5) Make the “how to give” obvious in the room
Put giving instructions on the program, on screens, and in a quick emcee reminder right before the appeal begins. If you’re using mobile bidding/QR giving, test venue Wi‑Fi and have a backup plan (like text-to-give or staffed checkout).
6) Respect the room
Encourage generosity without singling out “non-givers.” The goal is to inspire. People remember how the ask felt long after they forget the décor.
A quick compliance note: receipts, fair market value, and “quid pro quo” gifts
If your gala includes tickets, meals, or auction purchases, remember that tax deductibility can be limited by the fair market value of what the donor receives. The IRS explains that for a quid pro quo contribution over $75, a charity must provide a written disclosure statement that notes the deductible amount is limited to the excess paid over the value of goods/services, and includes a good faith estimate of that value. (irs.gov)
For charity auctions specifically, the IRS notes that donors who buy items may claim a deduction for the amount paid above fair market value (assuming they have proper substantiation). (irs.gov)
Practical takeaway: Build your receipts and checkout flow early, so your team isn’t recreating values and language at midnight after the event.
Local angle: considerations for Meridian, Idaho galas
Meridian-area fundraising events often bring together a mix of long-time community supporters, local business leaders, and families who care deeply about schools, youth programs, and community services. A few local-friendly moves that help:
Keep the impact regional: tie the need to Meridian/Boise-area outcomes (students served, families supported, local program expansion).
Offer a “participation” on-ramp: a $100–$250 tier often captures newer supporters who want to belong.
Make it easy for tables to give together: table challenges or “we’re in for $1,000 as a table” can work well when facilitated smoothly.
If you’re planning a gala fundraiser and want a benefit auctioneer specialist who can help align your script, giving ladder, and event-night execution, start with the basics: clarity, pacing, and clean systems.
Want your Fund-a-Need to feel natural—and raise more?
Kevin Troutt helps nonprofits plan and run fundraising auctions nationwide, with consulting and event-night software support to keep the giving moment smooth and confident.
FAQ: Fund-a-Need and gala fundraising
How long should a Fund-a-Need take?
Many successful appeals land in the 6–10 minute range. Longer can work if the room is engaged, but pacing and clarity matter more than minutes.
Should we do Fund-a-Need before or after the live auction?
Often, it performs best when energy is high and attention is focused—frequently right before the live auction or as the main feature of the program. If you also have a mobile silent auction, consider closing silent bidding before the live program so guests aren’t pulled away mid-appeal. (schoolauction.helpscoutdocs.com)
Do we need a matching gift for the paddle raise?
A match can add excitement, but it’s not required. If you do a match, be precise about the rules (dollar-for-dollar up to X, or percentage match, or challenge gift) and announce it clearly.
How do we avoid awkwardness when some guests can’t give at high levels?
Use a welcoming participation tier, avoid negative callouts, and celebrate every level as impact. The tone from the stage sets the emotional safety of the room.
What should our receipts include for gala tickets or auction purchases?
When donors receive goods/services, deductibility can be limited. For quid pro quo contributions over $75, IRS guidance requires a disclosure statement with a good faith estimate of the value received and a note about how the deductible amount is calculated. (irs.gov)
Glossary (helpful event-night terms)
Fund-a-Need (Paddle Raise)
A live mission appeal where guests commit donations at set levels, often by raising a paddle or submitting a mobile pledge.
Giving Ladder
The sequence of ask amounts used during the Fund-a-Need (typically starting high and stepping down).
Quid Pro Quo Contribution
A payment made partly as a donation and partly for goods/services received (ex: gala ticket with a meal). Special disclosure rules can apply for amounts over $75. (irs.gov)
Fair Market Value (FMV)
A good faith estimate of what a meal, ticket benefit, or auction item would sell for in a typical marketplace—used to help determine deductible amounts. (irs.gov)
Mobile Bidding
A platform where guests bid and/or check out via phone. Strong events plan timing so mobile activity doesn’t compete with the live appeal. (schoolauction.helpscoutdocs.com)