The Real Reason Donors Give (According to a Pro Auctionee...

What this episode covers

Ever wonder why some fundraisers get people opening their wallets and others fall flat? Discover the secrets pro auctioneers use to turn ordinary events into donation powerhouses on this episode of Hey Nonprofits. Join host Trevor Nelson as he sits down with top auctioneer Brett Higgins to get real-world fundraising strategies you can use today. Learn expert advice on engaging donors, setting the right fundraising goals, getting your board involved, and using auction psychology to boost giving. Find out how to plan events people love, handle tough times, and use every channel to raise more for your cause. Perfect for nonprofit leaders, volunteers, or anyone ready to grow their impact.🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Follow Brett on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretthiggins/Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌Chapters:0:00 Meet Brett Higgins & His Auctioneer Story2:15 Why Great Fundraising Events Succeed (Brett’s Best Tips)6:03 Get Your Board Fired Up for Fundraising!9:24 Smarter Fundraising Goals: Effort Over Dollars12:05 Winning Auction Tactics That Get More Bids15:15 Why In-Person Events Matter More Than Ever17:10 Multi-Channel Fundraising Tricks You Can Use19:22 Handling Tough Economic Times & Growing Anyway21:15 Brett’s Biggest Takeaways & Final Advice30:05 Change Up Your Fundraising Events for Bigger Impact34:55 How to Welcome and Wow New Supporters37:14 Do In-Person Events Really Matter?41:37 Get Every Dollar: Brett’s Best Fundraising Hacks47:17 Paddle Raise and Tax Tips You Need to Know51:19 Building Donor Excitement & Group Giving54:05 Fundraising When Times Get Tough56:27 Handling Stress and Pressure on Event Night58:32 Pro Auctioneer Secrets for Staying Calm59:39 Final Event Night Advice to Maximize Success1:00:17 Rapid-Fire: Brett’s Quick Fundraising Tips1:03:33 Mistakes to Avoid on the Big Night1:04:13 Should You Use Video or Live Speakers?1:05:22 Connect with Brett & Free Support for Nonprofits

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Hey Nonprofits!?

This episode is 1 hour and 6 minutes long.

When was this Hey Nonprofits! episode published?

This episode was published on July 29, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Ever wonder why some fundraisers get people opening their wallets and others fall flat? Discover the secrets pro auctioneers use to turn ordinary events into donation powerhouses on this episode of Hey Nonprofits. Join host Trevor Nelson as he sits...

Can I download this Hey Nonprofits! episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.