Managing fundraising events can be challenging — we get that. There are so many things to keep track of. Any setback can feel like it could jeopardize the whole event.
At ClickBid, we’re dedicated to helping nonprofits overcome their challenges. Since 2002, it’s been our focus to help nonprofits raise awareness, strengthen donor relationships, and enable year-round giving opportunities to raise more money.
How does ClickBid enable nonprofits to make it to the million-dollar milestones?
Introducing Success Stories – stories from nonprofits and charities on how they’re managing their auctions, reaching more people, and raising more money.
Here’s one of their stories.
Background: Mittens for Detroit
In the heart of Michigan winters, a pair of warm gloves is a necessity, not a luxury. Mittens for Detroit is a nonprofit dedicated to the collection and distribution of brand-new mittens and gloves to children and adults in need.
“We focus on new, warm, durable mittens and gloves,” explains Wendy Shepherd, Executive Director. “It’s about providing something that will actually stand up to a Michigan winter and last all season.”
The organization thrives on a massive community network, ranging from corporate partners to individual “MittenRaisers” like schools, charity knitters and crocheters, and kind people nationwide. As a small nonprofit where the Executive Director manages everything from logistics to fundraising and volunteers, efficiency is the key to its survival.
Opportunity: Beyond “Good Enough” Technology
For many years, Mittens for Detroit utilized a fundraising platform that eventually evolved into a call center, with a clunky user interface that was hard to manage for their annual silent auction.
Top Problems Faced
- Manual Reporting: Data was difficult to extract and analyze.
- Impersonal Support: Issues were handled by “call centers” with little personal support.
- Platform Fatigue: The user experience for donors had become outdated.
Shepherd knew they needed a change, but switching platforms is a big risk for a small team. After hearing glowing reviews and recommendations from other Michigan nonprofits, Shepherd looked for a partner that offered high-touch customer service and a streamlined experience for their first in-person gala since the pandemic.
Top Features Utilized with ClickBid
- Mobile Bidding and Silent Auction Management: Streamlined experience to participate in a silent auction.
- Day of Event Tools: Event attendees recognized and appreciated a more streamlined process for the silent auction pickup, making it smooth and easy.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Shifted from complex reports to a 26-page deep dive into donor behavior with a board-ready report.
Solution: A Partnership Built on Trust
Shepherd and Mittens for Detroit chose ClickBid not just for the software features, but for the people behind it. Utilizing a platform that not only has the features to support their event, but also the people and relationships to maintain a true partnership, year after year. An added benefit is that it is a Michigan company, and Mittens for Detroit sources as much as possible from Michigan vendors.
Personalized Onboarding
The transition was led by dedicated support. “Having a direct contact like Trevor, who truly understands our needs, made the switch entirely worthwhile,” says Shepherd. Unlike the anonymous support of their previous provider, ClickBid offered Mittens for Detroit a relationship-based approach that gave Shepherd the confidence to implement features quickly within her fundraising events.
Streamlined Event Management
After the silent auction closed, Mittens’ volunteers no longer had to run around and collect paper bid sheets and reconcile winning bidder checkouts; it was all automated for her and volunteers, allowing them to experience less stress and enjoy a more streamlined process for donors towards the end of the event. After the silent auction closed on her first event with ClickBid, donors approached Shepherd with confidence and appreciation, thanking her for such an improved and enhanced experience compared to prior years.
Data-Driven Decisions
The move to ClickBid immediately upgraded the organization’s “back office.” The detailed reporting from ClickBid allows Shepherd to report back to her board with speed and precision, showing exactly where their growth is coming from and how to capitalize on it for the next event.
Results: Professionalism That Pays Off
The switch to ClickBid has provided Mittens for Detroit with a “professional edge” that matches their community impact and appeals to new generations of donors.
Seamless Guest Experience
From mobile check-in to mobile-friendly bidding, the platform removed the friction and hassle of in-person event fundraising.
Time Recaptured
The automated reporting and easy-to-use interface saved Shepherd hours of administrative work, allowing her to focus on connecting with donors at her event or moving on to her next task on her never-ending to-do list.
Scalable Growth
With the reliable platform in place, the organization is now focused on hiring additional staff to meet the growing need for help and volunteer management.
“Don’t be afraid to make the transition,” Shepherd advises. “Look for a platform that treats you like a partner. For a small team, having expert support at your fingertips is worth every penny.”
To learn more about Mittens for Detroit and how to get involved, please visit their website.