Organise an auction

Holding an auction takes organisation but it is an enjoyable way to fundraise and people love to get involved. Often held at an event, this activity can be very successful if you get it right.

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There are various types of auctions; do some research to decide which suits the event you hope to create and we hope our handy guide below get you off to a good start!

Types of auctions

Live auction: a classic auction of goods/experiences, with a managing auctioneer. Highest bid wins and this works for a medium-sized event.
Silent auction: bids are submitted electronically/on paper. This may be conducted by sealed bid (all together in sealed format and highest bid wins). It can often run alongside a live auction.
Auction of promises: donate time, skills or experiences rather than goods. Highest bid wins. This works well for smaller auctions.
Dutch auction: be daring with a high asking price and drop until someone bids. First bidder wins.
Online auction: a variation on the above. You can use a dedicated webpage, an established website or social platform groups.

Step by step guide to organising an auction

: Don’t buy prizes. Instead, persuade people to donate them. Start early! Ask friends, family, colleagues, local businesses and larger organisations to pledge items. Offer something in return, such as thanks in a programme or business advertisement. Choose six to eight quality items for a suitably timed auction. Match the items to the invited audience. If you must purchase any prizes yourself, you can withdraw up to a maximum of £500 from proceeds to pay for prizes. Please contact fundraising@nas.org.uk for a letter of authority as many businesses may ask to see this before donating prizes.

: Which networks of people will you invite? Do you know a local celebrity or person of interest you could invite? Share on social media, look for free event listing opportunities, use our downloadable poster or supporter logo and ask us for a press release template and media guidelines to send out to local media. Be confident about what the National Autistic Society does and where your money goes and promote your online giving page. Those who cannot attend may wish to donate.

: Check out our community event guide for a successful event, brief your auctioneer on the prizes and cause, appoint volunteers to bid spot and manage post-auction dealings, provide table auction lists with terms and conditions and validities. Where appropriate, have your auction bids or imagery on display and a well-informed volunteer close by.

: Be sure to say a big thank you to anyone who has supported your fundraising auction. Let them know how much was raised overall and how their support has made a difference.

Other things to note

Did you know that items purchased at auctions are eligible for Gift Aid if items are commercially available and their value is communicated prior to auction? If the item auctions for more than the commercial value, Gift Aid can be claimed on the difference.
If you want to use a professional auctioneer, try to negotiate a favourable fee for a charity event.
Auctions, unlike raffles and lotteries, do not fall under gambling laws but they do come under the Trade Descriptions Act, so do value items accurately.
You do not need a licensed auctioneer, but you may find it useful to contact an auctioneer who is a member of a professional organisation (NAVA, SOFAA).
Consider a risk assessment and share terms and conditions in case an item is unavailable, or you have an incomplete purchase. Get written confirmation of any terms and conditions, including validity dates for any vouchers or experiences.

Tell us what you're doing

We’d love to hear how you're raising money to support us. Please tell us by using our fundraising form and we can provide you with extra support along the way.

Fundraise your way

However you plan to fundraise, we’ve created resources, essential information about fundraising and us as well as frequently asked questions to help you get started.

Would you like to share your fundraising story?

Contact community.fundraising@nas.org.uk

Organise an auction

Types of auctions

Step by step guide to organising an auction

1. Sourcing your items

2. Promote your event

3. Auction day

4. Thank your supporters

Other things to note

Tell us what you're doing

Fundraise your way

Would you like to share your fundraising story?

Organise an auction

Types of auctions

Step by step guide to organising an auction

1. Sourcing your items

2. Promote your event

3. Auction day

4. Thank your supporters

Other things to note

Tell us what you're doing

Fundraise your way

Would you like to share your fundraising story?

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