What 1,000 Donors Told Us About Nonprofit Auctions!

Auctions are far from obsolete—and the data proves it. We sit down with Karrie Wozniak, Chief Marketing Officer at OneCause, and Sarah Sebastian, Director of Corporate Communications, to dive into their comprehensive “State of Nonprofit Auctions” report. Backed by responses from over 1,000 donors and nonprofit professionals, this conversation might transform how you perceive auctions in today’s fundraising landscape.

The core takeaway? Nonprofit auctions are not only surviving—they’re thriving. According to the report, 77% of nonprofits saw consistent or increased auction revenue last year, and 90% expect that growth to continue. “Auction donors are some of the most generous people we see,” Karrie shares. “The average donation per auction donor is $529—more than double that of social donors.” That stat alone reframes the perceived value of auctions!!

Even more compelling: the donor experience is changing. Gift cards, not fine art or rare collectibles, top the list of most bid-on items. “People want tangible, usable items,” adds Sarah. “Less than 20% of attendees are even interested in collectibles.” Their findings challenge long-held assumptions and provide a roadmap for curating auction items that attract a wide donor demographic.

Technology, not surprisingly, is a game-changer. From outbid notifications to AI-style item suggestions, Gen Z and millennial donors are raising the bar. 65% of younger donors want real-time text updates, and 60% favor “Buy It Now” options. “These digital-first behaviors can’t be ignored,” Sarah says. “They signal expectations nonprofits need to meet to stay competitive.”

The impact doesn’t end when the auction closes. The long-term data speaks volumes: 83% of attendees said they became annual donors, 64% would give monthly, and 91% said they’d make another one-time donation within the year. “This isn’t just about one night,” Karrie describes. “It’s a strategy for lifelong donor engagement.”

From shifting generational preferences to the rise of hybrid events, this lively episode delivers useable ideas and data that will leave fundraisers rethinking their auction playbooks.