If you’re a nonprofit director or a volunteer tasked with procuring auction items, you know the challenge: finding cool items that guests will actually bid on. Generic items like gift baskets or silent auction items might work, but let’s be honest—what really gets people excited are memorable experiences. The problem is that these experiences often come with a hefty price tag, and businesses are inundated with donation requests, making it hard to secure them for free.
The solution? Think strategically and approach businesses with a win-win mindset. By partnering with local businesses, especially experience providers like hot air balloon companies, you can create popular auction items that draw attention and raise large amounts of money.
Why Unique Experiences Sell At Fundraising Events
Experiences like hot air balloon rides stand out because they offer:
- Broad Appeal: They resonate with a wide range of people, from adventurers to those seeking unique gifts.
- High ROI: Nonprofits often make significant profits from auctioning these experiences.
- Memorability: Guests love bidding on something they’ll never forget. A popular item like a hot air balloon ride is just what you need.
This makes experiences ideal for fundraising auctions, particularly in the live auction format. Now, let’s explore how you can partner with a hot air balloon company to make your next auction event a soaring success.
The Challenges of Traditional Donation Requests For Auctions
Businesses are eager to help nonprofits but can only say yes to some. Between emails, calls, and letters, they’re inundated with requests every month. Seattle Ballooning typically gets 200+ requests per month. Most businesses can’t afford to give away products or services for free to nonprofit auctions without impacting their bottom line.
If you already have a personal connection with the business, use it! Reach out directly, and they may be willing to donate outright. But if you don’t, consider asking for a wholesale discount instead. Most businesses are happy to offer discounts to nonprofits and charity auctions as they allow them to support a good cause without sacrificing significant revenue.
Here’s an example of how you might approach a business:
“Hi! We know you probably get a lot of donation requests, so we completely understand if you can’t give an item for free. However, would you consider offering us your product at a wholesale discount for our auction? This would allow us to raise funds for our cause while still covering your costs.”
This approach shifts the conversation from a request for charity to a partnership, making it easier for businesses to say yes. Most companies will be happy to contribute if nonprofits use this approach.
How Seattle Ballooning Works with Nonprofits
Seattle Ballooning has partnered with over 110 nonprofits to help them achieve their fundraising goals, collectively raising more than $300,000 in recent years. They’ve perfected a model that benefits both nonprofits and bidders. Here’s how it works:
The Seattle Ballooning Non- Profit Gift Certificate Program
- Seattle Ballooning offers a gift certificate for a sunrise hot air balloon ride for two people. The regular price is $325 per person ($650 total).
- Nonprofits purchase the certificate at a 25% discount, paying $487.50. Since nonprofits are tax-exempt, no sales tax is applied.
- During the live auction, bidding typically starts at $500 and often ends between $800 and $1,200.
For example, let’s say the final bid is $900. The auctioneer can then ask the runner-up if they’d also like the experience at the same price. If they say yes, the nonprofit purchases an additional certificate from Seattle Ballooning for $487.50 and sells it for $900, doubling their earnings.
For each certificate sold, the nonprofit earns $412.50. With two certificates sold, that’s $825 raised—completely risk-free. If, for any reason, the certificate doesn’t sell, Seattle Ballooning is happy to refund the nonprofit. (Although this has never happened!)
The VIP Angle: How to Maximize Charity Auction Revenue
If you are trying to create a high-revenue live auction, it may require thinking out of the box! Some nonprofits have taken their Seattle Ballooning partnership to new heights by auctioning off private group experiences. A private hot air balloon ride for six people, normally priced at $1,950, is available to nonprofits at a discounted rate of $1,463. One nonprofit sold this package for over $7600 during their live auction.
How did they do it?
They included a VIP experience. One of the board members arranged for a Seattle Seahawks player and their spouse to join the flight as two of the six passengers. The winning bidder saw this as a priceless opportunity to spend time with a celebrity in an intimate setting.
This approach isn’t limited to sports figures. Consider partnering with:
- High-profile CEOs or business leaders.
- Local celebrities, such as artists, chefs, or philanthropists.
- Well-known community leaders or influencers.
By pairing a unique experience with a VIP guest, you can create an irresistible package for your auction attendees. These types of premium packages consistently drive higher bids when sold in live auctions, thanks to the excitement and exclusivity they generate.
Why Seattle Ballooning Loves Partnering with Nonprofits
At Seattle Ballooning, supporting nonprofits isn’t just a business decision—it’s a passion rooted in personal experience. The owner and lead pilot, Eliav Cohen, knows firsthand how transformative nonprofit support can be. Growing up, Eliav was the recipient of numerous scholarships that allowed him to participate in activities he otherwise couldn’t have afforded. Those experiences shaped his life and inspired his commitment to giving back.
Seattle Ballooning has extended that commitment by supporting nonprofit programs that help young people, women, and people of color get into hot air ballooning—a field where opportunities can often feel out of reach. Partnering with nonprofits through fundraising auctions allows Seattle Ballooning to help organizations across the community achieve their goals while sharing the joy of hot air ballooning with others. It’s a meaningful way for the company to give back and make a lasting impact.
Tips for Nonprofits to Build Better Partnerships
To make the most of this approach, follow these tips:
- Start Early: Begin your planning process months in advance to give businesses time to prepare.
- Leverage Connections: Use your board and network to find VIPs who can add value to your package.
- Promote Effectively: Highlight these experiences in your social media posts, email campaigns, and event signage to build excitement.
- Follow Up: After the auction, thank the businesses and VIPs involved. Share the results of your event, including how much their contribution helped raise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Partnering with Hot Air Balloon Companies for Fundraising Success
How can nonprofits partner with hot air balloon companies for auctions?
Nonprofits can partner with hot air balloon companies by purchasing gift certificates or private flights at a discounted rate. These items are then auctioned off during live events, allowing nonprofits to raise funds by selling the experiences for more than the discounted purchase price.
Why do hot air balloon rides make great auction items?
Hot air balloon rides are popular auction items because they offer a memorable and unique experience. These items attract competitive bidding and often sell for much higher than their fair market value during live auctions.
What is the typical discount hot air balloon companies offer nonprofits?
Hot air balloon companies like Seattle Ballooning typically offer nonprofits a 25% discount on gift certificates or private flights. This allows nonprofits to purchase items at a reduced rate and sell them at auction for a profit.
How much can nonprofits earn from auctioning a hot air balloon ride?
Nonprofits can earn between $400 to $4,000 or more by auctioning hot air balloon rides, depending on the package and bidding dynamics. For example, a sunrise flight for two purchased at a 25% discount for $487.50 can sell for $900 to $1,200, generating a profit of $412.50 or more.
Can nonprofits sell multiple hot air balloon packages during an auction?
Yes, nonprofits can sell multiple packages during an auction. If a second bidder offers the same high bid, the nonprofit can contact the hot air balloon company to purchase another certificate at the discounted rate, maximizing fundraising potential.
Should hot air balloon experiences be sold in silent or live auctions?
Hot air balloon experiences should be sold in live auctions. Silent auctions should be used for low-value items under $150. Live auctions create excitement and competitive bidding, often resulting in the items selling for much higher than their fair market value.
What happens if a hot air balloon gift certificate doesn’t sell?
If a hot air balloon gift certificate doesn’t sell, many companies, like Seattle Ballooning, offer nonprofits a refund for the unsold certificates. This ensures there’s no financial risk for the nonprofit.
How can nonprofits add value to a hot air balloon auction package?
Nonprofits can add value to a hot air balloon auction package by including a VIP guest, such as a local celebrity, athlete, or business leader. For example, a private flight with a Seattle Seahawks player helped one nonprofit sell the package for $7,500.
Why do businesses offer discounted hot air balloon rides to nonprofits?
Businesses offer discounted hot air balloon rides to nonprofits as a way to support their community and help nonprofits reach their fundraising goals. Discounts ensure the business covers its costs while contributing to a good cause.
How do nonprofits purchase discounted hot air balloon rides for auctions?
Nonprofits can purchase discounted hot air balloon rides for auctions by contacting companies like Seattle Ballooning. Nonprofits receive a 25% discount on gift certificates or private flights, which can then be sold at auction to raise funds. For more information, visit Seattle Ballooning’s Gift Certificate Page or contact them directly at info@seattleballooning.com or (206) 747-5802.
