How to run a paddle raise that brings in major funds

Fundraising events are the bread and butter of nonprofit success. In fact, a whopping 81% of donors attend nonprofit fundraising events—and 24% give through events like auctions.

Cue the paddle raise: a fun, high-impact way to rally your supporters and bring in serious funds.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to plan, promote, and pull off a paddle raise that inspires generosity and drives results for your mission.

What is a paddle raise?

A paddle raise—also known as fund-a-need, paddle up, or paddle raise auction—is an exciting special appeal that invites donors to make direct contributions to your cause. No bidding, no prizes, just pure generosity.

Paddle raises typically take place during galas, live auctions, or special program moments at other events. The emcee or auctioneer makes a direct ask, and donors raise their paddles (or bid numbers) to pledge gifts at various levels.

How does a paddle raise work, exactly?

This high-energy moment typically lasts just 10–15 minutes—but with the right story, structure, and stage presence, it can raise thousands (sometimes tens or hundreds of thousands) in a single night!

Here’s how it works:

• An emcee or auctioneer makes the ask 📣 A speaker kicks things off with a heartfelt appeal—often after sharing a powerful video or moving story that highlights your mission.
• A goal is set 🎯 The emcee might say something like, “Tonight, we’re trying to raise $25K to fund our youth mentorship program!”
• Bidding starts at the top tier 💸 The auctioneer begins with a big ask (e.g., “Who can give $5K?”), then works down to smaller amounts like $2K, $1K, $500, and so on.
• Guests raise their paddles (or hands!) 🙋‍♀️ When someone wants to give at a certain level of the paddle raise, their paddle or bid number is used to signal a volunteer.
• Volunteers or staff record the gifts ✍️ Each donation is recorded in real time to track the amount given, and by which supporter. Many events also use mobile bidding tools to streamline this process.
• Everyone celebrates 🎊 Once the paddle raise wraps up, celebrate your fundraising efforts with your supporters. Cue the applause and happy tears!

Essentials for a successful paddle raise fundraiser

Ready to turn a moment of generosity into a major impact? While every paddle raise event is a bit different, here's what you need to set the stage:

• Emcee or auctioneer 🗣️ Choose someone who can speak confidently, read the room, and create a sense of excitement. This person guides the entire moment, so charisma is key!
• Fundraising goal and donation levels 🎯 Define a clear, inspiring goal (e.g., “Let’s raise $50K to fund 100 student scholarships!”). Then, create giving tiers (e.g., $10K, $5K, $1K, $500).
• Bid paddles or numbered cards 🏓 These are handed out to guests when they arrive. When someone wants to give, they raise their paddle during the ask.
• Volunteer spotters 👀 These folks are stationed throughout the room to spot raised paddles and call out the numbers to the emcee or runners.
• Staging area and lighting 💡 Make sure the emcee and speakers are easy to see and hear. A spotlight or elevated platform goes a long way for visibility and engagement.
• Live donation tracking 🌡️ While donation thermometers and leaderboards are optional, these visuals create momentum and excitement as the contributions roll in.
• Mobile giving tools 📲 Use a platform like Givebutter so guests can give by text, QR code, or online form—right from their seats. It’s fast, secure, donor friendly, and sure to boost your fundraising potential.
• QR codes and donation links 🔗 Display these on programs, table tents, and slides. Bonus if you include instructions like “Scan to give!” or “Join the paddle raise digitally!”

More to explore

How to plan a fundraising gala event in 11 simple steps →

Pros and cons of paddle raises

Incorporating a paddle raise into an event can lead to a major revenue moment—but it also requires thoughtful planning. Here’s what to consider before you get started:

Benefits of paddle raises 

Paddle raises are a great fundraising tool because they’re:

🛠️ Low effort and high reward: Unlike traditional auctions, there are no prizes to win, meaning your nonprofit doesn’t have to track or deliver anything after the event. 

💖 Emotional and inspiring: Paddle raises are full of excitement and pure generosity, which can be really moving. When done well, they deeply connect supporters to your cause and foster a strong sense of community.

✅ Flexible and customizable: You can host paddle raises at in-person fundraising events, run them entirely online, or integrate them into a hybrid event. This makes them ideal for nonprofits with global audiences.‍

⚡ Quick and impactful: In just 10–15 minutes, you can raise a huge chunk of your event’s total revenue. No silent auction items to prep. No delays. Just focused generosity in real time.

Drawbacks of paddle raises 

Of course, like any fundraising method, paddle raises have a few potential drawbacks:

🎤 Require a strong speaker: Emcees and auctioneers are key to the success of a paddle raise. If the emcee lacks enthusiasm, sounds monotone, or doesn’t build momentum, donors might not feel compelled to give.

👥 Are audience-dependent: Though paddle raises can be an effective way to raise funds, they likely won't go over well with an audience unfamiliar with your cause. Long-time supporters, on the other hand, are emotionally connected to your mission, making them much more likely to contribute.

🔨 Need the right structure and tools: When the energy is high for a paddle raise, the results are amazing. But without the right tools—like livestreaming, visual cues, mobile giving, and celebratory moments—donors may lose interest and engagement can drop.

How to host a successful paddle raise in 5 steps

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a paddle raise pro, these steps will help you host a giving moment that’s smooth, successful, and full of good vibes.

1. Define your goal and impact 🎯

Before you dive into logistics, be sure to get clear on the following:

• Your “why”: What program or initiative are you fundraising for? How will it directly help your beneficiaries?
• Your fundraising goal: Set a realistic but inspiring goal (a stretch goal!) that will motivate donors without overwhelming them.
• Your giving levels: Break down your goal into donation amounts tied to tangible impact (e.g., $500 = one month of meals, $1,000 = one new laptop for a student).

💡 Pro tip: Reverse-engineer your tiers based on your total goal and your audience’s giving capacity. You want to set stretch goals but still fill the thermometer!

2. Choose your speaker 🎤

The success of your paddle raise depends on the strength of your ask. Choose a speaker who can connect emotionally, speak with passion, and clearly invite people to give.

When choosing your speaker, consider asking:

• A professional: Someone who emcees professionally is especially helpful if you’re running a major event. 
• A familiar face: Your executive director, development director, or board chair can establish a sense of trust and authenticity.
• A program participant: Someone your organization directly helped (or their family member) can provide a personal and powerful appeal.

3. Create a short mission moment 💛

Because paddle raises rely entirely on generosity, it’s essential to immediately hook your audience, connect them emotionally to your cause, and create a sense of shared purpose.

To do that, try one of the following:  

• Show a quick video: A two-minute impact video featuring real stories and visuals can draw donors to your cause.
• Bring a beneficiary to the stage: Invite someone who's been personally impacted by your work to share about their experience.
• Tell a story: Have your emcee convey the heart of your mission through a meaningful anecdote or example.

4. Set up your tech and tools 🛠

Whether you’re going old-school or fully digital, your paddle raise needs a smooth backend to run effectively. Make sure you have:

• A giving thermometer: Watch paddle raise donations come in live to build momentum.
• A leaderboard: Add a little competition by showing everyone who’s giving the most.
• Livestreaming and a projector: Give shout-outs and highlight donor names and amounts in real time on a big screen.

5. Run the raise! 🗣

You’ve set the stage—now it’s showtime!

While every paddle raise is different, here’s a typical run of show:

• Welcome supporters 💛 Your emcee or speaker kicks things off, reminding guests of your mission and the impact of their gifts.
• Start the appeal 💸 Begin with the highest giving level and invite guests to raise their paddles.
• Say thanks 🙏 Acknowledge each gift as it comes in—by name, with a bell ring, or by displaying the amount on screen.
• Keep momentum going 🌡️ Your speaker will move through each level, consistently maintaining the energy.
• Wrap up 🙌 Your team announces the total raised (if available) and ends with one last thank-you!

Paddle raise best practices 

Want to make your paddle raise as successful as possible? Keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right timing 🕓 Schedule your paddle raise at a high-energy point during your event—typically after dinner but before dessert or entertainment, when donors are feeling inspired and engaged.
• Mix up the format 💡Try a twist on the traditional structure with a reverse paddle raise (start low and build to higher tiers), surprise level (drop in a fun mystery giving level mid-appeal), or a countdown challenge (“We need 10 donors at the $500 level—can we get there in 60 seconds?”).
• Follow up with receipts and recognition 🧾 After the event, send a quick thank-you email or a text with a warm note along with their donation receipt. Plus, be sure to give them a shout-out on social media, too!
• Name your giving levels 🏷 Don't just say "$1K." Give it meaning! Name each tier based on its impact. For example, $1K = Scholarship Sponsor, $500 = Meal Hero, $250 = Care Kit Champion.
• Add a match to build momentum 💸 Got a major donor or sponsor on board? Have them match gifts at a certain level!  For example: “All $100 gifts in the next 5 minutes will be doubled!”

Raise more paddles (and money!) with Givebutter

Whether you're hosting a high-energy gala or a cozy community dinner, a paddle raise can be one of the most powerful giving moments of your event. With the right story, speaker, and setup, you’ll rally donors around your mission and make a tangible impact in just minutes. 

With Givebutter, it’s easier than ever to bring your paddle raise to life. From live donation thermometers and text-to-donate tools to real-time donor shoutouts and beautifully branded donation forms, Givebutter’s event management software and auction tools give you everything you need to succeed.

Ready to run your next fundraising event for free? Sign up for Givebutter today →