What Is a Paddle Raise and How Does It Work?

Fundraising events are a primary method for charitable organizations to secure resources for their missions. The “paddle raise” is a direct and effective approach for soliciting donations during an event. This method streamlines the giving process, enabling immediate and visible participation from supporters.

Understanding the Concept

A paddle raise is a fundraising technique used during live events, often alongside an auction, where attendees make direct cash contributions to a specific cause or project. Its primary purpose is to generate unrestricted or designated funds for a clearly defined need, often called a “fund-a-need” or “special appeal.” This approach allows donors to contribute without receiving a tangible item, focusing solely on the charitable impact.

Attendees receive numbered paddles, which they raise to signal their commitment to a donation at specified monetary levels. This visual act encourages collective generosity. The paddle raise complements other fundraising activities, such as silent or live auctions, by offering an additional avenue for direct financial support.

Structuring the Event

Preparation for a successful paddle raise involves strategic decisions and logistical arrangements prior to the event. Establishing clear donation tiers is a fundamental step, often starting high and progressively decreasing through several levels. For instance, an organization might set tiers at $10,000, $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, and $250, allowing donors to choose their desired support level.

The auctioneer or event emcee plays a central role, needing strong communication skills to articulate the cause and inspire generosity. Logistical preparation includes assigning a unique number to each paddle and distributing them efficiently to attendees upon arrival. Presenting a compelling narrative about the specific cause or “fund-a-need” is crucial, often involving a short video or a speaker sharing personal stories to connect with potential donors.

Conducting the Paddle Raise

During the live event, the auctioneer initiates the paddle raise by clearly announcing the highest donation tier. Attendees wishing to contribute at that level raise their numbered paddles, signaling their commitment. Trained spotters, positioned throughout the venue, identify each raised paddle and record the corresponding paddle number and pledged amount.

Once commitments for the highest tier are noted, the auctioneer announces the next lower donation level, inviting further participation. This process continues systematically through each predetermined tier, allowing individuals to donate at a comfortable level. The efficient flow ensures all desired contribution levels are addressed within the allocated time, maximizing fundraising potential.

Post-Event Follow-Up

Immediately following the paddle raise, recorded paddle numbers and donation pledges are compiled for processing. The organization collects the promised funds, which may involve invoicing donors or processing payments via credit card or other accepted methods. Clear communication about payment options and deadlines facilitates timely collection.

Donor acknowledgment is important, involving thank-you notes and official donation receipts. For contributions exceeding $250, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires charitable organizations to provide written acknowledgment for tax deduction purposes. These acknowledgments must state the amount of cash contribution and whether the organization provided any goods or services in return for the donation. The collected funds are directed towards the specific cause or “fund-a-need” highlighted during the event.