In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by Roger Devine, a partner at SchoolAuction.net. As a former PTA president who saw vital school programs go underfunded, Roger breaks down his 18-year mission to stop "burning out" volunteers. He explains how the SchoolAuction.net platform provides not just the software, but the 20 years of data-driven wisdom that grassroots nonprofits need to run efficient, successful, and even fun fundraising events.

Roger provides a masterclass in event-based fundraising. He also discusses why, in the uncertain economic climate of 2025, local events are "showing their superpower" as donors focus their giving "closer to the heart".

DISCUSSION

1. Stop Burning Out Volunteers: Roger explains that his mission began when he saw fundraisers relying on "rudimentary" tools, forcing them to "throw bodies at a problem". The goal of his platform is to respect volunteers by giving them efficient tools, bounding their time, and providing a structure they can work within.
2. It's Not Just for Schools: Despite the name, SchoolAuction.net is designed for all "grassroots nonprofits". Roger works with local Humane Societies, Young Life chapters, food banks, churches, and any community organization that needs to raise money but doesn't have the resources of a national charity.
3. The 20-Year"Human AI": Roger emphasizes that clients get more than software; they get his team's wisdom and data. With 20 years of data, he can tell a group "the top five things that work in a live auction for churches in 2024," acting as a human AI for fundraising strategy.
4. The"Signup Party"(Aha Moment): Roger shares a brilliant fundraising item called a "signup party". These are fixed-price items, like a teacher feature or a pig roast he hosted. This makes the event more equitable, allowing people who don't have the "fattest wallets" to participate.
5. A Cautionary"Tail": Roger tells a hilarious story of how the "Heads or Tails" game went horribly wrong. One "particularly lubed up" guest bought 100 chances to play, angering all the other guests who wanted a fair shot. When the auctioneer changed the rules mid-game, she "caused a scene".
6. Fundraising's "Superpower" in 2025: With federal grants under review and private foundations "scared," Roger explains that event-based fundraising is "showing its superpower". In uncertain times, giving gets "closer to the heart," and people are more likely to fund local causes.
7. Cultivating the"Baby Donor": Auctions obey a 90/10 rule (90% of money from 10% of the audience). But Roger explains you need the other 90% for two reasons: 1) to provide the applause and "ego gratification" for the big donors, and 2) to treat them as "baby donors" you can cultivate into future supporters.
8. From Publishing to... Artisanal Sardines?: Roger shares his journey from working in book publishing in New York to the tech world. He also reveals a fun fact: he has become a "complete sardine enthusiast".

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Roger Devine and his fundraising platform, visit SchoolAuction.net. and on these social sites:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolAuction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolauction

KEYWORDS

SchoolAuction.net, Fundraising, Virtual Fundraising, Donor Cultivation, Volunteer Management, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

#SchoolAuctionNet #Fundraising #VirtualFundraising #DonorCultivation #VolunteerManagement #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce