Non-Profit Galas Show Revenue Growth Despite Economic Challenges, New Data Reveals
TL;DR
Raising Paddles' analytics show non-profits using professional auctioneers achieve 14% revenue growth despite economic challenges, providing a competitive fundraising advantage.
Raising Paddles analyzed 800 galas from 2022-2025, finding 9% attendance growth and 14% revenue increase despite 4.7% decline in per-attendee giving.
Professional fundraising services help non-profits raise more money despite economic pressures, ensuring vital community programs continue serving those in need.
Non-profit galas with professional auctioneers raised nearly $500 million, with 2025 events averaging $433,227 revenue and 348 attendees per event.
New data from fundraising company Raising Paddles reveals that non-profit galas have demonstrated resilience in the current economic climate, with overall revenues increasing despite concerns about donor giving and government funding reductions. The analysis, drawn from 800 post-COVID gala events between 2022 and 2025, shows a 14% overall increase in total revenues and a 9% increase in attendance during this period.
The 2025 data through September shows non-profits averaging $433,227 in event revenue with 348 attendees per gala, compared to 2024 averages of $429,183 with 330 guests. This represents modest growth in both metrics, though revenue per attendee declined by 4.7% in 2025, representing approximately $70 less per guest. The data specifically measures events where professional fundraising auctioneers were utilized, excluding those using emcees, local personalities, or non-professional auctioneers.
Two key factors have contributed to this positive performance despite economic headwinds. First, professional fundraising firms like Raising Paddles help organizations implement new strategies to offset declines in sponsorships or ticket sales through consulting services that identify underutilized fundraising opportunities. Second, the generosity of key donors willing to fill funding gaps left by reduced government support has proven crucial, highlighting the importance of maintaining strong donor relationships during challenging times.
The findings suggest that professional fundraising expertise and donor cultivation remain vital for non-profits navigating current economic uncertainties. Organizations that invest in strategic fundraising partnerships and maintain strong donor engagement appear better positioned to sustain their revenue streams despite broader economic pressures affecting the non-profit sector.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release