What can we auction at an athletics fundraiser besides signed memorabilia?

Athletic fundraisers for universities and alumni associations rely on repeat donors who have collected the standard memorabilia. Signed balls and framed jerseys are everywhere, and after a few seasons, bids slow down. The challenge is not that the items are bad; it’s that they no longer spark the same excitement. Alumni donors, often older and with more to spend, are looking for something they cannot buy on their own.

The model is straightforward: there is no upfront cost. You select experiences, receive marketing materials, and only pay for what sells. Each package has a reserve cost, and you set the starting bid above that. Because you can sell the same trip to more than one bidder, the return can grow quickly. The only investment is the space on your auction table.

This week, browse over 140 travel and event experiences built for silent auctions. Pick a few that match your donor base: bucket-list sports like the Masters or bowl games, golf weekends, or trips tied to rivalry weekends and team travel. Giveback XP will reserve them for free and send you a one-page display PDF for each. After your event, send the winner details and the in-house travel team handles booking. Certificates arrive in 3 to 5 business days, so your advancement staff never becomes a travel agent.

Your next athletics fundraiser has a silent auction table that feels new. Bids climb on experiences instead of sitting flat on predictable items. Winners plan trips around their team’s schedule, and your advancement office fields thank-yous instead of logistics. The auction adds profit without adding work.