Nearly everyone has heard about eBay, and that’s the first name that comes to mind when "internet auctions" are mentioned. But, internet auctions are becoming more popular and there are now hundreds of auction sites. Many have specific themes or purposes, while others are generic and general purpose. Charity or Benefit Auctions are also very popular. A quick search on the web will turn up a number of sites offering services to help raise funds for various causes. Most are limited strictly to registered charities and are not available for other efforts.

We implemented our first Benefit Auction in 1999 as we set up a Fund Raiser to help raise funds for a research project at Cornell University, which is still ongoing in an effort to study rabies vaccination in goats. This year, we have opened a new Benefit Auction opportunity and expanded our offering to individuals as well as organizations. To date, over $50,000 for various causes has been raised.  We are quite pleased with the success of the auctions, and the generosity of the donors and bidders has been outstanding. Our most recent auction (which is currently in place) is the American Family Benefit, and we are raising funds for organizations such as the American Red Cross.

We are offering approved charity programs the opportunity to raise funds through online auctions on the ComeToTheFarm site.   Following are some of the groups  we might approve for inclusion.   We focus primarily on projects that are involved with the farm community in some way, and demonstrate good organizational plans for conducting the promotion, administration and reporting of their Auction.

To apply, provide the following information to us via email:

The effectiveness of the Auction Administrator will be the  key to a successful Benefit.   Roles will include:

Once the requested information is received, we will review the request and make a decision as quickly as possible, usually within 2-3 days if information is complete.   If approved, the Benefit Auction will promptly be added to the list, and your promotion of the project can begin.  If the request is not approved, the parties can reapply at a later date.  

We ask that everyone review the policies of auction sales (located on our website at ComeToTheFarm.com).  We will not allow any illegal activities or illegal items for sale.  This is a family site, and will do not allow adult orientated items for sale.  We reserve the right to delete any Auctions that don't comply with our policies.

All of our services are free, and include the following:

Setting up and hosting a Benefit Auction can be time consuming for both the host and for the Benefit Administrator. We spent many hours installing the Auction Software, and many more hours in ongoing support as we add enhancements. But, it can be a very rewarding experience as generous donors and bidders come together to raise funds for worthy causes.

Following the points above will help ensure a successful Fund Raiser. Good organization, good record keeping, dedication to following up, and a concerted effort to soliciting donations can result in a successful Benefit Auction. It is not a job for one person, as it takes teamwork to pull it all together without creating undue burnout for any one person. Internet auctions can certainly bring FundRaising to a new level! Since we also offer free use of our auction site to folks who just want to buy and sell, this brings more users to the auction, and therefore a greater audience potential. It does cause some confusion, but we are trying hard to find ways to make it as simple as possible!