Silent Auction Planning & Strategy Support for Spring Fundraising Brunch

Health Justice Initiative is seeking a skilled volunteer to help us design and plan the silent auction component of our Spring 2026 fundraising brunch in New York City. This project is planning-focused and capacity-building only; all execution, outreach, and day-of logistics will be handled by the HJI team.

With the support of a Taproot volunteer, we aim to create a clear, actionable silent auction plan that our team can confidently implement. The volunteer will collaborate with HJI staff and members of our fundraising committee, some of whom have prior gala and auction experience.

Key areas of support include:
- Defining silent auction goals (revenue targets, audience considerations, number and types of items)
- Recommending best practices for silent auctions at fundraising brunches
-Developing a silent auction planning framework, including:
-Item categories and pricing guidance
- Donor and in-kind contribution strategy (planning only)
-Suggested timelines and milestones
- Creating planning tools such as:
- A silent auction checklist
- A planning timeline
- Guidance on item descriptions and presentation
- Providing recommendations on auction format (e.g., mobile bidding vs. paper bidding) and guest engagement strategies

This project does not include soliciting donations, contacting vendors or donors, managing auction platforms, or executing the auction. Volunteers can expect to spend 2–5 hours per week for a limited number of weeks collaborating with our team to complete this planning work.

- Health Justice Initiative works to advance a more just and equitable healthcare system by addressing racial and systemic disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes through litigation, mediation, community organizing, empowerment, and policy advocacy.
The silent auction is a critical component of our Spring 2026 fundraising brunch, which aims to raise significant unrestricted funds to support our work with communities of color and other underserved populations. By strengthening our silent auction strategy, this project will directly contribute to our ability to expand services, advocate for systemic change, and support individuals navigating complex healthcare barriers.
Volunteers who support this project will play a key role in helping us build sustainable fundraising capacity and deepen our impact in the communities we serve.

Health Justice Initiative is fully prepared to support this project. We have:
- Internal leadership buy-in and a designated staff point person
- A defined Spring 2026 fundraising brunch with confirmed planning momentum
- A fundraising committee that includes individuals with gala experience
- Clear goals for how the silent auction fits into the overall event
All recommendations, tools, and planning materials developed through this project will be directly implemented by our team, ensuring the volunteer’s work has immediate and meaningful impact. We value collaboration, respect volunteer expertise, and will provide timely feedback and clear communication throughout the engagement.