If your nonprofit hasn’t hosted an auction, now’s the time! All fundraising events require planning and preparation to succeed, including auctions. Luckily, powerful charity auction websites can simplify this process.
Auction events have the potential to increase your organization’s funds dramatically. Between unique auction items and eager bidders, your event can provoke friendly competition and bring in a significant amount of revenue—so long as you have the right tools to manage it.
That’s why charity auction websites are a must-have for planning and executing such events. There’s nothing a top online charity auction site can’t handle, from event registration forms and ticketing to auction item payment processing.
Here at Snowball, we have years of experience working with small to mid-sized nonprofits and their fundraising teams to host successful events. Plus, we’ve watched and assisted as organizations worldwide have begun shifting to virtual fundraising solutions in droves.
So what does that mean for your charity auction website selection? We know a thing or two about choosing the right auction software provider for your cause! Let’s walk through a short list of our favorites:
As we discuss these top providers, be sure to note the benefits and drawbacks of each. That way, you’ll be able to find a solution that makes sense for your organization’s upcoming fundraisers by equipping your team with the tools they’ll need to succeed.
But before we dive in, let’s answer a few simple questions to help guide your research.
Why are charity auction websites important?
Charity auction websites simplify fundraising event planning significantly. By providing tools such as auction catalog building resources, online and mobile bidding functionality, real-time notifications for participants, streamlined checkout tools, and more, the right auction site has everything you need to plan and run every aspect of your auction.
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Sign up and start fundraising today! With straightforward, all-inclusive annual pricing and no hidden fees, you can do more and raise more for your cause.
SIGN UPPlus, with an increasing number of fundraising events (auctions included) going virtual due to the outbreak of COVID-19, your online tools are more important than ever for keeping your supporters engaged.
What is the best online auction site?
Although the “best” of anything is subjective, the best online auction site will be the one that provides the highest levels of functionality for the lowest prices. That way, you can raise more for your cause while spending less of your fundraising budget.
Overall, the decision comes down to finding the auction tools that most closely align with your auction fundraising plan. For example, are you hosting a live or silent auction? Will your event be in-person or virtual?
We’ll be sure to analyze the features and pricing packages offered by some of the top auction sites in the industry to help you make your choice. But we’ll give you a hint—out of all the charity auction websites out there; our favorite is Snowball!
Best Charity Auction Websites
Here, we’ve compiled a list of top charity auction websites to provide a brief overview, a list of standout features, and a pricing summary for each option.
Let’s get started and dive into our favorite auction sites and the key details that make each one unique.
1. Snowball
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Snowball Fundraising’s online auction tools offer an extensive assortment of features at the lowest possible price point (free!). Snowball is known for its powerful suite of free and low-cost fundraising software, and its package has recently expanded to include complete charity auction website functionality.
With our silent auction toolkit in hand, your team will be able to pull successful fundraising events without worrying over whether you’ll earn back the price of your software.
Key Features
Snowball’s auction tools include several standout features to help your team raise funds and engage your audience. Here are just a few of our favorites:
- Online and mobile (text-to-bid) functionality
- Real-time notifications when a guest wins or is outbid
- Ability to add photos and descriptions of an unlimited number of items to an online catalog
- Compilation and easy-to-read reports of fundraising data
- Streamlined checkout and payment processing tools
In addition to these auction-specific functions, investing in a Snowball plan unlocks features such as text-to-give, online donation pages, fundraising thermometers, event ticketing, and registration.
Pricing
Snowball offers its charity auction website functionality as an affordable add-on package to any Snowball account, including both the Essential and the Premium plan. Contact the Snowball team today for a detailed quote to get started.
2. Handbid
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Handbid is a dedicated auction and event software platform for mid-sized to large organizations. With various packages and software solutions, Handbid has plans that can accommodate a wide range of organizations and their needs.
For example, each year-long subscription plan comes equipped with a certain number of auctions it can support. This means you can choose the plan that most closely resembles your event calendar and pay for additional upgrades if need be.
Key Features
Handbid’s auction packages include the following features:
- Live video streaming tools
- App and web-based bidding
- A remote auction management system
Then, depending on the package you choose, you’ll have the ability to host a set number of auctions and additional events as well.
Pricing
Handbid offers several auction plans with pricing beginning at $696/year, with additional packages going up to more than $2,495/year. Or, give them a call to get a quote for an unlimited plan!
For a more comprehensive solution, you can purchase their “Auction-in-a-Box,” which contains core auction features and assistance from Handbid’s team to help run a professional even for $5,995.
3. OneCause
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
OneCause offers a high-quality charity auction website with mobile bidding and auction software to simplify your fundraising event. From item procurement to emailed donor receipts, their online charity auction site can help your organization manage almost every aspect of your auction.
Key Features
The OneCause platform allows you to:
- Send notifications to donors
- View previous receipts
- Track your donations
With OneCause, you also have the option to track winning bids and sold items in your online charity auction software!
Pricing
OneCause offers four different auction packages, ranging from a “Do-it-Yourself” package to a “Full Service” plan. Prices vary depending on the level of functionality you’re looking for.
4. Qgiv
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Qgiv provides a silent auction website, mobile bidding app, and event management software. This way, participants and fundraisers will have all the tools they need to create a successful virtual auction.
Key Features
Qgiv’s online auction platform provides the following features:
- Real-time bidding
- Guest registration
- Simplified checkout
Plus, Qgiv allows organizations to incorporate a fund-a-need option within their mobile auction experiences, further engaging supporters by letting them support specific causes.
Pricing
Qgiv’s auction package begins at $229/month, or you can bundle it with their other packages. Other packages can include data reporting, mobile giving, and peer-to-peer fundraising for $399/month.
5. CharityBids
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
CharityBids’ online charity auction site is backed by a team of nonprofit professionals with years of experience ready to create the most effective strategy. CharityBids will help your organization understand your target audience during the pre-event stage and acquire the right software package to drive bids.
Then, their concierge team works with your auction winners after your vent to schedule their auction trip packages at their convenience!
Key Features
CharityBids’ charity auction website allows you to:
- Consult with fundraising experts during the planning process
- Select from their extensive auction packages
- Utilize their full-service travel concierges
The CharityBids team works to help your nonprofit before, during, and after your fundraising event to raise more and provide guests with a smooth, engaging experience.
Pricing
CharityBids provides nonprofits with risk-free auction consignment packages, meaning that they don’t take a cut until after you’ve collected your revenue. At that point, they take a percentage of the item price as payment.
6. eFlea
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
eFlea’s online charity auction website helps your organization manage your event from planning to promotion and execution. With an intuitive interface and around-the-clock bidder access, you can easily upload auction items so your supporters can start bidding at any time throughout your auction period.
Key Features
The eFlea platform provides the following key features:
- Multi-currency support
- Email and SMS notifications
- Social media integration and sharing
With the use of these features, eFlea has helped raise over $6.2 million for charitable causes.
Pricing
eFlea provides basic online auction features for no cost to registered not-for-profit organizations in the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. However, participants can bid from anywhere in the world.
7. Givergy
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Givergy’s mobile-friendly auction platform allows donors to browse your catalog, place bids easily, and promote your auction on social media. Their online charity auction software is all about making bidding easier for your donors with remote and mobile bidding.
Key Features
Givergy’s online auction site offers the following features:
- Auction item procurement
- Ticketing and event check-in
- Sealed bidding functionality
Givergy’s online charity auction site’s design is fully customizable, allowing your nonprofit to add all of its key branding elements. You can also keep the page as a standalone event or tack it onto a more extensive campaign!
Pricing
Givergy collects 15% of the total revenue collected through your charity auctions, which includes transaction fees.
8. Benefit Events
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Benefit Events originated as an art auction service for nonprofits. They’ve since kept their creative vision while broadening their solutions to include online auctions for a spectrum of nonprofits. Their team helps your organization promote and market your event to improve your fundraising efforts, your nonprofit to fulfill its mission.
Key Features
Benefit Events provides the following key features:
- Custom winning bidder notifications
- Direct donor data entry
- Secure payment processing through Stripe
Benefit Events also helps nonprofits procure auction items such as luxury vacations, giving your nonprofit a headstart on filling your auction catalog with high-value items.
Pricing
Benefit Events’ pricing depends on the amount of revenue brought in through your auction. A $500 flat fee is collected for auctions collecting less than $6,250. Then, from $6,250 to $25,000, 8% of bids are directed toward the platform fee. Finally, for auctions bringing in more than $25,000, 5% is collected for the platform fee. The rest goes to your mission!
9. WeDo Charity Auctions
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
WeDo Charity Auctions takes your auction to the next level with the ability to host pre-bidding before your event and create and manage guest lists. With their software solutions, you can organize and maintain your ticketing, auction items, and other sales information all in one centralized location. Plus, they offer real-time reporting so you can stay up-to-date with bidding throughout your event.
Key Features
WeDo Charity Auctions provides the following features to help your auction:
- Convenient in-event messaging
- In-person or live-streamed mobile bidding
- Streamlined check-in and checkout
This charity auction website has the features you need to run a successful auction, whether it’s virtual or in-person!
Pricing
WeDo Charity Auctions’ pricing depends on the functions you’ll need for your event, beginning at $1,800. Contact their team for a detailed quote.
10. SchoolAuction
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
SchoolAuction’s cloud-based silent auction site lets you simplify the planning and hosting of your silent auction event. Their software allows you to set table arrangements, log items into your catalog, and check up on bids from your laptop, phone, or tablet.
Additionally, SchoolAuction lets you mix paper auctions with mobile bidding so your event can cater to each bidder!
Key Features
SchoolAuction provides the following features:
- Customizable auction website creation
- Online and mobile bidding
- Speedy self-checkout process
The team at SchoolAuction makes sure your event runs smoothly by offering these features and more.
Pricing
SchoolAuction offers two subscription packages. Their Plus option costs $1,500/year and the Premium is $2,500/year.
11. MaestroAuction
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Text2Bid by MaestroAuction, a dedicated charity auction site, gives your organization the tools needed to plan and execute your auction event. With this tool, your organization can track and document every procured item by allowing you to add descriptions, restrictions, and monetary values.
Key Features
MaestroAuction’s charity auction site includes the following features:
- Virtual auction management functionality
- Live and virtual auctioneers
- Auction item procurement resources
With MaestroAuction, you’ll be able to track every aspect of your auction to create a smooth and engaging experience, whether it’s in-person or online.
Pricing
MaestroAuction pricing depends on the length of the subscription you’re seeking. For 90 days, you can subscribe for $399, while your team can purchase a 3-year subscription for $2,499.
12. Qtego
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Qtego markets itself as “American’s #1 mobile bidding platform,” offering easy-to-manage events, resulting in satisfied guests and increased donations. Their intuitive interface simplifies your event’s key aspects such as registration, event management, and the checkout process for your organization and your donors.
Key Features
Qtego’s charity auction site includes these key features:
- Text-to-bid solutions
- Management of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
- Live-streamed video tools
Upgrade your auction from paper bid sheets to a streamlined online experience with Qtego’s software solutions.
Pricing
Qtego offers a variety of features at different price ranges. Contact their team to learn more about their pricing packages and get a quote.
13. Go Charity
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
GoCharity, while not strictly a charity auction website, provides effortless, hassle-free options for auction items. They label themselves as a “complete, one-stop consignment-based vendor.” With over 40 years in the charity auction industry, GoCharity’s team will provide support throughout your entire event to ensure your auction runs smoothly.
Key Features
GoCharity provides the following auction website features:
- Front-door delivery services
- A comprehensive catalog of auction items
- On- and off-site auction management
GoCharity’s team prides themselves on their professionalism, making them an invaluable source of advice and help for your events.
Pricing
GoCharity has three different auction plans, each with its own fees—off-site involvement, on-site auction management, and on-site mobile bidding management. Contact their team to find out which is right for your auction!
14. 32auctions
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
32auctions’s user-friendly interface lets nonprofits set up their auction websites, then sit back and relax. But it’s 32auctions customizable packages that make it stand out. Their pre-built packages range from a free base kit to a complete works set and everything in-between as you can choose the exact features you want.
Key Features
32auctions offers nonprofits features such as:
- Consolidated sales summary review
- Custom auction link creation
- Support for exact bids, proxy bids, and Buy Now purchases
If you find yourself needing more than just 32auction’s base features, no problem! Upgrade specific features to meet your needs and control your spending.
Pricing
32auctions base price is free, and all feature upgrades are priced individually. Use 32auction’s price calculator to create a package that fits your budget.
15. GalaBid
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
GalaBid’s free fundraising software can flexibly manage both online-only and live events, giving your nonprofit more ways to fundraise. With their pre-event bidding tools, instant payment systems, and mobile bidding features, your guests will also have increased control over how and when they bid.
Key Features
Galabid’s silent auction software comes equipped with:
- Leaderboard displays
- Custom design tools
- Mobile alerts and invoices
If GalaBid’s silent auction platform works for you, they also offer support for raffles and donation drives!
Pricing
GalaBid is free. In exchange for their services, they ask all fundraisers to make a one-time donation to keep their platform available to support great causes.
16. Bidding Owl
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Bidding Owl’s auction management software allows nonprofits to build their charity auction websites within minutes to hit the ground running promoting their event. Bidding Owl’s fully customizable websites empower nonprofits to brand and edit their event pages however they want.
Key Features
Bidding Owl comes with a variety of features, including:
- Online bidder check-out
- Volunteer management tools
- Rotary, radio, and TV auction interface
Auctions supported by Bidding Owl will be prepared to manage event logistics, promote their event, and stay organized from beginning to end.
Pricing
When you host an auction or use the mobile bidding tool, Bidding Owl charges a 5% performance fee, taking 5% of the winning bid on each item sold.
17. BiddingForGood
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
BiddingForGood by FontStream lets nonprofits present their auction items to a vast community of bidders on BiddingForGood’s website. There, your items will be organized into categories such as dining, travel, designer, and more, allowing visitors to search for items they actually want and then make a bid.
This doesn’t mean your nonprofit won’t have control over your auction. While items are displayed on BiddingForGood, you’ll still be able to manage and track your event from beginning to end.
Key Features
BiddingForGood’s unique platform allows nonprofits to:
- Have their auction items viewed by a wide audience
- Set up their event in under half an hour
- Keep information centralized
BiddingForGood’s accessible platform also allows your nonprofit to take advantage of cross-promotional opportunities by sharing links to high-value items in your marketing and outreach efforts.
Pricing
BiddingForGood is accessible through three FrontStream plans: a free yearly subscription, a $600/year plan, and a custom option for enterprise organizations.
18. Silent Auction Pro
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Silent Auction Pro aims to save your nonprofit time by simplifying your auction management process. Along with automatically generating supporting materials such as program guides, bidding sheets, and invoices, Silent Auction Pro allows your entire team to sign in to your auction software from any computer.
Key Features
Silent Auction Pro includes key features such as:
- Real-time data tracking
- Streamlined check-in features
- Customizable print and email correspondence capabilities
With Silent Auction Pro’s tracking tools and thank you email templates, nonprofits using this platform will be supported from start to follow-up.
Pricing
Silent Auction Pro has three packages for virtual fundraising solutions, starting at $19.95/month with a $99 setup fee. Two in-person event solutions are also available, starting at $348/year and 2% of auction sales and 1% of ticket sales.
19. Charity Auctions Today
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Charity Auctions Today allows nonprofits to build their own charity auction website by answering a few simple questions about their event. Their software’s assistive tutorial then guides nonprofits through adding items in bulk, populating your website within minutes.
Charity Auctions Today also specializes in creating a positive user experience for mobile bidders. Let your guests access your auction from anywhere, completing everything from registration to check out from their phones.
Key Features
In addition to its mobile-friendly features, Charity Auctions Today offers:
- Donor management tools
- Event ticket sales
- Expedited check-out process
Charity Auctions Today also has extensive support features, so your nonprofit can reach out for help if you ever find yourself stuck setting up your auction website.
Pricing
Charity Auctions Today charges a 5% fee for completed auctions and offers a prepaid plan for $297 with a reduced 3% fee. You can also get in touch with them to get a quote for a custom plan.
20. Accelevents
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Accelevent’s auction platform’s simple, easy-to-use interface allows nonprofits to set up their auction websites quickly, so they can focus on fundraising. This is where Accelevent’s custom messaging features come in, allowing your team to promote your auction through customizable emails.
Key Features
Accelevent comes with important auction features, including:
- Instant analytic reports
- Seamless checkout with multiple payment options
- Mobile and online bidding
Accelevent also features extensive ticketing, registration, and other virtual event tools that your team can add to your auction package.
Pricing
Accelevent has separate prices for its fundraising, ticketing, and virtual event packages. Auctions are priced at $1 per ticket with a $249 activation fee.
21. ReadySetAuction
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
ReadySetAuction is a flexible provider that works for all nonprofits, from schools to humanitarian organizations to workplace giving campaigns. This cloud-based software also supports any kind of auction you could want, including silent, live, mobile, and online.
Key Features
ReadySetAuction comes equipped with:
- Guest and event management tools
- Website customization capabilities
- Item showcase and sponsor leaderboard slideshow creation
When your event is done, ReadySetAuction also gives your winning bidders multiple payment options—all of which can be accessed from their phones!
Pricing
ReadySetAuction’s Essentials plan starts at $1,099/year, its Select plan at $1,499/year, and its Complete plan at $1,999/year.
22. Auctria
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
Auctria allows you to track every part of your auction in extensive detail, all in one place. Additionally, Auctria helps nonprofits build their professional charity auction websites for their events, creating a dedicated space for bidders and donors to connect with your event while also lending your auction credibility.
Key Features
Auctria’s features include must-haves such as:
- Item procurement tracking
- Detailed dashboard overview
- Mobile-friendly bidding catalog
Auuctria is dedicated to giving nonprofits the tools they need to succeed. Learn more about how you can maximize your auction’s potential with Auctria’s case studies.
Pricing
Auctria comes in three tiers: its free Explorer plan, its $300/year plan Emerald, and its $600/year Diamond plan. You can also purchase event assistance for an extra $400 with both the Emerald and Diamond plans.
23. CausePilot
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
CausePilot supports auctions of all sizes with its virtual fundraising suite. CausePilot lets your nonprofit create your auction your way by choosing which items are available for online bidding and which are saved for your in-person event while seamlessly managing both!
Key Features
CausePilot comes with crucial features such as:
- Item procurement tracking
- Volunteer sign up and management tools
- Customizable text and email communication
CausePilot is here to help nonprofits with every aspect of their virtual events. Their website (and their team!) are an invaluable source of information if you have any questions about getting your auction started.
Pricing
Prices for CausePilot’s virtual fundraising tools vary based on your nonprofit. Some organizations can even use CausePilot for free! Check out their plans and price calculator to find a price point that matches your nonprofit.
24. DoJiggy
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
DoJiggy’s auction software gives your nonprofit options. Connect with your supporters during your event with text and live-streaming tools while automatically sending notifications and receipts. Plus, DoJiggy offers two ways to bid: proxy-bidding, where guests can bid up to a set amount, and increment bidding, ensuring each bid is higher than the last by a certain amount.
Key Features
DoJiggy comes equipped with:
- Unlimited auction item listings
- Text-to-bid functionality
- Live-streaming options
DoJiggy can also help your item procurement team get started with their assortment of charity vacation packages.
Pricing
Your organization can purchase DoJiggy’s auction software in exchange for 4.9% of each credit card transaction.
25. GiveSmart
An Overview of This Charity Auction Website
GiveSmart’s silent auction program is an industry leader for a few key reasons. Their comprehensive toolkit allows your nonprofit to handle every aspect of your virtual events, all in one place. GiveSmart also integrates with many other software providers, meaning it’s ready to grow with your nonprofit.
Key Features
GiveSmart’s auction service includes:
- Mobile bidding
- Real-time insights
- Auction catalog
In addition, GiveSmart offers hybrid and virtual fundraising tools, peer-to-peer support, and event management software to help your charity auction run smoothly.
Pricing
Request a demo to get a quote!
Now that you have the inside scoop on some of the most popular charity auction websites, you can choose a solution that will lead your nonprofit to success. Remember that your event, while certainly about raising money, should also focus on donor stewardship. Choose a software solution that doesn’t just make things easy on the backend but creates a fun and memorable auction for your participants.
After completing your research for the best platform, ensure your donors enjoy your auction by creating a smooth, engaging experience with the top virtual auction tools!
If you’re interested in learning more about fundraising, check out these additional resources:
- Text-to-Give | Complete Guide for Nonprofits and Fundraisers. Just like mobile bidding functionality, text-to-give fundraising provides your donors with the tools required to support your organization at any time, and from anywhere. Read more in our complete guide.
- Free Fundraising Software for Nonprofits: Top Providers. If you’re looking to expand your fundraising toolkit without draining your nonprofit bank account, be sure to check out this list of free and low-cost solutions. You’ll be raising more in no time!
- Matching Gift Databases: What to Look for (+ Our Top Picks). Did you know that an estimated $4-7 billion in matching gift funding is left unclaimed each year? If your organization has yet to explore this often overlooked source of revenue, now is the time to do so.
