We Tested 11 Leading Auction Software Options For Nonprofits (2026)

Running a charity auction can pull a team in every direction. Between bids, item catalogs, payments, and checkout, staff needs to keep several things moving at once.

Most of that work lives in spreadsheets, paper bid sheets, and group chats, and that setup breaks down fast. A bid goes unrecorded, a total is added up wrong, or the checkout line stalls as someone hunts for a name.

An auction platform gives you one place to manage bids, record donors, process payments, and pull reports after the event. That way, your team spends less time on manual tasks and more time prepping for donor outreach.

In this guide, we’ve covered the best nonprofit auction software tools, plus what features to look for and how to choose the right fit for your cause.

11 auction software platforms for nonprofits compared side-by-side

What is auction software for nonprofits?

Auction software for nonprofits is a digital platform that supports each stage of an auction, from item setup through bidding, checkout, and payment collection. It replaces paper bid sheets, manual tracking, and end-of-night tallying with one connected system.

The platform handles the moving parts of an auction, so your team does not have to manage them manually. Supporters browse auction items and place bids from their phones. 

The platform records each bid, notifies bidders when they are outbid, and charges winners once the auction closes.

Nonprofits run auctions in a few different formats, and most platforms support them:

• Silent auctions: Guests place bids on their own throughout an event.
• Live auctions: An auctioneer runs the room with real-time bidding.
• Online-only and hybrid: Bidding opens to supporters who cannot attend in person.

Key features to look for in a nonprofit auction software platform

Start with features your event actually needs: registration, mobile bidding, and secure checkout. These are important for many nonprofit auctions to keep the event running and your funds accounted for.

• Ticketing, registration, and check-in: Sell tickets, manage guest lists, and check people in on event day
• Mobile and text-to-bid: Supporters bid from their phones by browser or text message
• Outbid notifications: Automatic email and SMS alerts prompt bidders to place another bid
• Automated checkout: The platform charges winners at close and collects payment in one transaction
• Item and catalog management: Add unlimited items with images, categories, starting bids, and increments
• Receipts and fair-market-value records: Generate acknowledgments showing an item’s stated fair market value and purchase price, so donors have what they need at tax time
• Custom branding: Match the auction page to your organization with logos, colors, and layout
• Live-stream support: Broadcast a virtual or hybrid event so remote supporters stay engaged
• CRM and donor data sync: Move bidder records into your donor system to track giving over time
• Reporting dashboards: Bidder activity, item performance, and revenue data are available in one dashboard
• Buy Now pricing: Let supporters skip the bidding and purchase an item outright

Some features matter only when your event calls for them. Paddle Raise or fund-a-need tools capture direct gifts during a live appeal, while sponsorship management gives sponsors logos, links, and recognition across your pages. 

Leaderboards and thermometers keep supporters engaged with live displays of top bidders and progress toward your goal.

When you compare nonprofit auction software tools, weigh the must-haves against your budget first, then add the extras that fit your organization’s fundraising.

11 best auction software tools for nonprofits in 2026

To build this list, we looked at what each auction platform covers, including ticketing and registration, item management, and bidding. We checked which ones handle the essentials well, which organizations they fit best, and what extra support they offer on event night.

We also weighed each platform’s pricing and how quickly a team can launch it. Here’s a breakdown of these tools, including their best fit, features, limitations, and pricing.

Note: All features and pricing are as of July 2026 and may change over time.

1. DoJiggy: Zero-fee fundraising platform 

Best fit: DoJiggy is an all-in-one fundraising platform that gives nonprofits of all sizes end-to-end auction-planning support. Its auction management supports online and mobile silent auctions and works alongside live or hybrid fundraising events.

On the bidding side, DoJiggy supports two styles. English bidding requires participants to place progressively higher bids, while proxy bidding sets a maximum and bids on their behalf. The sponsorship management feature helps you recognize sponsors with logos and links across your auction pages.

In nonprofit communities, users often point to DoJiggy’s straightforward setup and pricing when weighing it against other platforms.

Features of DoJiggy

• Unlimited auction items with images, categories, starting bids, and increments
• Two bidding styles, English and proxy, plus free text-to-bid for US auctions
• Auto-generated email and SMS outbid alerts with one-click rebidding
• Automatic charging of winning bidders the moment the auction closes
• Sponsor promotion, QR codes, custom item URLs, and fair market value display
• Fundraising thermometer, auction countdown, and live-stream video studio

Limitations

• As a full fundraising platform, it offers more than teams who want only a bare bidding page may need 

DoJiggy pricing

It is free to use and supported by a donor-tipping model. If you don’t want to use that option, you can pay a platform fee per activity:

• Donations: 1.9%
• P2P Crowdfunding, Golf Tournaments, Charity Auctions, Event Ticketing, Simple Stores: 4.9%
• Raffles, A-thons, Sweepstakes, All-in-One campaigns: 6.9%

No subscription, contract, or support fees. Payment processing fees are charged directly by Stripe or PayPal and are not marked up by DoJiggy. 

A note on raffles: Rules vary by state and locality, so ticket sales, eligibility, and prize claims may work a little differently depending on where you are.

2. Givebutter

Best fit: Givebutter works for grassroots and small-scale charities running their first online auction. It gives a volunteer-run team a way to set up online bidding alongside its donation and event pages, without requiring much technical know-how to get started.

Features

• Online and mobile bidding with automatic bid extensions on active items
• Buy Now option for supporters who want to purchase outright
• Auction pages that connect to donations, events, and ticketing
• Real-time bid tracking with outbid alerts for participants

Limitations

• Auction item images must be uploaded one at a time, with no bulk option available
• Reporting and data exports are limited for teams that need detailed metrics
• The platform does not collect sales tax on auction items, leaving that to your team

Pricing

Free when donor tips are enabled, under Givebutter’s tip-or-fee model. If you hide tips, the platform charges a flat 3% fee, plus payment processing around 2.9% + 30¢ on each transaction. 

Givebutter Plus, with advanced tools, starts at $29 per month, billed annually.

3. OneCause

Best fit: For established nonprofits running large-scale galas and event nights, OneCause is a good pick. Its mobile bidding and on-site event support are built to support event-night check-in, bidding, and checkout. 

Features

• Mobile bidding with text-to-bid and real-time outbid alerts
• Silent, live, and fund-a-need auction formats in one event
• Ticketing, table seating, and guest check-in tools
• Payment processing through an integrated Stripe-based system

Limitations

• Setup carries a steep learning curve, so planning auctions takes time
• Customization and reporting options feel rigid to some users
• CRM integration gaps and limited message automation frustrate some teams

Pricing 

• Pay-As-You-Go starts with an upfront payment of $500, with a 5% fee on funds raised (capped). Designed for nonprofits raising ≤ $50,000 annually.
• Professional plan available at $2,995/year (includes auctions, mobile bidding, ticketing, and sponsorship tools).
• Enterprise and Nationals plans are custom-priced depending on event size and features.

Payment processing charges start at 2% per transaction.

4. GiveSmart

Best fit: GiveSmart works for nonprofits and schools that run auctions alongside other fundraising. As a nonprofit auction software solution with a built-in donor database, it suits teams that want mobile bidding, ticketing, and donor tracking all under one contract.

Features

• Web-based mobile bidding with leaderboard displays
• Item procurement tracking to avoid duplicate donations
• Ticketing, registration, and peer-to-peer campaign tools
• Built-in donor management with text-to-donate

Limitations

• Donors bid through the browser, since there is no native app
• Pricing is quote-only, and users describe contracts as inflexible
• Some fields, like pledged-item details, cannot be customized

Pricing 

GiveSmart uses annual subscription pricing, custom-quoted by organization size and event needs.

5. Handbid

Best fit: Handbid is a professional auction software tool that offers a polished, concierge-level experience. It features strong app-based mobile and live bidding, plus the option for organizations to create a custom-branded app.

Features

• Native mobile apps plus browser-based bidding
• Buy Now pricing and maximum-bid settings for participants
• In-app live-streaming and chat for hybrid events
• Ticketing, registration, and guest check-in

Limitations

• Some users find the interface clunky for first-time bidders
• Building large item catalogs may require significant preparation time
• The platform carries a steeper learning curve for new users

Pricing 

Handbid does not publish pricing on its site, so quotes come through contact. 

6. Auctria

Best fit: Auctria works for first-time and volunteer-run auctions that gather donated items from across their community. Its procurement tracking follows each item from the initial solicitation through to sale, which helps a small team stay on top of donations while running silent and live bidding.

Features

• Online, mobile, and text bidding options
• Item solicitation and procurement tracking
• Ticketing and donation collection
• Printable bid sheets and auction catalogs

Limitations

• Users describe the interface as clunky, which complicates navigation
• Customization is limited across the website and email editors
• Adding item categories can be awkward and hard to control

Pricing 

• Explorer: Free, up to $10,000 income a year, 250 bidders, 3 team members, and a 1% Auctria card fee.
• Emerald: $375 a year, up to $50,000 income, 750 bidders, 10 team members, texting, and a 0.5% card fee.
• Diamond: $750 a year, unlimited income tracking, 1,000 bidders, 99 team members, and a 0.25% card fee.

Optional setup help is available on top through Auctria Services (Launch Foundation at $499 per event, Launch Advantage at $749, and Launch Premier at custom pricing) and Add-on Assist coaching calls ($49.95 for 20 minutes or $99.95 for 45 minutes). 

Card processing runs through Stripe or Authorize.Net, with their own fees applying alongside Auctria’s.

Note: Explorer plan excludes texting, and once tracked income passes $10,000 it stops accepting bids, purchases, and donations until you upgrade.

7. ClickBid

Best fit: ClickBid auction site is for mid-size nonprofits that want straightforward mobile bidding for their events. Its event websites and text-to-register flow make it easy for supporters to join virtual and hybrid auctions from home. 

Features

• Online and mobile bidding with text-to-register
• Custom event pages for catalog, tickets, and donations
• EventStream video streaming for live and virtual auctions
• Segmented email and text messaging to bidders
• Dedicated customer advisor for training and event-day support

Limitations

• Ticketing and live-streaming sit behind upper pricing tiers
• The interface can feel dated during setup
• Standard forms offer limited customization

Pricing 

• Essentials ($895 a year): Mobile bidding and online auctions, online donations and peer-to-peer, custom event pages, embeddable forms, QR codes, real-time displays, volunteer tools, reporting, API integrations, and day-of-event phone support.
• Full Suite ($1,495 a year): Everything in Essentials, plus online ticket sales, guest and table management, segmented email and text messaging, and EventStream video streaming for virtual and hybrid auctions.

A 3.5% fee applies to credit card transactions, and a dedicated customer advisor can be added for $100 an hour for extra training and pre-event support.

8. GalaBid

Best fit: For simple online events, GalaBid is one of the easiest auction software for nonprofits to run. Guests bid on a phone or tablet with no app download required, and payments are deposited directly to the organization through a connected Stripe account.

Features

• Pre-event bidding to open sales before the live event
• Silent auctions, raffles, and ticketing in one campaign
• Leaderboards and text notifications for live events
• Absentee bidding and remote access for off-site supporters

Limitations

• Costs can climb for larger campaigns and events
• Some users may find the page templates visually limited
• Advanced features may carry extra fees

Pricing

• Free: Funded by suggested tips at checkout, with 10% of those tips shared back to your cause.
• Pro: A 4.9% fee that removes the tip prompt from your campaign.
• Flat Fee: $1,250 per campaign, suited to larger events.

Stripe processing applies across all plans and can be passed to participants or absorbed.

9. SchoolAuction.net

Best fit: Designed for schools and PTOs, SchoolAuction.net offers a selection of templates to help create various fundraisers. These cover formats such as crowdfunding, memberships, and online stores, and support in-person, online, and hybrid events.

Features

• Online, mobile, and live bidding with outbid alerts
• Unlimited items and bidders on every plan
• Advance check-in and self-check-out for guests
• Sponsorship packages and promotion tools

Limitations

• The feature set can overwhelm smaller, simpler events
• Integration options with outside tools are limited
• The mobile experience trails the desktop version

Pricing

• Acorn: $79 per event, pay-as-you-grow, with a 3% performance fee on all revenue plus a 3% + $0.30 payment-processing fee per transaction. Supporters can be asked to cover some or all fees.
• Essentials: $1,000 a year for a traditional gala or online auction.
• Plus: $1,500 a year, adding mobile bidding, text-to-give, and your own card processor.
• Professional: $2,000 per year, including virtual, live, and hybrid auctions with phone support.

10. Greater Giving

Best fit: Greater Giving is best suited to large nonprofits and institutions that run large, operationally complex galas with heavy on-site logistics. As an auction management software tool built around the event floor, it keeps a high volume of guests moving through a busy night without bottlenecks.

Features

• Online and mobile bidding with outbid and max-bid options
• On-site check-in, check-out, and card-swipe hardware
• Virtual fund-a-need with real-time donor recognition
• Video embed and live-streaming for hybrid galas

Limitations

• Geared toward events with budgets around $50,000 and up
• Website and backend editing can frustrate small teams
• Volunteer log-in and setup carry a learning curve

Pricing 

Greater Giving quotes custom packages, such as its Event and Express bundles, based on the features and support a nonprofit needs.

11. CharityAuctions

Best fit: This charity auction website suits teams that want a self-serve setup. Schools and nonprofits create their item catalog, set bid amounts, and open online and mobile bidding themselves. So, an auction can be launched without much technical work. 

Features

• Online and mobile bidding with a custom auction site
• Ticketing, donations, and buy-now item options
• Bid receipts showing purchase price and fair market value
• Real-time dashboards to track auction progress

Limitations

• Standard forms offer limited customization
• The feature range can be confusing to learn at first
• In-person event tools are lighter than gala platforms

Pricing 

The free-start option has no upfront charge and unlimited items, on a default 5% bidder and 5% organization fee split, paid only as money comes in.

Done-For-You auction plans, priced by item count with full concierge setup:

• Launchpad: $1,497, up to 100 items.
• Growth Catalyst: $1,997, up to 150 items.
• Gala Pro: $2,497, up to 200 items.
• Signature Event: $2,997, up to 250 items.
• Elite Experience: $3,497, up to 300 items.

Do It Yourself per-event plans, self-run with zero platform fee on sales:

• Starter: $197, up to 10 items.
• Growth: $397, up to 25 items.
• Event: $697, up to 50 items.
• Gala: $1,097, up to 100 items.

Optional Live Event Success bundles can be added to a plan: The Revenue Maximizer at $797, The Flawless Execution Pack at $1,697, and The Hands-Off Masterpiece at $2,797. 

How to choose the right auction software for nonprofits?

Your event format, budget, and how auctions fit your broader fundraising goals are a few factors that determine your ideal auction management software platform. Start with how you actually plan to host your auction, then match the platform to it.

Here are some criteria to help you choose the right auction software for nonprofits:

• Fee structure: Compare platform fees, processing rates, and whether donor tips can offset your costs before funds reach your organization
• Ease of setup: First-time volunteers need a platform they can launch without training, while larger teams may want deeper configuration
• Standalone or full-cycle: Decide whether you need an auction management software solution alone or a platform that also handles donations, events, and campaigns
• Item and catalog capacity: Check whether the platform’s item limit fits your expected catalog. A manageable number of high-quality items that appeal to your audience often raises more than a large one
• Bidding options: Look for mobile, text, and proxy bidding so supporters can take part however they prefer
• Support and event help: Check whether the charity auction website offers onboarding and live support for your auctions as needed
• Budget and event size: Weigh annual or per-event pricing against how often you run auctions and how much each one raises

Set your nonprofit auction up for success!

Choosing a nonprofit auction software solution comes down to a few things that matter most: ease of use, the features your event actually needs, and pricing that fits your budget. 

Get those right, and the platform handles the busywork of bidding and checkout. That frees you to focus on the parts of an auction that need a human touch, like connecting with donors and building excitement in the room.

Start by listing the features your auction depends on. Shortlist a few platforms that cover them, compare their pricing side by side, and sign up for free demos to see how easily your team can set up a campaign. 

DoJiggy is an all-in-one fundraising platform that gives you one place to plan and manage your auction from start to finish. 

Mobile bidding, text-to-bid, catalog setup, automated outbid alerts, and one-click checkout all live in one place, free to start.

FAQs on auction software for nonprofits