14 best silent auction software sites for nonprofits

Compare the top silent auction software platforms by features, pricing, pros, cons, and more to find the best fit for your nonprofit event.

Auctions are a tried-and-true way to raise money for your nonprofit—but it takes solid planning, coordination, and tools to be successful. 

The right nonprofit auction software can help you engage more supporters and bring in more donations while lightening your workload. We’ll walk you through the best silent auction platforms for nonprofits to help you find the best fit for your next fundraising campaign. 

The best silent auction sites at a glance 

1. Givebutter: Best overall
2. OneCause: For nonprofits with a larger budget
3. Clickbid: For nonprofits with fewer customization needs
4. ReadySetAuction: For in-person donor management
5. Qgiv: For nonprofits that need flexible fundraising tools
6. Auctria: For small nonprofit auctions
7. Silent Auction Pro: For in-person event management
8. Handbid: For an engaging app experience
9. 32Auctions: For a free option
10. Charity Auctions Today: For auctions with a large inventory
11. Qtego: For auction software and support services
12. Accelevents: For multi-faceted virtual events
13. BiddingOwl: For the basics
14. eBay for Charity: For ongoing charity sales

How we created this list

To build this list of the best auction sites, we focused on must-have features that high-quality nonprofit auction software should offer, including:

• User-friendly design (for you and your bidders)
• Transparent pricing 
• Mobile bidding capacity
• Real-time auction updates
• Customization tools
• Built-in messaging (text and email)
• Responsive and accessible design
• Data management and reporting features
• User privacy

Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one event management tool or a simple mobile bidding platform, there are plenty of great auction sites to choose from. 

Let’s dive into the best auction websites for nonprofits!

1. Givebutter: Best overall

Givebutter brings together everything nonprofits need to raise funds, host events, engage supporters, and manage donor data—all for free. In fact, Givebutter’s auction software is one of the best free online auction sites available. 

Known for its modern, donor-friendly design and easy back-end management, this all-in-one fundraising platform makes silent auctions run as smooth as butter. And while 63% of donors prefer to give online, Givebutter also makes it easy to accept offline donations for auction items, making your event more accessible for all.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Givebutter from Greenwood Elementary. 

⚡️ Key features: 

• Unlimited auction items with full customization
• Preview items with “view only” mode to generate excitement for live auctions
• Custom categories for optimal browsing
• Free QR codes and downloadable bid sheets
• Automated email and text messages to bidders
• Seamless mobile bidding and bid notifications
• Automatic and manual bidding options
• Convenient luxury travel packages without the extra legwork
• Quick checkout and item fulfillment tracking
• Easily handle offline payments for auction items
• Manually declare winners to allow for even more flexibility
• Built-in event management features for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events
• Access to 100+ additional fundraising features, including built-in donation management software

📱 Auction app requirements: Unlike other auction websites, which require users to download an app to bid, Givebutter’s mobile-friendly auction fundraising solution lets supporters browse items, bid, scan QR codes, and receive notifications on any device—no bidding app required. With more than 33% of online donations being made on mobile devices, offering your supporters a simple, low-barrier way to get involved is essential. 

💰 Pricing: Like all of Givebutter's features, the auction solution is free thanks to Givebutter’s transparent tip-or-fee model. For users who choose to disable optional donor tips, a standard event fee of 5% (which donors can choose to cover) applies.

👍 Pros: Seamless integration with Givebutter’s full suite of free fundraising and event tools—including donor management (CRM), email marketing, and text messaging. The platform is regularly updated with new features like live mode, manual registrations, and winner declarations, and comes with award-winning customer service.

“We had a fantastic experience using Givebutter for our Night at the Theatre event and auction! The platform was incredibly user-friendly for both our team and our guests, making it easy to promote the event, manage ticket sales, and host the online auction seamlessly.” — Matt M., Director of Development

👎 Cons: Givebutter’s auction management software is newer and less widely recognized than others on this list. However, Givebutter was recently named one of the highest-rated auction software for nonprofits on G2 based on user satisfaction. 

“It does have a few shortcomings depending on your needs. For that, there is a community of most requested items/features to add that Givebutter is actively working on. Our nonprofit would have happily paid for those options if they were available, considering how much was already free. — Dani T., Accounts Payable

💥 Our take: Givebutter is perfect for nonprofit organizations of all sizes looking to ditch multiple, expensive fundraising tools and bring their auctions online or hybrid in one easy, centralized platform.

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LINK: https://givebutter.com/auctions

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2. OneCause: For nonprofits with a larger budget 

OneCause is a full-suite fundraising and event management platform that offers mobile bidding auction software alongside popular features like peer-to-peer fundraising and text-to-give. 

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on OneCause from The Eliza Hope Foundation.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Mobile bidding
• Real-time scoreboards
• User-friendly registration and checkout
• Ticketing and table assignments
• Item and package management
• Flexible sponsorship opportunities
• Raffles and fixed-price packages
• Robust reporting and analytics
• Automatic email receipts

📱 Auction app requirements: OneCause doesn’t require a mobile app—supporters receive a link via text and place bids through a mobile-friendly auction page.

💰 Pricing: Multiple custom pricing plans are available based on the number of features and level of support your organization needs. For pricing information, a consultation is required, but we’ve heard it has a premium price tag of around $1,900+ per year.

👍 Pros: OneCause offers extensive training and direct support to help users make the most of its auction experience.

“The platform was easy to use for our silent auction, their support team was available the night of the event when we had questions, and payments processed at the end were processed without a hitch.” — Tracy T., Board Member

👎 Cons: Some backend features—like image uploading and reporting—can be difficult to use or glitchy. Many users also state there’s little ability to customize. 

“The one thing I dislike about OneCause is the difficulty in uploading multiple pictures for online auction items. It takes a couple of extra steps to do and it is time consuming.” — Ellen R., Grants Coordinator

💥 Our take: OneCause outshines many online auction for nonprofit sites with its best-in-class auction features and premium consulting. However, the lack of user-friendliness and full customization—paired with a hefty price tag—makes this a less viable option for new and budget-conscious organizations. 

3. Clickbid: For nonprofits with fewer customization needs

Clickbid is a nonprofit auction site that integrates with several CRMs. Branded as a “happy highway,” Clickbid offers seamless onboarding and easy integration, helping nonprofits feel confident during their silent auctions.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Clickbid from the Forgotten Harvest.

⚡️ Key features:

• Automated communication with donors
• Volunteer tools
• Self-registration
• Recurring giving options
• Event landing pages
• Concurrent event capabilities

📱 Auction app requirements: No mobile app is required—supporters can check in, bid, and check out from their web browser on any mobile device. 

💰 Pricing: ClickBid’s pricing is based on feature access. The full suite package, which gives users access to all their features plus direct customer support and livestreaming capabilities, is $2,295 per year.

👍 Pros: A highly-rated checkout process, user-friendly bidding interface, and seamless CRM integrations make ClickBid a comprehensive online auction software for nonprofits.

“The instant ‘you've been outbid’ notifications are tied with the speed of checking out our donors at the end of the night.” — Jessica P., ClickBid User

👎 Cons: ClickBid lacks the customization options offered by some other bidding sites.

“I dislike how the platform looks when it is live for our guests. I wish users had more editing power.” — Hannah L., Community Engagement Specialist

💥 Our take: Overall, users seem quite happy with this software. Though it isn’t as customizable as other options on the market, it’s a solid choice for organizations that run multiple auctions a year and want a straightforward, reliable solution.

4. ReadySetAuction: For in-person donor management

A cloud-based, end-to-end event management system, ReadySetAuction covers all the bases from RSVPs and meal selections to auction donation tracking and post-event reporting. With a focus on secure usability, ReadySetAuction is a go-to solution for many in-person fundraising events.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on ReadySetAuction from the S.A.F.E. Place.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Ready-to-print auction materials
• Donation tracking
• Ability to combine donations into baskets
• Up to 50 backend users
• Email and printed donor receipts
• Risk-free auction items

📱 Auction app requirements: No mobile bidding app is required, but supporters can browse and bid on items, make a donation, and check out from their mobile devices.

💰 Pricing: Pricing plans range from $1,099 to $1,999 per year. Each package includes unlimited nonconcurring events for one year, unlimited bids, online resources, and email support.

👍 Pros: Transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

“You can set up your sponsors, packages and bidders fairly easily. I love that you can run, easily set up, and manage an online auction in lieu of or in addition to a live or silent auction.” — Darren R., AVP of Training and Development

👎 Cons: Users can only run one event at a time. Many donors also find the compulsory account creation frustrating. 

“It doesn't look great. We also had a few people get outbid notifications when they were not outbid, so they were then confused when they won the item.” — Kira F., Marketing and Outreach Coordinator

⭐️ Best for: The price point makes this software ideal for organizations with a robust budget that regularly host seated, in-person fundraisers.

💥 Our take: For organizations that need help streamlining tickets, meals, and seating for their live auctions—without worrying about hidden fees—ReadySetAuction is a great option. 

5. Qgiv: For nonprofits that need flexible fundraising tools

Qgiv is a highly customizable silent auction software for nonprofits that allows users to accept online donations, set up text giving, and manage table assignments. It also integrates with popular CRM and email solutions like Mailchimp and Salesforce.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Qgiv from the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Minnesota.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Multiple bidding capabilities (swipe to bid and bid via QR code)
• Auction item watchlist
• Unlimited auctions
• Automated push notifications
• Pre-built and custom backend reports
• Custom ticketing options (e.g., discounts, promo codes)
• In-person attendee information gathering

📱 Auction app requirements: Qgiv does have a dedicated app for mobile bidding. Supporters can also visit the auction page on their mobile devices if they prefer to not download an app.‍

💰 Pricing: Qgiv’s base package is $25 per month. Auction capabilities cost an additional $259 per month. Other features, such as text giving and peer-to-peer fundraising, come with their own monthly fees. 

👍 Pros: All plans include unlimited donation forms, events, customer support, and backend users. Plus, Qgiv offers plenty of customization options and integrations with other platforms.

“With the auction package we are able to create a one-stop shop where people can purchase their tickets and bid on silent auction items. It is awesome. We have really been able to personalize the site each year and make it match with the theme.” — Abi W., Associate Director of Philanthropy

👎 Cons: Costs for additional fundraising features can add up quickly.

“Qgiv lacks connectivity between the event and giving modules. It needs to attach an auction feature to the event module so donors can view and bid on items and also be tracked for winning bids on live auction items.” — Peter B., President

💥 Our take: Qgiv ranks high among the best online bidding sites and silent auction apps for nonprofits. Just note that additional features like auctions, text giving, and peer-to-peer fundraising may be cost-prohibitive for smaller nonprofits.

6. Auctria: For small nonprofit auctions 

Auctria offers event and auction management features that cover the small details other fundraising auction sites often overlook. Users especially praise its ease of use, responsive customer service, and robust features compared to competitors.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Auctria from the Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Real-time auction monitoring
• Streamlined inventory management
• Detailed donor tracking
• “Buy now” options for bidders
• Sponsorship management
• Raffles

📱 Auction app requirements: Auctria does offer an app for mobile bidding. Supporters can also access the auction page on their mobile devices if they prefer.

💰 Pricing: Organizations that make $10K or less per year and expect no more than 250 bidders per event qualify for the free plan. Above that, organizations pay between $350 and $700 per year based on annual revenue. 

👍 Pros: Small organizations can access many popular fundraising auction software features for free.

“The low cost of the software is the best and easiest thing to promote about the Auctria software. The ease of usability is on par with or above a lot of the auction software we use, so that is very nice.” — Dan N., Auctioneer and Fundraising Consultant

👎 Cons: Auctria’s bidding interface is not as modern or intuitive as some competitors. Many users complain about the bidder experience being confusing, especially at checkout. 

“Website and email editors are a bit clunky, especially if you're going for a highly customized look. It's also quite annoying that every time you add an item category, it gets added to the navigation bar on your public site automatically. I do wish there was a bit more customization available for event registrations, such as custom fields during participant registration/account updates.” — Tammy A., Small Business Owner

💥 Our take: Auctria is a budget-friendly option for small nonprofits running auction-only events. Larger nonprofits, however, might find its reporting and event management features too limited.

7. Silent Auction Pro: For in-person event management

Silent Auction Pro is a comprehensive nonprofit auction and event platform offering ticketing, seating, mobile bidding, and marketing capabilities for every kind of auction.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Silent Auction Pro from the platform’s demo account.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Live paddle raise option
• Drag-and-drop seating management
• Virtual confetti drop to celebrate fundraising goals
• Custom ticketing
• Text-to-give
• Event summaries and reporting 
• Automatic outbid notifications

📱 Auction app requirements: No mobile app is required. Supporters can bid from any mobile device, even if they don’t have a smartphone.  

💰 Pricing: Pricing plans range from $449 to $899 per year. The most expensive packages offer hybrid, in-person, and virtual auction capabilities. All plans include a 2% fee on auction proceeds (capped at $2,000 per event) plus 1% of ticket proceeds.

👍 Pros: Users praise Silent Auction Pro’s ease of use and simplicity.

“While I would not call Silent Auction Pro the most user-friendly website in existence, it is user-friendly, and with a minimal amount of practice, it becomes very easy to get around. The reports are also very useful and easy to generate.” — John F. K., Property Manager

👎 Cons: There’s an extra cost to import data, and some of the Silent Auction Pro interfaces can feel a bit outdated.

“For people who are not tech savvy, there is a learning curve getting yourself set up to participate in mobile bidding. Some of our parents and grandparents became frustrated the first year and missed the social aspect of checking on the bidding sheets.” — Anne W., Silent Auction Pro User

💥 Our take: Silent Auction Pro boasts an impressive list of auction and event management features at a smaller price tag than many of its competitors. It’s a great choice for nonprofits running multiple in-person auctions per year. 

8. Handbid: For an engaging app experience

Handbid is a mobile-first auction software app that includes event ticketing and registration, real-time bidding, live streaming, and a host of features designed to make the auction process smoother for both event organizers and attendees.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a demo silent auction hosted on Handbid. 

⚡️ Key features: 

• Ticket scanning and check-in
• Interactive auction catalogs
• Engaging real-time bidding updates
• Streamlined checkout experience
• Event websites
• Analytics and reporting

📱 Auction app requirements: Users can download the Handbid app on iOS or Android to engage with your in-person, virtual, or hybrid auction. They could also use the web browser on their phone or tablet.

💰 Pricing: Pricing starts at $1,396 for the software, plus payment processing fees of 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction.

👍 Pros: Reviewers say the software is easy to use—even for non-tech-savvy users.

“The product is user-friendly for both our staff and donors. The team always goes above and beyond to help us!” — Tiffany P., Executive Director

👎 Cons: The pricing packages are likely to be unaffordable for many nonprofits, especially with many low-cost options out there.

“It's not the cheapest platform out there, but super easy to use.” — Valerie J., Program Director

💥 Our take: Handbid’s real-time features and user-friendly interface make it a great choice for nonprofits with a larger technology budget.

9. 32Auctions: For a free option

32Auctions is a free online auction site for nonprofits. Users can create an auction, add items, and invite supporters to participate. 

The free online bidding site is designed to work for both online-only and hybrid silent auctions. 

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a demo silent auction hosted on 32Auctions. 

⚡️ Key features: 

• Online auction listing
• Personalized auction pages
• Upload up to 1,000 auction items
• Bidding notifications
• Accept multiple payment methods, including Stripe and PayPal

📱 Auction app requirements: There’s no mobile app, so users view and bid on auction items through a web browser.

💰 Pricing: 32Auctions offers a free plan with limited features. Users can customize their upgrades or choose a predetermined plan—with the “most popular” plan starting at $110 per auction.

👍 Pros: Users comment on how mobile-friendly the auction webpages are.

“The features! They have awesome remote bidding features for buyers and easy ways for the administrators to post auction items and see who has bid on the items.” — Charlotte, Volunteer Specialist

👎 Cons: The platform has limited customization, and there’s no dedicated app to make bidding easier for event guests.

“We need to be able to easily match donors with the bidders of their items and this software does not allow you to do that. A difficult to manage work-around is necessary.” — Paul, Administrator

💥 Our take: 32Auctions could be a useful tool for budget-conscious nonprofits that don’t need event ticketing or advanced engagement features.

10. Charity Auctions Today: For auctions with a large inventory

Charity Auctions Today helps nonprofits quickly create an auction page, bulk upload items, and promote the event to their audience. The platform also includes tools like ticketing, donation forms, and raffles.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Charity Auctions Today. 

⚡️ Key features: 

• Auction Setup Wizard™
• Attendee management
• Guest pre-registration and check-in
• Event ticketing
• Popcorn bidding
• Contact, payment, and shipping detail management

📱 Auction app requirements: While there isn’t an app, users can access auctions from their web browser to register, place bids, and pay for their items.

💰 Pricing: Nonprofits can get started for free with the Flex plan, paying only when they sell auction items. For more features, the Pre-Paid plan ranges from $297-$1,500. 

👍 Pros: Users with a high volume of items will appreciate the bulk upload wizard.

“It was pretty simple to set up and go live. Bidders seem to have no problems signing up and making bids.” — David K., Senior Partner

👎 Cons: Some reviewers wish donors had the option to cover fees, as they can with other platforms like Givebutter.

“Most of it was great. Could see some tweaks in the reporting options. It was a little hard to match winners with auctions afterward based on the reports.” — Jeffrey S., Small Business Owner

💥 Our take: Charity Auctions Today is ideal for nonprofits and charities that want to host a big auction. Its bulk upload wizard makes auction setup fast and efficient.

11. Qtego: For auction software and support services

Qtego is an event fundraising platform and service provider offering personalized auction support and mobile bidding tools for nonprofits that want a more in-depth, full-service approach.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Qtego. 

⚡️ Key features: 

• Customized, branded interfaces
• Guest management
• Mobile bidding
• Virtual fundraising events
• Built-in checkout

📱 Auction app requirements: Qtego doesn’t offer a mobile app. Supporters can place or update their bids via text or the online auction page.

💰 Pricing: All pricing plans are personalized, so users need to get in touch with Qtego directly for a customized quote.

👍 Pros: Users can benefit from not just auction technology but a more personal event planning experience.

“I love that it is easy to upload pictures and descriptions. You can even upload photos on-site for things that come at the last minute—like they often do! I love the value and option for changing bid levels, too.” — Heather S., Nonprofit President

👎 Cons: The lack of a mobile app and engagement features may mean this isn’t the right software for some nonprofits.

“I found it harder to use for the Fund the Need portion of the evening. That element really needs on-site staff to help. I do love the software though and found it less expensive than some others we researched.” — Heather S., Nonprofit President

💥 Our take: Qtego is a solid choice for nonprofits that are looking auction software as well as a hands-on support team to help them with planning and execution.

12. Accelevents: For multi-faceted virtual events 

Accelevents is a robust event management platform with optional add-ons for several fundraising event features, including silent auctions, text-to-give, raffles, fund-a-need, and online donations.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on Accelevents from the Mountain Allowance.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Online and text message bidding
• Custom reminders and push notifications 
• Integrated livestreaming and gamification for events
• Breakout rooms for online events
• In-depth event ROI tracking

📱 Auction app requirements: Accelevents allows supporters to bid and donate via text—no app download required.

💰 Pricing: Pricing for Accelevents starts at $5,000 for one event or $12,000 for the Business plan that includes unlimited events.

👍 Pros: Users have been impressed with Accelevents' virtual event engagement features and exceptional tech support.

“The sales and onboarding teams have been super helpful with implementation and we've appreciated how quick they are to respond by the live chat function and email. They have also been willing to work with us on a customized Salesforce approval flow unique for our membership-based trade association.” — Trenton M., Senior Programs Manager

👎 Cons: Some customers have reported a lack of transparency in the final pricing. Some users have also expressed frustration with the mobile experience.

“If I had to pick one thing that was quirky it would be the mobile app. It was a bit cumbersome for us. But, we are an in-person event only. Sometimes people would be redirected to the browser instead of the actual app and they'd get frustrated.” — Amy K., Membership and Events Coordinator

💥 Our take: If you're running a large in-person, virtual, or hybrid event like a multi-day conference or summit, Accelevents could be just what you're looking for. But for silent auctions and core fundraising features, other platforms may offer a better value.

13. BiddingOwl: For the basics

BiddingOwl provides free online auction management software for nonprofits hosting fully virtual, hybrid, or in-person silent auctions. While it has a slightly outdated look and feel, the platform offers the core features needed for a smooth-running auction, including unlimited auction items and easy self-service checkout for bidders.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on BiddingOwl for Richmond Dance Society. 

‍⚡️ Key features: 

• Custom auction webpages
• Mobile bidding 
• Text and email notifications for bidders
• Printed bid sheets for in-room bidding
• Featured sponsorships and sponsor ads

📱 Auction app requirements: BiddingOwl does not offer a mobile app.

💰 Pricing: This online auction platform for nonprofits is free to use, but charges a 5% performance fee on winning bids, plus PayPal transaction fees starting at 2.9%.

👍 Pros: BiddingOwl gives you the option to allow pre-bidding on auction items to create buzz ahead of your event. 

“I've been using Bidding Owl for an annual fundraiser for the past 5 years. I find it very easy to use and customer support is always there to help.” — Denise W., Small Business Owner

👎 Cons: As the name suggests, BiddingOwl is an auction site—only. This platform doesn’t integrate with third-party apps outside of PayPal, so all of your event ticketing, email marketing, and donor follow-up must be done externally, which can take up lots of extra time and get unnecessarily complicated. 

“Would like the ability to embed the auction site to our website. This obviates the need to switch to another website, then have to return to our website.” — Vincent Y., BiddingOwl User

💥 Our take: BiddingOwl is a functional, no-frills option for hosting online auctions. But if you want to save time and integrate your auction events with your donor management system and engagement tools, other free online auction sites may be worth exploring. 

14. eBay for Charity: For ongoing charity sales

For nonprofits that would like to turn quality, donated goods into ongoing revenue, eBay offers Charity Seller capabilities. With eBay Charity Sellers, nonprofits can auction off donated goods and receive direct payments.

👀 See it in action: Check out this example of a silent auction hosted on eBay from the Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington.

⚡️ Key features: 

• Special ribbon added to listings to indicate charity status
• Option to invite supporters to sell items on behalf of your organization
• A huge audience of over 159 million buyers
• Easy registration and account setup

📱 Auction app requirements: eBay offers a mobile app for buyers and sellers, but it's not a requirement to access your charity listings.

💰 Pricing: Charity Sellers pay a final value fee of 2% per sale, plus $0.40 per order (or $0.30 per order under $10). Additional eBay listing or subscription fees may apply. 

👍 Pros: Nonprofits can receive donations through community selling and checkout donations, regardless of how many items they personally list.

‍👎 Cons: eBay doesn’t offer tools to track or engage new donors, making it more difficult to build relationships.

💥 Our take: For nonprofits with frequent in-kind donations or limited ability to host full-scale auction events, eBay for Charity offers a passive way to raise funds through item sales.

The best online auction sites for nonprofits: Which one is right for you?

Every event is unique, which is why choosing the best auction software for your nonprofit takes careful consideration. Think about the features you need, your budget, and the level of support your team may require. 

Whether you’re planning a hybrid silent auction or a fully virtual event, Givebutter is our top choice. Create a custom event experience that makes giving fun for everyone—with easy bidder registration, online and offline payments, and a preview mode to generate buzz before bidding starts.

Sign up today and get started in minutes.