Best Mobile Bidding Software for Nonprofits (Reviewed and Compared)
CharityAuctions (formerly Charity Auctions Today) is mobile bidding software for small and medium nonprofits and schools. No app. Guests bid in the browser.
Test it together before you decide. Nothing public until you say so.
Last updated: August 2026 · By Tom Kelly, CEO of CharityAuctions.com
Mobile bidding software comparison
| Feature | CharityAuctions | OneCause | GiveSmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | CharityAuctions | OneCause | GiveSmart |
| Mobile bidding (no app) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Upfront cost | None | $2,000–$5,000+ | Custom pricing |
| Fees | 5% / from $499+3% / 0% | $2,000–$5,000+ | Custom pricing |
| Payment processing | Integrated | Integrated | Integrated |
| Text to give / donate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outbid alerts | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free support | ✓ | Varies | Varies |
Comparison based on publicly available information. Pricing and features may change. For current details, visit each platform and CharityAuctions pricing.
CharityAuctions fees
$0 to start. You pick a plan. You can pass fees to bidders.
| Plan | Fee | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing Out of Pocket | 5% | You pay 5% of funds raised. $0 to start. |
| Prepaid and Save | from $499 plus 3% | You prepay from $499. Then 3%. |
| Custom Discounts | 0% | No platform percentage. Built for volume. |
What is mobile bidding software for nonprofits?
You let guests bid from their phones. No app. They open a link, register, browse items, and get outbid alerts in real time. Winners pay on the device. Mobile bidding increases participation by 52% and revenue by up to 30% compared to paper bid sheets.
You get an item catalog, outbid notifications, instant checkout, and donor exports in one place. Many platforms also support text to donate and paddle raise. You do not need a dedicated app. In-browser bidding is the standard, so guests who would skip a download still bid. See our mobile bidding guide.
Key features to look for in mobile bidding software for nonprofits
- 1No app. Guests bid in the browser on any device.
- 2Outbid alerts. Real-time texts so guests bid again.
- 3Instant checkout. Card on file. Winners pay on their phones.
- 4Payment processing. Built-in checkout. Card once at registration. Automated receipts.
- 5Text to give. Paddle raise and fund-a-need in the same event. See text to donate for nonprofits.
- 6Donor exports. CSV for thank-yous and your CRM.
Why CharityAuctions.com?
You get 4.9/5, $0 to start, and no sales call. Median 10 minutes to first item. No tip prompt. Built for small and medium nonprofits and schools. You run silent, live, or hybrid in one place.
- ✓4.9/5. Rated by teams who run the event themselves.
- ✓$0 to start. 5%, or from $499 plus 3%, or 0%.
- ✓No sales call. You test it with your team before you decide.
- ✓Median 10 minutes to first item. You can be live the same sitting.
- ✓No tip prompt. Transparent checkout. No optional tips.
- ✓No app required. Guests use any browser. Higher participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mobile bidding software for nonprofits?
The best mobile bidding software for nonprofits and schools works in a browser. No app. You get real-time outbid alerts, integrated payment processing, and instant mobile checkout. Mobile bidding increases donor participation by 52% and revenue by up to 30% compared to paper bid sheets. CharityAuctions includes these with $0 to start, free support, and no donor tip prompts. For a side-by-side comparison, see our platform comparisons hub.
Do nonprofits need a dedicated app for mobile bidding?
No. You send a link or QR code. Guests open it in the browser. No download. In-browser bidding is the standard for charity auctions because it removes the biggest barrier to participation. If you require an app, some guests will skip bidding. CharityAuctions works on any device with no app.
What is mobile bidding?
Mobile bidding lets guests bid from their phones using a web link. No app download required. They register, browse items, place bids, and receive outbid alerts in real time. Winners pay instantly from their devices. It increases participation by 52% and revenue by up to 30% compared to paper bid sheets.
How does mobile bidding work at charity events?
Guests scan a QR code or click a link to open your auction. They register with their phone number and payment method, then browse items and place bids. When outbid, they get instant text notifications. When bidding closes, winners pay on their phones. No checkout lines. The platform handles donor data, bid tracking, and receipts.
Can mobile bidding integrate with payment processing?
Yes. You get built-in payment processing. Guests enter a card once at registration. Winning bids charge automatically. No manual entry. No long checkout lines. See our features page for payment and checkout details.
What does mobile bidding software cost?
CharityAuctions is $0 to start. Nothing Out of Pocket is 5%. Prepaid and Save is from $499 plus 3%. Custom Discounts is 0%. Other platforms charge $2,000–$7,000+ per year or custom enterprise pricing. Always ask about payment processing fees and hidden costs. See our pricing breakdown.
Is mobile bidding better than paper bid sheets?
Yes. Mobile bidding can increase participation by 52% and revenue by up to 30%. Paper typically gets two bids per item. Mobile gets three to four times more. Guests bid more easily, get outbid alerts, and pay instantly. No manual data entry or long checkout lines for your team.
Build a private demo for the team
Test it together before you decide. Nothing public until you say so.
Build a private demo for the team