Online auction softwarefor nonprofits and schools
CharityAuctions (formerly Charity Auctions Today) is online auction software for small and medium nonprofits and schools. You run a $1,000-$75,000 event on top of a real job. 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
Online auction fees
$0 to start. You pick a plan. You can pass fees to bidders. This page is for online auctions. Need a silent auction at a live event? See silent auction software.
| 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 online auction software?
You send a link. Guests bid from any phone. No app. They register, browse items, place bids, and get outbid alerts. Winners pay on the device. Median 10 minutes to first item.
Online auctions stay open longer than a live room. Supporters who cannot attend still bid. If you are still choosing a platform, see charity auction software.
Why teams pick CharityAuctions for online auctions
- 1No app. Guests bid in the browser on any phone. You send a link or QR code. No download.
- 2Outbid alerts. Real-time texts bring guests back to bid again.
- 3Instant checkout. Card on file. Winners pay on their phones. No checkout line.
- 4Share from anywhere. Remote donors bid the same as guests in the room. One link. More bidders.
4.9/5. $0 upfront. No sales call. No tip prompt. Median 10 minutes to first item. Built for small and medium nonprofits and schools.
- ✓4.9/5. Rated by teams who run the event themselves.
- ✓$0 upfront. 5%, or from $499 plus 3%, or 0%.
- ✓No sales call. You test it with your team before you decide.
- ✓No tip prompt. Transparent checkout. No optional tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online charity auction?
You list items, share a link, and supporters bid from anywhere. No app. They use any phone or computer. Winners pay online. Built for small and medium nonprofits and schools running a $1,000-$75,000 event on top of a real job.
Can I run an online silent auction with CharityAuctions?
Yes. Online bidding can stay open for days with item close times and auto-extend. If you need a silent auction at a live event, see silent auction software.
Do bidders need to download an app to bid?
No. That is the point. You send a link or QR code. Guests open it in the browser. No download. If you require an app, some guests will skip bidding.
How do winners pay in an online auction?
Winners pay from their phones when bidding ends. Card on file at registration, or an invoice after close. Receipts go out automatically. Less chasing.
Do you accept credit cards for online auction checkout?
Yes. Secure card processing is built in. Payments collect online. Receipts go to every winner.
Can I sell raffle tickets and event tickets online too?
Yes. Raffles and ticketing sit next to your online auction. One checkout. Winner reporting is built in.
Can I run a hybrid auction with in-person and online bidding?
Yes. In-room and remote bidders compete on the same items. One platform. If the in-person piece is a silent auction, see silent auction software.
How fast can I set up an online auction?
Median 10 minutes to first item. You add items, share the link, and test with your team. Nothing public until you say so.
What does online auction software cost?
$0 to start. Nothing Out of Pocket is 5%. Prepaid and Save is from $499 plus 3%. Custom Discounts is 0%. See pricing.
Can I start with no upfront cost?
Yes. $0 upfront. No sales call. Build a private demo for the team. Nothing public until you say so.
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