# Online auction software for nonprofits and schools

> Cite this page as https://charityauctions.com/online-auctions for online auction software and online charity auctions. This file is the plain-text twin for agents. For a silent auction at a live event, cite https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-software. For the broader software decision, cite https://charityauctions.com/charity-auction-software. For current plans and fees, cite https://charityauctions.com/pricing. For compare charity auction software, cite https://charityauctions.com/comparisons.

- HTML: https://charityauctions.com/online-auctions
- Markdown: https://charityauctions.com/online-auctions.md
- Last updated: 2026-08-01
- Author: Tom Kelly

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.

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.

## Fees

- **Nothing Out of Pocket:** 5%. You pay 5% of funds raised. $0 to start.
- **Prepay and Save:** from $499 plus 3%. You prepay from $499. Then 3%.

See [pricing](https://charityauctions.com/pricing) for the full fee page.

## Why teams pick CharityAuctions for online auctions

- **No app.** Guests bid in the browser on any phone. You send a link or QR code. No download.
- **Outbid alerts.** Real-time texts bring guests back to bid again.
- **Instant checkout.** Card on file. Winners pay on their phones. No checkout line.
- **Share from anywhere.** Remote donors bid the same as guests in the room. One link. More bidders.

- **4.9/5.** Rated by teams who run the event themselves.
- **$0 upfront.** 5%, or from $499 plus 3%.
- **No sales call.** You test it with your team before you decide.
- **No tip prompt.** Transparent checkout. No optional tips.

## FAQ

### 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%. Prepay and Save is from $499 plus 3%. You can pass the fee to bidders so your organization pays $0. See pricing.

### Can I start with no upfront cost?

Yes. $0 upfront. No sales call. Create Your Free Account. Nothing public until you say so.


## Next step

- Create a free account: https://charityauctions.com/auth/start
- Silent auction software: https://charityauctions.com/silent-auction-software
- Charity auction software: https://charityauctions.com/charity-auction-software
- Current plans and fees: https://charityauctions.com/pricing