Auction Templates by Event Type
Last updated: March 2026 · By CharityAuctions
TL;DR
Choose your event type and get a step-by-step auction setup template. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007. Templates cover golf outings, school carnivals, galas, silent auctions, walk-a-thons, and more. Each template is free to copy and adapt.
Every event type runs differently. A golf outing needs hole sponsorships and a dinner auction. A school carnival needs class art projects and mobile bidding for parents. A gala needs a paddle raise and live auction. A walk-a-thon needs pledge tracking and team pages.
These templates give you a starting checklist for each event type. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007. The fastest setups start with a template built for their event, not a blank page.
Choose your event type below.
Auction and gala events
Templates for in-person and hybrid events with live or silent auction components.
| Event Type | Template | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Silent auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Gala with dinner and auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Paddle raise (fund-a-need) | Coming soon | Planned |
| Live auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Hybrid auction (online and in-person) | Coming soon | Planned |
| Black-tie gala | Coming soon | Planned |
School and community events
Templates for school, PTA, and community organization events.
| Event Type | Template | Status |
|---|---|---|
| School carnival | Coming soon | Planned |
| School auction (PTA / parent committee) | Coming soon | Planned |
| Bake sale with auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Tricky tray (penny social) | Coming soon | Planned |
Sports and outdoor events
Templates for golf, run, and outdoor fundraising formats.
| Event Type | Template | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Golf outing with auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Walk-a-thon or fun run | Coming soon | Planned |
| Sports banquet with auction | Coming soon | Planned |
Faith-based events
Templates for churches and faith-based organizations.
| Event Type | Template | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Church auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Church dinner and raffle | Coming soon | Planned |
Online and virtual events
Templates for fully online or virtual auction formats.
| Event Type | Template | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Online silent auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Virtual gala with auction | Coming soon | Planned |
| Year-round online auction catalog | Coming soon | Planned |
Other event types
| Event Type | Template | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wine pull | Coming soon | Planned |
| Raffle (50/50, basket, reverse) | Coming soon | Planned |
| Corporate fundraising event | Coming soon | Planned |
| College or university auction | Coming soon | Planned |
As each template is published, the table links will update. Check back for new additions.
Why use a template?
Every event type has a different setup sequence. Starting with a template built for your event means you skip the guesswork. You know what items to get, what bidding format to use, how to structure your catalog, and when to promote.
See how to run a charity auction for a general guide that applies to all event types. See auction quick setup for the fastest path to launch. See fundraising events examples for a full overview of 50 event formats with real examples.
Next steps
- How to run a charity auction – General guide for all formats
- Auction quick setup – Fastest path to launch
- Fundraising event ideas – 50 event formats with examples
- Recurring auction playbook template – For year-round programs
- Silent auction software – Platform overview
- Create your auction – No credit card required
This section is maintained by CharityAuctions. For general auction planning, see how to run a charity auction. Questions? Talk to our team.
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Related resources
- How to Run a Charity Auction: Step by Step Guide
A step by step guide to planning, promoting, and running a successful charity auction for nonprofits and schools. Covers online, live, and hybrid formats.
- Auction Quick Setup Guide
A step by step checklist to set up your charity auction. Create your event, add items, configure bidding, and go live. Works for online, live, and hybrid formats.
- 50 Fundraising Event Ideas for Nonprofits (With Examples)
Browse 50 fundraising event ideas with real examples, templates, and tips. From silent auctions to paddle raises, galas to virtual events. Find the right event for your cause.
- Recurring Auction Playbook Template
A reusable playbook template for nonprofits and schools that run multiple auctions per year. Calendar, roles, checklists, themes, and promotional cadence. Copy and adapt for your organization.
Frequently asked questions
What are auction setup templates?
Auction setup templates are step-by-step checklists tailored to a specific event type. A golf outing template covers hole sponsorships, foursomes, and dinner auction setup. A school carnival template covers booth games, class art, and mobile bidding for families. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007 to run every event type listed here.
How do I use an auction setup template?
Choose your event type from the list below. Open the template. Copy the checklist into your planning doc or directly into CharityAuctions. Adapt the items, dates, and settings to your organization. Launch. Templates are starting points, not rigid rules.
Which template should I start with?
Start with the template that matches your next event. If you are running a gala, use the gala template. If you are running a school carnival, use the school carnival template. Each template is built for that event's specific audience, item types, and bidding format.
Are the templates free?
Yes. All auction setup templates on CharityAuctions are free to use. No account required to read them. To run your auction, create a free CharityAuctions account. No credit card required.
Will more event type templates be added?
Yes. This section grows over time. Templates for golf outings, school carnivals, galas, walk-a-thons, church auctions, wine pulls, tricky trays, and more are planned. Check back or follow CharityAuctions for updates.