What Is an Online Charity Auction?
An online charity auction is a digital fundraising event where people bid on donated items, experiences, or services. Instead of a traditional gala or live auctioneer, the entire process happens online—making it accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Key benefits:
- Reach donors beyond your local area
- Run your event over days or weeks, not just one night
- Collect donations automatically
- Track results in real time
Think of it like a silent auction—but smarter, faster, and 100% digital.
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Try out our platform yourself — see how simple it is to launch, manage, and close your auction.
Get Started for FreeHow It Works (Step by Step)
Step 1: Create Your Auction
Organizers set up their auction event on CharityAuctionsToday.
- Add your event name, logo, and mission statement.
- Set start and end dates.
- Configure payment, tax receipts, and shipping or pickup options.
👉 You can launch an event in minutes—no technical skills required.
Step 2: Add Auction Items
CharityAuctionsToday makes catalog creation easy:
- Upload photos, set starting bids and buy-now prices.
- Add item descriptions and donor recognition.
- Bundle multiple items if needed.
💡 Pro tip: Include clear photos and short, compelling descriptions to boost bids.
Step 3: Invite Your Supporters
Once your auction is live, share the link:
- Email your donor list
- Post on social media
- Add QR codes to flyers and posters
✅ Donors can register and bid from their phone or computer in seconds.
Step 4: Bidders Compete in Real Time
Supporters browse items, place bids, and receive automatic outbid notifications.
Features like:
- Popcorn Bidding: Extends the auction if a last-second bid comes in.
- Buy Now: For supporters who want to secure an item instantly.
- Bid Increments: Ensures fair, consistent bidding.
🔥 This is where the magic happens—competition raises more funds.
Step 5: Close the Auction & Process Payments
When the auction ends:
- Winning bidders are automatically notified.
- Credit cards are charged (if auto-charge is enabled).
- Winners receive receipts.
- Admins can manage offline payments too.
Funds are deposited securely through integrated payment processing.
Step 6: Fulfill & Thank Donors
After payment:
- Send pickup/shipping details
- Thank winners and donors
- Optionally ask for reviews or testimonials to build trust for your next event
💜 Gratitude fuels future giving. Make this step shine.
Why Use Online Auctions for Fundraising
| Traditional Event | Online Auction |
|---|---|
| Limited to one location | Accessible to anyone, anywhere |
| High overhead costs | Minimal cost to launch |
| One-night event | Runs over days or weeks |
| Manual bidding | Automated bidding + notifications |
| Paperwork & delays | Instant payment processing |
👉 Online auctions don’t replace community—they amplify it.
Real-World Example
A small PTO raised over $15,000 in 5 days by auctioning donated gift baskets and local experiences.
They reached alumni, grandparents, and out-of-state donors who could never attend their in-person events before.
“We were blown away by how simple it was to set up and how fast the bids came in.”
Related Guides
- Fundraising Thermometer Template
- Auction Promotion Social Media Toolkit
- Ultimate Fundraising Event Planning Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How does CharityAuctions work from start to finish?
Create your auction, add items, open registration, promote the link, collect bids and donations, close the auction, process payments, and use reports to reconcile payouts and thank supporters.
What are the basic steps to set up an auction on the platform?
Name your event, set dates and time zone, connect payments, choose bidding rules, add items with photos and values, preview the catalog, then publish your auction page.
How do bidders register and start bidding online or by phone?
Supporters visit your auction link, create a quick account, and bid from any device. Optional: require a card on file for faster checkout and reduced no-pay risk.
Can we run buy-now items, donations, raffles, or fixed-price tickets too?
Yes. Alongside auction items you can add instant buy options, donation pages, paddle raise entries, and ticketing to capture more revenue before and during your event.
How are winners determined and notified at closing time?
When the auction closes, the highest valid bid wins automatically. Winners receive instant notifications with a payment link and pickup or shipping instructions you provide.
How are payments processed and what methods can bidders use?
Connect your payment processor to accept cards and digital wallets online. You can also record offline payments (cash/check) for full reporting and fulfillment tracking.
What fees should we expect and who pays them at checkout?
Platform and card processing fees apply to online payments. You can choose to absorb fees, pass them to bidders, or split—your settings control how fees appear on invoices.
How do we handle shipping, delivery, or item pickup after the auction ends?
Add fulfillment options per item (pickup only, local delivery, or shipping). Include any restrictions or costs in the item description and send winners clear instructions in receipts.
What reports are available to reconcile results and thank donors fast?
Use bidder, item performance, unpaid invoices, and payout summaries to reconcile totals, identify top-performing categories, and generate thank-you lists for donors and sponsors.
How do we promote our auction to maximize registrations and bids quickly?
Share your auction link via email, social posts, and SMS. Use teaser posts 4–6 weeks out, a launch push 2–3 weeks out, daily reminders in the final 72 hours, and sponsor/ambassador shares for extra reach.
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