How It Works
Last Updated: December 31, 2025
How GiveAuction Works
GiveAuction is the all-in-one fundraising platform for nonprofit organizations. Whether you're bidding to support a cause, making direct donations, or raising funds for your organization - here's everything you need to know.
Three Ways to Give
Fundraising Events
Organized nonprofit campaigns with multiple auction items. Browse events, bid on items, and track progress on public leaderboards. Perfect for school fundraisers, charity galas, and community causes.
Silent Auctions
Sell items in minutes with our fast-paced auction format, or schedule multi-item auctions for maximum flexibility. Sit back while we handle everything after the gavel drops - from tax receipts to shipping labels.
Donation Campaigns
Give directly to causes without bidding. Make one-time donations or set up recurring monthly/yearly contributions. Tax-deductible receipts are automatically generated.
For Donors & Bidders
Browse & Discover
Explore live fundraising events, speed auctions, and donation campaigns on the Dashboard. Use category filters or ask the AI Chat Assistant to find specific items. Add interesting items to your Watchlist for easy tracking.
Save Payment Method
Securely save your payment method once through Stripe. This enables instant bidding and automatic off-session payment processing when you win - no need to be online when auctions end.
Place Your Bid or Donate
Click an auction item to see details and the current highest bid. Enter your bid amount (minimum increments calculated automatically). Or make a direct donation to any campaign - one-time or recurring.
Track & Monitor
View all your bids in "My Bids" dashboard with tabs for Active Bids, Outbid, Won Items, and Watchlist. Get real-time notifications when outbid, when watched auctions are ending, and when you win.
Win & Auto-Pay
When the auction ends, if you have the highest bid, you're automatically assigned as the winner. Payment is processed off-session within minutes using your saved payment method - no action needed!
Receive Your Item
Items can be shipped to you, picked up locally with a secure verification code, or delivered digitally. Track your order status in real-time and contact the seller directly with any questions.
Important: All Bids Are Binding
When you place a bid on GiveAuction, you're making a legally binding commitment to purchase the item if you win. Please ensure you:
- Have a valid payment method saved before bidding
- Are prepared to complete the purchase if you win
- Understand that bids cannot be retracted once placed
- Have reviewed the seller's shipping and return policies
For Nonprofit Fundraisers
Connect Stripe Account
Complete Stripe Connect onboarding once from the Seller Dashboard. This enables automatic payouts directly to your organization's bank account after each successful transaction.
Create Fundraising Events
Set up events with multiple auction items, set goals, and invite supporters. Use AI to generate item descriptions from photos. Set start/end dates and choose visibility settings (Public, Followers Only, or Connections Only).
Launch Silent Auctions
Run quick auctions where items sell within minutes, or schedule multi-item auctions for any time. We handle all post-auction processes including automated receipts and printing shipping labels.
Set Up Donation Campaigns
Create campaigns for direct giving. Supporters can make one-time donations or set up recurring monthly/yearly contributions. An optional platform tip supports GiveAuction without taking from your proceeds.
Auto Payment & Payout
When auctions end, GiveAuction automatically assigns winners, charges winning bidders, and transfers 90% to your organization (10% platform fee). Tax receipts are generated automatically for donors.
Fulfill & Deliver
Ship items using integrated shipping labels with tracking, arrange local pickup with secure verification codes, or send digital delivery instructions. All fulfillment is tracked in your dashboard.
Organization Responsibilities
Important: GiveAuction is a platform facilitator. Organizations are responsible for:
- Accurate item descriptions and photos
- Item authenticity and quality
- Timely shipping and delivery
- Customer service and communications
- Returns and refund policies
- Tax compliance and documentation
Key Platform Features
Real-Time Updates
Live bid tracking with countdown timers and instant notifications for outbids, wins, and auction endings
Automatic Payments
Off-session payment processing via Stripe - winners are charged automatically when auctions end
Tax Receipts
Automatic tax-deductible receipt generation for donations with nonprofit details and fair market value
Recurring Donations
Set up monthly or yearly contributions to causes you care about with easy subscription management
Social Features
Follow organizations, connect with supporters, view leaderboards, and build your giving community
AI-Powered Tools
Smart search, AI chat assistant, and automated item descriptions from photos for easy listing creation
Ready to Get Started?
Join thousands of donors and nonprofit organizations who trust GiveAuction for impactful fundraising.
Learn more about our platform: