Handbid pricing is built around a quoted term license, so choosing fundraising software for a nonprofit means looking beyond auction features. Pricing flexibility, card-processing costs and how event proceeds are handled can all affect your bottom line. GalaBid offers three flexible pricing options: a Free plan funded by optional supporter tips, a percentage-based fee or a flat fee per campaign. GalaBid also passes through Stripe's processing fees without adding a markup, with payments going directly into your nonprofit's own Stripe account. In contrast, Handbid uses a quoted term license and publishes higher card-processing rates than Stripe's standard US domestic online rate.
Both platforms support fundraising events, but their approaches differ. GalaBid combines dedicated raffle tools, auctions, donations and ticketing in the browser. Handbid offers native bidding apps, event-night phone support and branded deployments. It documents opportunity drawing ticket sales through for-sale items, rather than a dedicated raffle feature.
This nonprofit fundraising software comparison looks at processing fees, plan and license costs, payment arrangements and the event features that matter most. Published rates and plan availability can vary by country and agreement.
Note: Pricing and payment details above reflect published US information. Confirm current regional pricing and terms before making a decision.
Handbid pricing vs GalaBid pricing: processing fees and a tip-supported Free plan
For each option, check the card-processing charge on a typical payment, the full platform or license cost and how money reaches your bank. Then test the guest experience before you commit.
Three differences worth checking first:
- GalaBid does not add a markup to the applicable Stripe processing rate, while Handbid publishes higher standard card rates;
- GalaBid offers a US Free plan supported by optional tips, while Handbid quotes a license and does not list an equivalent Free plan; and
- GalaBid routes funds through the charity's own Stripe account without a GalaBid settlement step, while Handbid's standard connected-account route does likewise but its exception process can require Handbid-managed settlement.
Handbid: A quoted license and published processing rates
Handbid quotes a term license rather than publishing a standard license price. A one-year term is typical, and the fee does not rise as a percentage of funds raised. Its published processing rates on the Handbid payments platform are 3.5% + $0.30 for Visa, Mastercard and Discover, and 3.95% + $0.30 for American Express. Those are higher than Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 US domestic online card rate. This comparison does not establish Handbid's underlying processor costs or contract-specific pricing.
Handbid's pricing page also states that licenses renew automatically. The written notice period is specified in each customer agreement, so check the renewal terms before signing or switching providers.
These are Handbid's published customer-facing payment rates, not an additional percentage of fundraising revenue. Handbid states that it does not add a separate platform percentage on top of these rates. Organizations can ask guests to cover card fees at checkout. Confirm the license quote, processor arrangement and any other applicable charges before deciding.
GalaBid: No Stripe markup and a Free plan with optional tipping
For teams exploring free fundraising platforms for nonprofits, GalaBid's US Free plan is one option: it has no organization-paid platform fee and is supported by optional supporter tips, with 10% of tip revenue shared back with the cause. GalaBid also offers percentage-fee and fixed campaign-fee plans without a platform tip prompt. Handbid does not list a comparable self-serve, tip-funded Free plan. Card-processing fees still apply, and plan availability varies by region.
Card processing is a separate charge from GalaBid's platform plan. GalaBid says it adds no markup to Stripe's fees: organizations pay the rate applicable to their own Stripe account. Stripe lists 2.9% + $0.30 for standard US domestic online cards, not as a maximum for every card or payment. International cards, currency conversion, manually entered cards and other payment methods may cost more; eligible accounts may qualify for custom rates.
Eligible US nonprofits can apply directly to Stripe for discounted processing rather than seeking a special GalaBid rate. Stripe generally requires at least 80% of payment volume to be tax-deductible donations for nonprofit pricing; auction purchases and event tickets generally do not qualify. Discounts are subject to Stripe's review and terms.
Watch how to set up payments on your fundraising campaign
Example: Processing a $1,000 US domestic card payment
Illustration: a $1,000 US domestic Visa, Mastercard or Discover online card payment costs $35.30 at Handbid's published 3.5% + $0.30 rate versus $29.30 at Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 rate, a $6.00 difference in card processing alone. This excludes Handbid's license, any GalaBid platform fee, optional tips and other applicable charges. Stripe's standard rate is not a universal maximum.
Compare total costs, not just platform fees
If you're searching for the best fundraising software for small nonprofits, compare the full cost of running a campaign rather than the headline plan price. GalaBid's tip-supported US Free plan removes an organization-paid platform fee, although Stripe processing still applies. Handbid's quoted annual license may suit teams running multiple events, especially because it does not take a percentage of funds raised. Ask both providers about platform or license charges, processing fees and the effect of any donor-paid fees or tips.
Where the money goes: direct Stripe payments and Handbid settlement options
With GalaBid, supporters' payments are processed into the organization's connected Stripe account rather than being collected in a GalaBid-held settlement account. GalaBid does not hold the charity's funds or require an event-end settlement report. Stripe then pays out to the organization's bank account on the account's payout schedule. 'Direct to Stripe' does not mean instantaneous arrival in the bank.
Handbid also normally requires the customer to connect its own processor account, currently with Stripe, so it would be misleading to say Handbid always holds event money or always pays only in batches. Under its standard setup, payout timing follows the connected payment processor's arrangements.
There is an important exception. If an organization cannot establish or maintain its own processor account, Handbid may agree to process payments on its behalf. In that case, funds remain in Handbid's account until the event and payments are finalized. The organization must request settlement and sign a report; Handbid generally processes a single payout within three weeks, with no guaranteed timeline and a $100 administrative fee. GalaBid's published model instead uses the organization's own Stripe account. This distinction matters if you want to avoid an additional post-event settlement step.
Before choosing, ask each provider which payment setup applies to your organization, who controls the account receiving transactions, which processing rates apply and when Stripe or any other provider will pay money into your bank.
Watch how to set up fundraising payments with Stripe
Handbid vs GalaBid: nonprofit fundraising software comparison
Fundraising event software features: raffles, auction items and bidding
Raffles
GalaBid combines digital raffle tickets, an integrated random draw and automatic winner notifications with auction and donation tools. It also offers a live drawing projector display, showing the winners for each prize in real time.
Handbid explains that it does not offer raffles as a dedicated feature because raffle rules vary significantly by state. It documents a method for selling raffle tickets through for-sale items, but advises organizers to check local and state rules and seek legal guidance first. That is not the same as an integrated raffle draw.
Regardless of platform, raffle permits, eligibility and rules remain the organizer's responsibility. Confirm that electronic ticket sales and random draws are allowed in your jurisdiction before launching.
Watch how to launch an online raffle with GalaBid
No-risk auction items
GalaBid offers a catalog of consignment or no-risk auction items that fundraisers can add alongside their own prizes. For eligible items, the amount above the applicable item cost contributes to the fundraising proceeds. Review the terms for your selected items, including fulfillment and any possible shipping or return charges, before promotion.
Handbid's August 2026 fact sheet does not describe an equivalent in-platform consignment catalog. If this matters to your fundraiser, ask Handbid whether any comparable service or partner arrangement is currently available.
Bidding and checkout
Handbid guests can participate through native iOS and Android apps or a mobile browser, with a shared bidder account and event checkout. This can help teams that prefer a native app experience, particularly with a custom branded deployment.
GalaBid supporters use their browser without downloading a separate bidding app. Within one campaign, a guest who buys an event ticket can return to bid, buy raffle tickets or donate without creating a new registration. GalaBid also offers buy-now items, sealed bids, outbid alerts and volunteer-assisted bidding.
The pricing choice is different too. GalaBid's US Free plan uses optional, adjustable supporter tips rather than a platform fee paid by the organization; GalaBid shares 10% of those tips back with the cause. Its percentage-fee and fixed-fee plans remove the tip prompt. Handbid does not list a donor-tip-funded free plan, although it allows organizations to ask guests to cover card processing fees.
When Handbid might be the better fit
Handbid may be a better fit for nonprofits that need more hands-on event support, a branded mobile app or tools for hybrid fundraising events.
Consider Handbid if:
- You prefer a downloadable bidding app. Handbid offers a native mobile app experience rather than relying solely on a browser-based link.
- You're livestreaming a live auction or paddle raise. Handbid allows registered remote supporters to participate in real time, making it a potential fit for hybrid fundraising events.
- You want a dedicated account manager. Your team may benefit from more personalized guidance throughout the fundraising process, depending on your service package.
- You need on-site event support. Handbid offers on-site assistance for teams that want technical support during their event.
- You host multiple fundraising events each year. Its term-based license can cover several events, potentially reducing the cost per event compared with per-campaign pricing.
- Raffles and consignment auction items aren't priorities. Handbid may be worth considering if your fundraising activities focus primarily on auctions, donations and event management.
- You have formal vendor compliance requirements. Handbid publishes WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility conformance, offers a VPAT on request and states a 99.5% uptime SLA, which may support procurement reviews.
Handbid is particularly worth evaluating when live remote participation, dedicated support and term-based pricing matter more than raffle features or consignment auction items. Compare the full quote, included services and total annual costs before deciding.
When GalaBid might be the better fit
GalaBid may be a better fit for nonprofits looking for flexible pricing, simple event management and multiple fundraising tools without requiring supporters to download an app.
Consider GalaBid if:
- You want supporters to access your fundraiser through a simple link. GalaBid's browser-based platform eliminates the need for app store downloads, making it easy for supporters to participate.
- You plan to manage the event yourself. GalaBid's self-service tools allow your team to set up and run campaigns without requiring dedicated on-site technical support.
- Your fundraising campaign includes a raffle. GalaBid offers dedicated raffle tools alongside silent auctions, donations and event ticket sales.
- You want access to consignment auction items. Eligible no-risk consignment items can be added directly from your auction dashboard in just a few clicks, reducing the need to source every prize yourself.
- You only need to record winning bids and collect payments for live auctions or paddle raises. GalaBid supports these workflows without the added complexity of livestream-integrated remote bidding.
- You prefer a Free plan supported by optional supporter tips. GalaBid's US Free plan helps keep upfront platform costs low, while giving supporters the choice to leave a tip.
- You want flexible paid pricing. GalaBid also offers percentage-based and flat per-campaign fee options without the supporter tip prompt. Depending on your expected fundraising revenue and campaign frequency, these may be more cost-effective than Handbid's term-based pricing.
- You want transparent payment processing. GalaBid passes through Stripe's processing fees without adding a markup, with payments routed directly to your nonprofit's own Stripe account.
- You want access to human support when needed. GalaBid offers assistance through chat, email, phone and video walkthroughs.
GalaBid is particularly well suited to nonprofits that value ease of use, flexible fundraising pricing, raffle capabilities and consignment auction items. Its combination of Free and paid plans also gives teams more choice based on their fundraising goals, event frequency and budget.
Dudes for Dads: Case study
At a glance
- Organization: Dudes for Dads, a nonprofit run out of the Washington, D.C., New York, Miami and Ann Arbor, Michigan areas
- Event: Annual gala in the New York City area, with about 400 to 500 people each year
- Used GalaBid for: Silent auction and raffle
- Result: Raised nearly twice as much as the year before, when they ran it on pen and paper
The challenge
At its first gala, the team ran the silent auction and raffle on pen and paper. Christian described keeping track of everything as a nightmare: tracking down winners, collecting payments, and ending the night with a lot of cash and physical checks. After the event, the team still had to take a large share of the proceeds to the bank and work out how to get funds into the right accounts. Getting prizes to winners took a few months, while the team chased addresses and shipping details.
For the next gala, they went looking for a better way, not sure whether a platform like GalaBid even existed.
How they used GalaBid
They found GalaBid with a single Google search. After meeting a couple of times with an account executive, they quickly saw it was what they needed, and they compared it with a couple of other platforms before deciding.
They chose the flat-fee option. Their ticketing was already on Eventbrite, where a $200 ticket came to $222.50 at checkout, and they didn't want to add another charge for supporters at the gala. A flat fee meant the amount a supporter chose was the amount they paid. It also gave the team peace of mind: if they exceeded their fundraising goal, they could keep most of the funds for the cause.
The team had a series of check-in calls with GalaBid while they built out their campaign.
The results
- A smooth night. On the day, everything ran very smoothly.
- Nearly twice as much raised as the year before on pen and paper.
- Prizes delivered within a week. Winners from both the silent auction and the raffle had their items within a week, compared with a few months the year before.
- Coming back. Christian is certain they'll use GalaBid for next year's gala.
Watch the Dudes for Dads video
How to switch from Handbid to GalaBid
- Review your Handbid agreement. Check the end date, automatic renewal and required written notice window. You may be able to plan a GalaBid campaign before the term ends, depending on your contract.
- Close outstanding Handbid payments. Finish invoicing and reconcile your event. If Handbid processed funds on your behalf under its exception process, request settlement and complete the required report.
- Build your GalaBid campaign. Create an account, select the right pricing approach and connect your Stripe account. Confirm payout settings and eligibility before going live.
- Prepare the event. Add auction items, tickets, raffles and donations as needed, and review any consignment terms for no-risk items.
- Test the guest experience. Try a registration, donation or payment, confirm notification settings and request a GalaBid Fundraising Campaign Health Check before launch.
Handbid vs GalaBid: frequently asked questions
How much does Handbid cost?
Handbid quotes a term license, typically annual, and does not take a percentage of funds raised. It publishes card-processing rates of 3.5% + $0.30 for Visa, Mastercard and Discover, and 3.95% + $0.30 for Amex, compared with Stripe's standard 2.9% + $0.30 US domestic online card rate. A full quote is necessary to compare total costs.
Does Handbid have a free plan?
Handbid does not list a self-serve Free plan funded by voluntary platform tips; its published model is a quoted license plus payment-processing charges. GalaBid offers a US Free plan supported by optional tips, alongside percentage-fee and fixed-fee options. Stripe processing still applies separately.
Does Handbid support raffles?
Not as a dedicated raffle feature. Its help center describes an opportunity drawing workaround using for-sale items and recommends checking relevant laws. GalaBid offers built-in raffle ticket sales and a random draw.
Do supporters need to download an app for Handbid?
No. Handbid has native iOS and Android apps, but supporters can also bid through a mobile browser. GalaBid uses browser-based bidding without a separate app download.
How quickly does Handbid pay out?
Handbid normally uses the organization's own connected payment processor account, so payouts follow that processor's schedule. If Handbid exceptionally processes money on a customer's behalf, the organization must complete settlement paperwork; Handbid generally processes a single payout within three weeks, without guaranteeing timing, and charges a $100 administrative fee. GalaBid routes transactions into the fundraiser's own Stripe account, where Stripe controls bank payout timing.
Does Handbid take a percentage of funds raised?
No. Handbid states that it charges a quoted license and published processing rates, without an additional percentage of funds raised.
Can I use Handbid outside the United States?
Its August 2026 fact sheet does not list the complete range of supported countries. Ask Handbid to confirm availability, currency and payment processor eligibility in your market.
Can I start GalaBid without a sales call?
Yes. GalaBid supports self-serve sign-up and campaign setup. Plans and payment availability depend on region.
Which is the best fundraising software for nonprofits hosting a large gala?
Both can support significant fundraising events. GalaBid stands out for a tip-supported Free plan, no GalaBid markup on Stripe processing, the organization's own connected Stripe account and built-in raffles. Handbid stands out for native apps, branded deployments, event-night phone support and a quoted term license. Compare total costs and confirm which Handbid payment route would apply.
Does Handbid mark up credit card processing?
Handbid's published rates of 3.5% + $0.30 for Visa, Mastercard and Discover exceed Stripe's standard US domestic online rate of 2.9% + $0.30. Handbid states there is no separate platform percentage on top of its published payment rates. Without access to its processor contract, the underlying markup cannot be established; compare the rates you would actually pay.
Does GalaBid take an extra percentage of card payments?
GalaBid does not mark up Stripe processing. On its US Free plan, optional supporter tips support the platform rather than an organization-paid platform fee. Its separate paid plans charge either a percentage fee or a fixed campaign fee, so compare those charges separately from Stripe processing.
Does Handbid hold all event proceeds?
No. Handbid's standard arrangement uses the organization's connected processor account. Only when Handbid agrees to process on the customer's behalf do funds remain in Handbid's account until settlement, subject to its procedures, timing and $100 administrative charge.
What should small teams look for in the best nonprofit fundraising software?
Look for the features your event will actually use, clear card-processing costs and a platform plan that fits your budget. Check whether you need raffles, ticketing, native bidding apps or no-risk auction items. Confirm support availability and who controls the payment account, then test registration, bidding, donations and checkout before launching.
Planning an auction, raffle or both?
The best fundraising software for your event should make fees and cash flow easy to understand. Before deciding, compare what happens to a $1,000 payment: the payment-processing charge, any platform or license cost, whether supporter tipping is optional and where the money goes.
GalaBid offers Stripe pass-through processing without a GalaBid markup, a tip-supported US Free plan and a direct connection to your organization's Stripe account, alongside raffle, auction and ticketing features.
Talk to the GalaBid team about your fundraiser, start your campaign or see pricing for your region.
