Questions to Ask When Choosing a Ticketing Platform for Fundraising Events

Fundraising events — from gala dinners to community raffles — depend on seamless ticketing.

The right ticketing platform for nonprofits not only sells seats but also integrates donations, auctions, and guest management.

Why Ticketing Software Matters for Fundraisers

• Revenue & donor experience: Smooth check-out increases attendance and donations.
  
  
• Time savings: Automation reduces admin and manual guest tracking.
  
  
• Data & insights: Know exactly who attended, who donated, and how to follow up.
  
  

Integration: Ticketing + donations + auctions in one place means fewer logins and no data silos.

This guide covers the 12 key questions every nonprofit should ask before committing to ticketing software for fundraising events.

‍1. Does it support table sales and seating management? 

Vital for galas and dinners. Buyers should manage guest lists and assign seats easily.

Advanced non-profit ticketing platforms will allow the table purchaser to invite and manage the invitations of guests at their table. Everything from sending the invitations to guests, automated ticket distribution for confirmed guests, the management of cancellations and replacements can massively streamline this process for table hosts. In addition, an integrated seating planner is available with some ticketing platforms and this feature can be extremely useful for table hosts and event organizers.
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2. How do attendees check in at the event?

Look for QR/barcode scanning, offline access, and bulk check-in for table hosts.

Consider the number of guests that will need to be checked into the fundraising or gala event. At many galas guests are greeted and checked in by event staff. As a minimum event staff should be able to search the guest by name or table host, The ability to check guests in by scanning a QR code can dramatically speed up the check in process for large events. 
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3. Does it integrate auctions, raffles, and donations?

One login, one payment flow — simpler for donors and easier for staff.

With an end-to-end ticketing and fundraising platform, your supporters who register to attend your event are also instantly registered to participate in all the associated fundraising activities.

This may sound like a nice-to-have rather than an essential feature, but having all ticket purchasers instantly ready to bid, donate and buy raffle tickets can have a significant impact on the final total raised. 

Everyone can take part - you don't miss out on people who intend to participate, but don't get round to registering or donating.
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4. How do ticket buyers purchase tickets?

Branded landing page, website embed, and mobile-first design are must-haves.

Will you need a ticketing platform that can create a bespoke event website, or can the website your ticketing and fundraising platform creates serve as your event website?

Perhaps you's like to embed fundraiser ticket sales into your organization’s existing website. Ticketing platforms offer various options. For example some ticketing platforms allow you to sell tickets on facebook and other social platforms. 
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5. What is the pricing model and who pays the fees?

Clarify platform, processing, and service fees upfront.

Ticketing Platform pricing often takes the form of a box office fee. This fee can either be built into the cost of the ticket, i.e absorbed by the organizer, or, the fee can be passed on, so it is paid by the purchaser in addition to the ticket price. 

Many ticketing platforms for non-profits advertise "truly free pricing” or “the first and only 100% free event registration software for nonprofits.” These platforms are free to the organizer, however, the companies providing the platforms are for profit and they of course need to be paid.

Instead of asking the event organizer to pay they ask the ticket purchasers to pay. A software fee is added to the price of the ticket and the purchaser can remove it if they prefer not to pay it. The payment is a suggested tip or a voluntary contribution to the platform provider.

It's worth noting that GalaBid now offers a 10% tip-back feature. This means 10% of tips received from your campaign are returned back to you!

We all know there’s no such thing a free lunch so it’s best to check if the event ticketing platform is free, how the software provider gets paid.
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6. Can it handle free events?

Even free events need guest registration and reporting.

Eventbrite used to be the go-to for ticketing for free events.

Since Eventbrite changed its pricing structure many event organizers are looking for an alternative. There are numerous ticketing platforms available where ticketing for free events is provided free of charge.

GalaBid’s advanced ticketing platform is free to use for free-to-attend fundraising events

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7. What are the payment processing options and fees?

Check Stripe or PayPal integrations, international charges, and refund policies.

If you’re accepting cards, processing fees are of course inevitable. How much the transaction fees cost can vary. If you choose a platform where you connect your own payment processing account you will likely receive more competitive rates. 

Many platforms integrate with the established payment processing company,  Stripe. If you don’t already have a Stripe account, setting one up from within your ticketing platform should be a quick and straightforward process. 

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8. Can buyers cover transaction fees?

Offering this option can protect your nonprofit’s net revenue.

Most ticketing platforms will facilitate these options. Covering processing fees can be mandatory or optional.

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9. Is invoicing supported?

Crucial for sponsors or supporters paying by check or bank transfer.

Many ticketing platforms will also enable you to process tickets and tables sales paid by bank transfer, check or cash.
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10.Can buyers add donations during ticket purchase?

Optional upsells at checkot increase fundraising totals.

In the case of ticketing for nonprofit events, there is often a desire for the ticket purchaser to have the option of making a donation on top of the price of the ticket. If this is something you would like to offer you should be aware that many platforms offer this feature. 
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11. Does the system handle tax & fair market value?

Required for donation receipts and compliance in many countries.

Event ticketing platforms for non-profits should offer this feature.

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12. What level of support and training is included?

Tutorials, live chat, and dedicated support matter - especially close to, or on, event day.

Video tutorials, FAQ’s and online chat support staff who are knowledgeable and available are standard for all reputable ticketing platforms.

Some providers also offer consultation calls and dedicated account managers.

Check reviews for other clients’ experiences, or ask to speak to other clients from similar organizations to your own.

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In Summary

Choosing the right ticketing platform for fundraising events ensures smoother guest experiences and higher net proceeds. With this checklist, you’ll know what to ask and what pitfalls to avoid before your next gala.

Best of luck with your search for non-profit event ticketing!

Reach out to our team any time for more advice and guidance. Book a 30 minute consultation with one of our friendly experts call here.  

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