Free Fundraising Platform for US Nonprofits

Q: What does a fundraising platform do?

It runs the money side of a fundraising event: selling tickets, taking bids, collecting donations and processing payment, with the reporting your finance team needs afterward. GalaBid does all of that inside one campaign.

Q: Why does one supporter registration matter?

Because every additional sign up loses people. When ticket buyers are already registered to bid, participation on the night is materially higher than when they have to create a second account.

Q: Do we need to be a 501(c)(3)?

You need an EIN and a bank account in the organization's name to connect Stripe. Schools, PTAs, booster clubs and other nonprofit entities use the platform as well as registered 501(c)(3) charities.

Q: What does it cost in the US?

US plans are published. The choice is broadly between a fixed cost per campaign and a fee tied to what you raise. Card processing is charged separately at Stripe's rates with nothing added by GalaBid.

Q: Do you mark up card processing?

No. You connect your own Stripe account and pay Stripe directly. If you negotiate a discounted nonprofit rate with Stripe, you keep the whole benefit.

Q: Can we use it without Stripe?

Yes. Payments can be recorded as cash, check or manual card and marked paid in the checkout console.

Q: What receipting records do we get?

Excel exports covering item activity, fair market values, supporter details and payments, which is what your team needs to prepare disclosure statements above $75 and acknowledgments at $250 or more.

Q: Can we run a raffle?

Where your state permits it. Raffles are state regulated in the US, several states prohibit them, and most require a license before any ticket is sold.

Q: Is there support on the night?

Live chat runs round the clock, answered by people. Remote account managed support and onsite options are available.

Question 1

What does a fundraising platform do?

Answer

A fundraising platform is software that lets an organization run its fundraising activities: donations, event ticketing and check-in, auctions, raffles and paddle raises. GalaBid is optimized for event fundraising, with all of those inside a single campaign. Many organizations use it entirely online, with no in-person event at all.

Question 2

Why does a single platform for all of your fundraising matter?

Answer

Mutiple fundraising platforms cause friction. Every additional sign up loses people. When event ticket purchasers are already registered for the silent auction, the paddle raise and the raffle, participation is materially higher than when they have to create a second account.

Question 3

Do we need to be a 501(c)(3)?

Answer

No. GalaBid is open to anyone raising funds. Schools, PTAs and PTOs, booster clubs, sports clubs, churches, community groups and registered charities all run campaigns on it, as do teams fundraising without any formal status. All you need is a Stripe account to receive payments, since funds go straight to you rather than through us. Your 501(c)(3) status affects what your supporters can deduct, not whether you can run your fundaising on GalaBid.

Question 4

What does it cost?

Answer

Choose between Free with suggested tips or a paid plan if you prefer your supporters are not prompted to tip. In the US 10% of tips earned are shared with the cause. Find out about the plans and pricing available to US fundraisers. Card processing is charged separately at Stripe's rates with no mark up added by GalaBid. Stripe fees can be absorbed or passed on.

Question 5

Do you mark up card processing?

Answer

No. You connect your own Stripe account and your supporters pay Stripe directly. If you negotiate a discounted nonprofit rate with Stripe, you keep the whole benefit.

Question 6

When do funds reach us?

Answer

On Stripe's payout schedule into your own bank account. Funds never sit in a GalaBid account waiting to be released. You can edit the frequency of payouts in your Stripe account.

Question 7

Can we use it without Stripe?

Answer

Yes on the Flat Fee pricing plan. Payments can be recorded as cash, check or manual card and marked paid in the checkout console.

Question 8

What records and reports can we access?

Answer

Every supporter can view and download their invoice. You can view and download summary and detailed transaction reports for all the activity on your campiagn. Supporter contact information on GalaBid belongs entirely to you. GalaBid only uses this information to facilitate your fundraising.

Question 9

Can we run a raffle?

Answer

Where your state permits it. Raffles are state regulated, several states prohibit them, and most require a license before tickets are sold.

Question 10

Is there support during my event?

Answer

Live chat runs round the clock, weekdays and weekends. It's answered by real humans who are knowlegable, friendly and happy to give you as much guidance as you need. You can also book a call.

Question 11

Is there help for non tech savvy event guests?

Answer

Yes. Volunteer accounts let them register, place bids, take donations and process payments on a supporter's behalf from any device. Supporter data is handled in line with our Privacy Policy

Question 12

Can we brand the campaign?

Answer

Yes. Custom homepage, info pages, editable leaderboard, sponsor branding on screen displays, and custom CSS.

Question 13

Can we reuse it annually?

Answer

Yes. The Clone Campaign feature copies branding, items and payment settings.

Free Fundraising Platform for US Nonprofits

Auctions, ticketing, raffles, paddle raises and donations in one campaign.

Run Your Fundraiser in Three Simple Steps

Set up your campaign, invite supporters and start fundraising, with live chat support whenever you need help.

Step 1: Build Your Campaign

Step 2: Engage Your Supporters

Step 3: Collect Your Funds

More Ways to Raise Funds

Raffles

Multiple ticket packages and an on screen draw, where your state permits raffles

Auctions

Silent, live, sealed bids and Buy It Now, all in one campaign

Donations and Paddle Raises

Suggested giving levels, pay now or add to invoices

Event Ticketing and Check-In

Single tickets and corporate tables with QR check in and table management. Ticket purchasers are instantly ready to bid.

Other platforms hold your funds. With GalaBid, funds go directly to you.

Why US Fundraisers Choose GalaBid

Payments Go Directly to Your Stripe Account

Support from real people, not bots

Auction items with no upfront cost

Trusted since 2011

Built for US Fundraising

Connect Stripe and Start Collecting Payments

Connect your existing Stripe account or create one within GalaBid.

Built for Events and Online Fundraising

Galas, benefits, booster drives and online-only campaigns

One Registration, More Ways to Give

Supporters register once to buy tickets, bid, enter raffles and donate.

Add a Raffle to Your Fundraiser

Check your state’s requirements before selling raffle tickets.

Helping over 10,000 fundraisers raise more since 2011

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Fundraising Platform