Live auction software built for event night

Run a live fundraising auction with mobile bidding, paddle raise (fund-a-need), and instant checkout. No upfront cost. No credit card required.

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No credit card required · No upfront cost

Event night tools

Everything you need to run a live charity auction

Run check-in, bidding, paddle raise, and checkout from one platform — built for speed and simplicity.

Paddle raise (fund-a-need)

Run a live giving moment with preset amounts and real-time totals.

Live bid entry + spotters

Enter bids fast, track winners, and keep the room moving.

Mobile bidding (no app)

Guests bid from any phone using a link — no app required.

Instant checkout + invoices

Fast check-in and winner checkout built in. Winners pay from their phones after the event. No checkout lines.

Live displays + leaderboards

Show real-time totals, top bidders, and fund-a-need progress.

Reporting + donor exports

Export donor, winner, and item reports for follow-up and accounting.

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No credit card required · No upfront cost

How it works

How to run a live fundraising auction

Build your event, run your program, and collect payments — all from one platform.

Build your event

Add items, set bidding rules, set up check-in, create tickets, and prep paddle raise amounts.

Run event night

Use spotters (bid entry) and live tools to enter bids fast, show real-time totals, and keep guests engaged.

Close and get paid

Winners pay from their phones after the event—no checkout lines. Export donor and item reports for follow-up.

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Built for event night

Live events for every fundraiser

From school auctions to black-tie galas, run a smoother live event with mobile bidding, paddle raise, and instant checkout.

Galas and black-tie fundraisers

Run a polished live auction with paddle raise, spotters (bid entry), and real-time totals on event night.

Schools, PTOs, and booster clubs

Volunteer-friendly live event tools with mobile bidding and fast checkout to keep lines moving.

Foundations and hospital events

Pair live bidding with donor reporting and post-event exports for clean follow-up and reconciliation.

Community and faith fundraisers

Simple setup, automated notifications, and an all-in-one checkout flow for recurring events.

Paddle raise (fund-a-need)Live auction + spottersSilent + live comboTickets + tables
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No credit card required · No upfront cost

Success stories

Trusted for live event fundraising

Event-night tools built for speed, accuracy, and a smoother guest experience.

50,000+ organizations$1B+ raisedThousands of reviews across major marketplaces

"Spotters (bid entry) made bid entry fast and accurate. Paddle raise totals updated live, and checkout was painless."

Kim R., Gala Chair

"We used to dread checkout lines. Now winners paid from their phones and we wrapped up the night smoothly."

David L., Auction Lead

"The live tools kept the room moving and donors engaged. We raised more and our volunteers had less stress."

Maria S., Development Director
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FAQ

Live event auction FAQs

Answers about live auctions, paddle raise, spotters, checkout, and running event night smoothly.

What is live auction software?+
Live auction software helps you run bidding during an in-person event with tools like bid entry, paddle raise, real-time totals, and fast checkout for winners.
Does CharityAuctions support paddle raise (fund-a-need)?+
Yes. You can run a paddle raise with preset giving amounts and track totals in real time during your live event.
What are spotters and how do they work?+
Spotters help enter bids quickly during a live auction. CharityAuctions supports fast bid entry so your team can track winners accurately while the auctioneer runs the room.
Do guests need an app to bid during a live event?+
No. Guests can bid using mobile bidding from any phone with a link — no app required.
How does checkout work after a live auction?+
Winners pay from their phones after the event using built-in checkout. This reduces checkout lines and helps you collect payments faster.
Do you accept credit cards for live event checkout?+
Yes. Winners can pay from their phones with secure online checkout, which helps you avoid long lines and collect payments faster.
Can I run a silent auction and a live auction at the same event?+
Yes. Many events run a silent auction plus a live auction, and CharityAuctions supports both in one platform.
Do I need a tech person to run event night?+
No. The tools are designed for fundraising teams and volunteers, with simple workflows for bid entry, paddle raise, and checkout.
Can I start building my live event for free?+
Yes. You can start building your event with no upfront cost and no credit card required. Choose your approach when you're ready to go live.
Start building freeTalk to our team →

No credit card required · No upfront cost

Ready for event night?

Start your live auction setup today

Mobile bidding, paddle raise (fund-a-need), and instant checkout—no upfront cost and no credit card required.

Start building freeTalk to our team →

No credit card required · No upfront cost · Go live when you're ready