8 GiveSmart Alternatives for Nonprofits Running Events, Auctions & Galas

If you’ve been looking around for nonprofit event fundraising software, GiveSmart has probably shown up in your search. Founded in 2011, GiveSmart was part of Community Brands, which later rebranded its nonprofit and events software business as Momentive Software. It has since expanded into a broader fundraising platform.

While the platform works, the price, complexity, or ownership changes have made you wonder whether there is something better out there.

In this guide, we break down the eight best GiveSmart alternatives, covering who each platform works best for, what it costs, and what you actually get.

What is GiveSmart?

GiveSmart is a fundraising platform built around three core areas: events and auctions, online fundraising, and donor management. It serves mid to large-sized nonprofits, schools, and foundations, and offers features such as:

• Mobile bidding and silent auctions with item management, max bid, buy-now, and outbid notifications
• Live auction tools with leaderboard display for in-room engagement
• Ticketing, seating management, contactless check-in, and guest communications
• Text-to-give, peer-to-peer fundraising, and online campaign pages
• Built-in donor CRM for tracking giving history and automating donor communications
• Reporting and analytics across events and campaigns

A quick look at the 8 best GiveSmart alternatives

*Ratings are based on G2 profiles at the time of writing and may change

Why nonprofits look for GiveSmart alternatives?

While GiveSmart does serve as a full-fundraising suite, it comes with trade-offs that are too hard to ignore. Platform changes, a learning curve, pricing, and a complicated backend are just a few initial issues.
Here’s a more detailed look at its gaps that push organizations to explore the best GiveSmart alternative tools. 

1. Pricing and contract commitment

GiveSmart does not publish clear, self-serve pricing on its website, so nonprofits need to request a demo or speak with sales before they can compare true costs. It also appears to use annual subscription or contract-based pricing. 

Users on G2, Capterra, and GetApp have raised concerns about GiveSmart’s pricing and contract terms, often describing its cost structure as expensive and inflexible.

2. Acquisition and product uncertainty

GiveSmart is now part of Momentive Software after Community Brands rebrand. With that change, nonprofits may want to confirm whether any features, service terms, or support options have changed under their specific plan. 

On the support front, review platforms show users raising concerns about slower support responsiveness and inconsistent service.

3. Learning curve for new users

Getting up to speed can take time. Some users on GetApp say they needed additional paid training beyond the annual subscription to use GiveSmart effectively. For volunteer-run organizations or small teams, that added investment in training and resources is a major barrier. 

4. Complex backend and limited customization

Setting up more customized campaigns, auctions, and events can take extra time on the admin side. GiveSmart’s customization options are limited, especially for auction displays, giving forms, page layouts, and branded communications. 

For nonprofits that need tight control over the donor-facing experience, this can create extra back-and-forth before a campaign goes live. 

Compare RallyUp vs GiveSmart in detail to see why nonprofits are making the switch

Given these limitations, here are some strong GiveSmart alternatives worth considering that offer better pricing, support, and reliability.  

1. RallyUp (end-to-end fundraising platform) 

Best for: Nonprofits of any size running galas, charity auctions, or hybrid events who want a comprehensive auction and event fundraising platform with no contracts. As a complete fundraising tool, it lets you run campaigns from start to finish without needing separate tools.

RallyUp features 

• Silent auctions, live auctions, fund-a-need, and paddle raise for in-person and hybrid events
• Mobile bidding that works on any device without requiring a separate app download
• QR code check-in and automated checkout to keep the event night running without long lines
• Fundraising stack lets you combine auctions, raffles, and peer-to-peer in one campaign
• Text-to-give and livestreaming are included at no additional cost
• Free campaign-building support from a dedicated RallyUp fundraising expert

Pros

• No contracts, subscriptions, or setup fees
• Multiple campaign types to run fundraisers year-round
• Intuitive enough for small teams and first-time users

Cons

• Raffles and sweepstakes eligibility vary by state. Confirm local rules before launching prize-based fundraisers 

Pricing

• Free plan available with donor tipping. 
• Flex plan charges 0% to 6.9% depending on the activity. 
• Enterprise plan with activity-based pricing, as well as custom plans available based on your event needs.
• Payment processing fees from 1.9% + $0.30 up to 2.9% + $0.49 per transaction through Stripe or PayPal.

No subscriptions, contracts, or setup fees. 

2. OneCause

Best for: OneCause is a nonprofit event fundraising software primarily for large organizations that consistently host annual galas and high-volume auctions.

Key features

• Guests can browse and bid through the OneCause mobile app
• Participant-led peer-to-peer campaigns run alongside auction events
• Check-in, seating assignments, and paddle raise tools are managed from one dashboard
• Detailed revenue and donor behavior reports are available after each event

Pros

• Every tool is designed around large auction and gala event formats
• App-based bidding is clean, polished, and easy for guests to use
• Peer-to-peer fundraising tools are included for hybrid campaigns

Cons

• Full setup can take several weeks from start to go-live
• The platform is too complex and costly for smaller or casual fundraisers

Pricing

OneCause offers two ways to pay. The pay-as-you-go option starts with a $200 upfront amount and applies a 5% fee on funds raised. It is for organizations raising under $50,000 annually.

For an annual subscription, the Professional Auction and Event package is publicly listed at $2,995/year. Enterprise and National plans are custom quoted.

A few additional costs to factor in:

• Text2Give starts at $495/year and increases based on size and features
• Online fundraising and peer-to-peer plans are custom-priced
• Payment processing starts at 2% through Stripe or Deluxe

Check out our guide on 12 OneCause alternatives you need to know about in 2026

3. Handbid

Best for: Handbid is an enterprise-level auction software for planning high-end events with white-label branding and invite-only access controls.

Key features

• Guests browse and place bids through the Handbid mobile app
• Digital paddle raises and live bid management are handled from the platform
• Create an interactive auction catalog and customizable event websites 
• Live streaming and bidder engagement tools

Pros

• Every feature is built specifically around the auction experience
• The mobile app is intuitive and easy for guests to use on event night
• Bidders and organizers both see live changes in real time
• Automated notifications keep bidders engaged without any manual follow-up

Cons

• Support for coaching and on-site staff is available as add-ons.
• Building large item catalogs requires significant prep time before an event

Pricing

Starts at $1,396 for nonprofits, with single-event and multi-event packages available. Payment processing at 3.5% + $0.30 per transaction. Custom pricing for large organizations.

Explore more enterprise fundraising platforms best for larger organizations

4. Auctria

Best for: One of the budget-friendly GiveSmart competitors, Auctria is for small nonprofits running annual auctions or events on a limited budget who need dependable tools.

Key features

• Procurement tracking, printable bid sheets, and auction catalogs
• Ticketing, seating, and sponsorship management tools
• Silent, live, and online bidding with mobile app, browser, and text options
• Detailed post-event reporting and donor data export

Pros

• Straightforward setup with a low learning curve for new users
• Bid sheets and check-in features hold up well for traditional in-person events
• Event setups can be carried over, saving time for annual fundraisers

Cons

• The platform design lags noticeably behind more modern tools
• Not built for full gala management or broader fundraising formats

Pricing

• Explorer: Free for up to $10,000 annual income, 1% Auctria fee, 250 bidders, 3 team members. Core auction, ticketing, and donation tools included. No texting. Community, chat, and email support.
• Emerald:  $375/year for up to $50,000 annual income, 0.5% Auctria fee, 750 bidders, 10 team members.
• Diamond: $750/year for unlimited income, 0.25% Auctria fee, 1,000 bidders (more on request), 99 team members. All Emerald features included.

Payment processing runs only through Stripe or Authorize.Net. PayPal is not supported.

5. Greater Giving 

Best for: Greater Giving works best for nonprofits that run the same large fundraising gala every year and need a platform their team can rely on repeatedly, with deep event logistics built in from the ground up.

Key features

• Text-to-donate, video streaming, and real-time bid displays for live events
• Sponsorship tracking and branded sponsor displays for event visibility
• Table management, item catalog, and bid sheets are available 
• Custom registration pages and post-event analytics

Pros

• Covers the full event lifecycle from guest registration through post-event reporting
• Built to handle large item lists and complex live auction formats
• Staff assistance is available on-site for large-scale events

Cons

• Interface and UX lag behind newer competitors in design and usability
• Significant prep time is required before events can go live

Pricing

Custom only. Greater Giving tailors pricing to event size and feature needs. Contact them directly for a quote.

6. BetterWorld

Best for: BetterWorld is for small nonprofits, grassroots groups, and first-time fundraisers who need a free, easy-to-use platform for basic online auctions and fundraising.

Key features

• Online silent auctions with mobile and desktop bidding, and buy-now options
• Live auction tools with text message bidder engagement and real-time updates
• Ticketing, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer, paddle raise, and donation forms included
• Fundraising goal tracking and donor management on a single dashboard

Pros

• Accessible to nonprofits with no dedicated software budget
• Simple campaigns can go live quickly with minimal setup
• Easy for teams with no prior experience in online fundraising

Cons

• Auction tools are too basic for high-end events or large item catalogs
• Organizations that grow quickly will find the platform limiting

Pricing

• Free plan: No platform fee and supported with donor tipping
• Flex plan: Platform fee between 2.2% to 5% with no subscription
• Partner plan: Platform fee at 1.25% with subscription at $129/mo billed annually ($1,550/yr)
• Enterprise plan: Platform fee at 1% platform fee, and subscription at $495/mo billed annually ($5,950/yr)

 Processing charges apply at around 1.5%- 2.9% + $0.30.

7. Accelevents

Best for: Accelevents is for organizations running virtual, hybrid, or in-person fundraisers with customizable event pages and integrated auction tools.

Key features

• Drag-and-drop event website builder with custom branding
• Silent and live auctions with real-time mobile bidding
• Real-time analytics dashboard and downloadable bidder data
• Ticketing with tiered pricing, discount codes, and early-bird options

Pros

• The platform is easy to navigate for both organizers and attendees
• 24/7 customer support with quick response times
• The setup process is straightforward without requiring technical skills

Cons

• Not built specifically for nonprofits, so some features cater to corporate events
• Customization options for branding require higher-tier plans

Pricing

• Professional: Starting at $7,500 for a single event
• Business: Starting at $13,500 for unlimited events with cross-event reporting
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for organizations operating events across various departments
• White Label: Custom pricing for full brand control with removal of Accelevents branding

Payment processing fees apply separately through Stripe, Square, or Payflow.

8. Silent Auction Pro

Best for: Silent Auction Pro is one of the best silent auction apps for charity events with strong night-of support and a reasonable price point.

Key features

• Ticketing, seating management, and event check-in for in-person events
• Raise the paddle/ Fund-a-Need donations / Special Appeal available
• Customizable landing pages with item photos, descriptions, and categories
• Detailed post-event reporting with donor data and bid history

Pros

• Easy for volunteers and first-time users to get up to speed
• Well-suited for traditional in-person silent auction formats

Cons

• Not suitable for nonprofits that need broader fundraising tools beyond auctions
• Interface feels older compared to more modern platforms

Pricing

• Bidsheet Plus: $449/year and best for paper-based in-person events
• Bidsheet Pro: $649/year, the most popular paper option with expanded in-person tools
• Mobile Plus: $749/year and adds mobile and desktop bidding for hybrid or online events
• Mobile Pro: Full-featured plan at $899/year for virtual, hybrid, and in-person fundraisers

The annual fee is charged once per year and covers unlimited non-concurrent events within your subscription period. The 2.0% proceeds fee is invoiced after each event and applies to all auction items, ticket sales, and donations raised.

What to look for in auction and event fundraising software?

Before committing to any tool, run it against these criteria to ensure it can handle your events from start to finish.

• Mobile bidding: The best mobile bidding software for nonprofits lets donors bid from any device without downloading an app. Friction at that step costs you bids.
• Silent auction tools: Look for a silent auction platform with automated bid increments, real-time outbid notifications, and unlimited items support. 
• Live auction and paddle raise support: If you run galas, you need a platform that can handle the energy of a live room. Paddle raise tools should make it easy to call donations in real time without slowing down the event.
• Event check-in and guest management: The best auction software for nonprofits handles ticketing, seating, and check-in without requiring a separate tool. Long check-in lines kill event momentum.
• Payment processing transparency: Understand exactly what fees apply and who covers them. Some platforms pass fees to donors, others absorb them, and some bury charges in the fine print. 
• Reporting and post-event analytics: The best gala fundraising software gives you clear data on what worked, who gave the most, and how to follow up. Post-event reporting should not require manual exports or hours of cleanup.

Final verdict: What is the best GiveSmart alternative?

GiveSmart works for some large organizations, but it’s not built with most nonprofit teams in mind. 

When you’re managing volunteers, chasing auction items, and coordinating donors all at once, the last thing you need is a platform that requires a learning curve just to get an event live. And you certainly do not need technical glitches showing up while your fundraiser is running.

Of all the GiveSmart alternatives covered here, RallyUp (end-to-end marketing platform) stands out as the strongest option. It’s built specifically for nonprofits, with campaign types and features designed around how nonprofit teams actually operate. 

You will find everything in one place: silent and live auctions, peer-to-peer campaigns, donor management, and detailed reporting. Getting started is straightforward, and expert support is available at no extra cost.

Try RallyUp free and run your next event without the headache!