Top 9 Nonprofit Gala Fundraising Tools to Elevate Your Event (2025)

Sophia is driving home after organizing a fundraising gala for her nonprofit’s annual benefit dinner. She remembered the moment the room went quiet – the auctioneer had just lifted the gavel, champagne glasses clinked faintly in the background, and a guest in the front row raised their paddle.

Before she had the right tools, there was constant firefighting: seating charts were updated daily, sponsors needed relentless follow-ups, online ticket sales had to be tracked manually, and volunteers required careful coordination. 

Does this sound familiar while planning gala fundraisers? It’s the kind of complexity that could derail even the most meticulously planned gala if one element goes wrong.

Sophia had experienced this herself in the past. This time, however, she found the power of modern nonprofit fundraising tools. Gala fundraising software streamlined ticketing, automated donor reminders, simplified check-ins, and even generated tax receipts before dessert was served.

Is your nonprofit facing similar event challenges? In this comprehensive guide, explore our curated list of the nine best fundraising tools for galas that can transform your event planning.

Quick comparison of the top 9 gala fundraising software

Note: An annual subscription or tiered plan implies that the tool involves a contract.

Is fundraising for galas different than other fundraisers?

In short, yes, fundraising for galas and events is different than online fundraising. Fundraising at galas isn’t like running a digital campaign or sending an email appeal.

A gala is equal parts performance, hospitality, and philanthropy, where every detail from the seating chart to the paddle raise influences how much your guests give.

Unlike other fundraising efforts, galas ask donors to participate in an experience. Which means, they aren’t just writing a check; they’re bidding in a live auction, raising a paddle in the moment, or scanning a QR code on their phone between courses.

There is a lot to manage in galas compared to online fundraising.

The impact of gala fundraisers is undeniable for NPOs and their goals. 

For example, at the 2025 amfAR Venezia Gala, hosted during the Venice Film Festival, an evening of black-tie glamor raised more than $3.4 million for HIV/AIDS research. Such fundraising goals can be difficult to achieve through other events.

If you’re looking for an online auctioning software option for your event, check out our list of the best online auction sites.

How do nonprofits benefit from gala fundraising tools?

When you think back on a gala, it’s the flow of the evening, the energy of the crowd, and the ease of generosity. 

But what makes this all possible? Fundraising platforms quietly carry the event logistics weight backstage:

• Guests glide through the door with QR check-ins instead of waiting in long lines
• Charity auctions, including silent auctions, buzz with mobile bids and instant notifications that keep donors on their toes
• A paddle raise or Text2Give moment brings collective generosity right when the room feels most alive
• Thank-you notes and tax receipts queued up before the last major donor leaves the room
• Added peer-to-peer fundraising and other fundraising efforts to increase the enthusiasm in the air
• Dashboards display real-time data, giving organizers clear insights on how much was raised and who contributed
• Sponsors see their names on live displays and reports, knowing their support was appreciated

Bonus benefit: Fundraising tools also make sponsor engagement possible. Branded event pages, dedicated sponsor spots on donation forms, donor walls, and automated CSR-ready reports keep corporate partners feeling valued and eager to return next year.

How did we choose these gala fundraising tools?

We focused on platforms built for in-person galas, hybrid events, and auctions. 

We compared ticketing, check-in, auctions, paddle-raise, donor CRM syncs, reporting, support, and total cost of ownership. Moreover, we validated claims against public docs and did brief hands-on trials to judge UX.

Moreover, we reviewed these tools on platforms like G2 and Capterra to figure out what nonprofits like or dislike.

No vendor paid for inclusion. No equity, referral fees, or affiliate links influenced rankings.

9 best fundraising tools for nonprofit galas and events

Let’s get to the main question: Which online fundraising platforms actually make all this possible without the late-night sifting through documents and frantic last-minute fixes?

Here’s a look at the core fundraising tools that can simplify your gala planning.

1. RallyUp – Best all-in-one gala & event management tool

Best for: All-in-one gala and event management tool (from ticketing to live streaming).

Key features:

• Ticketing and event registration page with VIP tables and packages
• Built-in live streaming for hybrid or virtual fundraisers
• QR-code check-in for event attendees to cut wait times
• Live and silent auctions with auto bid notifications
• Paddle raise and Fund-a-Need to capture high-energy moments
• Mobile-first giving for donations and bidding
• Automated thank-yous, tax receipts, and reconciliation reports
• Multi-format nonprofit fundraising tools like raffles, sweepstakes, crowdfunding campaigns, and peer-to-peer fundraising

What makes it stand out:

One of the only online fundraising platforms that unifies 10+ nonprofit fundraising formats into a single, branded event fundraising link.

Pricing:

• Custom pricing for galas and events; pay-as-you-go model
• No contracts
• No upfront costs
• No subscription
• Processing fees – 1.9% + $0.30 to 2.9% + $0.49

Fundraising platform tip:

Choose RallyUp when you want to consolidate multiple nonprofit fundraising methods into one gala without juggling different apps or payment flows.

2. PayBee

Best for: Hybrid, in-person, and virtual galas with live engagement tools.

Key features:

• Ticketing and event registration for in-person galas and virtual or hybrid events
• Live streaming integration with built-in video conferencing
• Virtual paddle raises and donation drives
• Live and silent auctions with mobile/desktop bidding
• Auction games and raffles to boost participation
• Peer-to-peer fundraising tools to extend reach
• Donor management with auto follow-ups, donation receipts, and reporting for smooth stewardship

What makes it stand out:

PayBee is for in-person/hybrid/virtual galas and an online fundraising platform that combines ticketing, auctions, raffles, and donation drives into one ecosystem.

Pricing:

In-person/hybrid events: 

• $599 for unlimited events for 2 years
• 2% on all electronic transactions 
• Payment processing fee of 2.7% + $0.30 
• $399 one-time setup for events

Fundraising platform tip:

Use PayBee’s pledge drives and live streaming together to create a shared event experience for both remote and in-room donors.

3. OneCause

Best for: Galas that rely on Text2Give and AI-enhanced event fundraising management tools.

Key features:

• Mobile bidding for live and silent auctions
• Peer-to-peer fundraising for social media posts and engagement
• Fund-a-Need campaigns during the program
• Text2Give nonprofit fundraising tools for instant mobile donations
• AI-powered insights for donor behavior
• AI-enhanced post-event reporting

What makes it stand out:

OneCause is mainly for nonprofits with larger budgets, as the pricing can significantly add up.

Pricing:

• Pay-as-you-go (only for NPOs under $50,000 annually): $500 setup + 5% fee on funds raised + processing fees
• Annual subscription: Starts at $2,995 + processing fees
• Contact for complete pricing

Fundraising platform tip:

Use Text2Give to capture paddle raise donations instantly without interrupting the flow.

4. Bloomerang Fundraising (formerly Qgiv)

Best for: Use Bloomerang for donor stewardship and guest follow-up after galas.

Key features:

• Event ticketing and event registration integrated with donor records
• Real-time tracking of attendance and guest engagement tools
• Peer-to-peer fundraising to increase donor engagement
• Built-in email and communication fundraising tools for post-event follow-up
• Donation processing is connected directly to CRM profiles
• Reporting and analytics tied to donor retention and lifetime value

What makes it stand out:

Bloomerang connects gala fundraising directly to long-term donor relationships through its acquisition of Qgiv.

Pricing:

• Event management is an add-on. Online fundraising plan starts at $40/month.
• Certain features, like auctions, can cost $259/month or $687/quarter.
• However, complete pricing information for galas and events is not public.

Fundraising platform tip:

Use Google Calendar options and interactive map integrations for a smooth check-in during the gala.

5. Donorbox

Best for: Quick, mobile-first ticketing and in-person events.

Key features:

• Event ticketing with customizable tiers, promo codes, and tax-deductible details
• QR codes and Text-to-Give to accept donations on mobiles
• Donorbox Live Kiosk to accept card or digital wallet payments on-site via tablet
• Automatic ticket delivery, receipts, and donor management data capture
• Donation upsells at checkout (e.g., “add a gift” with tickets)

What makes it stand out:

You can run nonprofit fundraising events around the world, and Donorbox will help you sell tickets online in 52+ currencies. However, you cannot organize auctions.

Pricing:

• Free plan – Platform fee (2.95-3.95%)
• Pro plan: $150/month + platform fee (2%)
• Premium plan: custom pricing + platform fee (2%)
• Processing fee: 2.2% + $0.30
• Donorbox Live Kiosk add-on: $50/mo

Fundraising platform tip:

Set up a Live Kiosk near check-in or tables to encourage impulse donations from guests as they arrive or leave.

6. Greater Giving

Best for: Hosting smooth-running auctions and event-night checkouts with Greater Giving.

Key features:

• Cloud-based event software for nonprofit fundraising events
• AuctionPay processes credit card payments at the event
• Online bidding makes silent auctions mobile-friendly
• Online payments handle ticketing, event registration, and donations
• Auction Booster adds curated travel and experience packages
• Event services provide fundraising professionals for on-site help

What makes it stand out:

Greater Giving shines with its online auction and payment solutions, making it easier to handle both front-end bidding and back-end reconciliation.

Pricing:

Pricing not publicly listed, but a paid subscription is required. Contact for more details.

Fundraising platform tip:

Add their Auction Booster packages to spark bidding wars and raise funds.

7. GalaBid

Best for: Mobile-first silent auctions and raffles.

Key features:

• Silent auctions with live mobile bidding
• Unsold live and silent auction items return to the catalog 
• Raffles and prize draws to encourage guest participation
• Customizable event microsites for branding and ticketing
• Mobile check-in and easy guest registration
• Visual Leaderboard Display for bids and raffle results

What makes it stand out:

GalaBid is built for auction-centric galas, making it simple to engage donors with mobile bidding and raffles without heavy setup.

Pricing:

• Free plan with donor tips
• Pro plan: 4.9% fee
• $1,250/campaign (flat fee)
• Processing fee: 2.9% + $0.30

Fundraising platform tip:

Use GalaBid’s raffle and auction combo to keep guests engaged throughout the evening and maximize mid-event giving.

8. Handbid

Best for: Mobile auctions with gamified guest engagement during charity auctions.

Key features:

• Mobile bidding app that keeps guests engaged in real time.
• Ticketing and event registration with mobile access.
• Live leaderboards and push notifications for instant updates.
• Built-in payment processing with quick checkout.
• Analytics and reporting to track bids, donations, and performance.
• Online auction item management with images, descriptions, and categories.

What makes it stand out:

Handbid gamifies gala auctions with real-time leaderboards, outbid alerts, and app-based bidding.

Pricing:

• Starting at $1,396 per event
• Custom pricing for Pro plan
• Processing fee: 3.5% + $0.30

Fundraising platform tip:

Use Handbid’s custom themes to design your own branding so guests can interact with a familiar environment they already know and love.

9. Givebutter

Best for: Free event ticketing with live donor engagement.

Key features:

• Free ticketing and registration for in-person galas, virtual fundraisers, or hybrid events
• Customizable ticket types, VIP packages, and promo codes
• Live Display to show donations, comments, and progress on screens during the gala
• Mobile app for QR-code check-in and ticket scanning
• Peer-to-peer and team fundraising events added

What makes it stand out:

Givebutter partners with auction package providers so you can take your bidding wars to the next level and maximize donations.

Pricing:

• Free plan with donor tipping; 3% fee if donor tips disabled
• Plus from $29/month
• processing fee: 1.9–2.9% + $0.30

Fundraising platform tip:

Use Live Display during your paddle raise or auction to create excitement and spark competitive giving.

Essential gala fundraising strategies that maximize impact

Successful gala fundraising requires strategic planning across three critical phases: pre-event preparation, event execution, and post-event stewardship. 

Here’s how top-performing nonprofits structure their approach:

Maximizing  nonprofit fundraising potential

• Invitations and ticketing: Segment guests, offer VIP tiers, and early-bird options
• Social media and outreach: Build anticipation with sponsor spotlights and stories
• Mobile giving setup: 45% of online donations were made on mobile devices, making mobile-first tools essential
• Matching gifts and peer-to-peer fundraising: Amplify impact and expand reach

Event execution and activities

• QR-codes: Check-in to speed arrivals
• Auctions: Both live and silent auctions drive competition
• Paddle raise: Bring a collective, emotional highlight

Measuring fundraising event success and growth

• Dashboards: Track totals and participation
• CRM integrations: Track donor trends on your existing fundraising software
• Post-event reporting and donor management

Event follow-up and evaluation

• Thank-yous and tax receipts: Delivered quickly for trust
• Reconciliation: Fast, error-free reporting builds credibility
• Reports: Volunteer debriefs discuss lessons and results

How to choose the best gala fundraising tool for your nonprofit

Selecting the right gala fundraising software requires careful evaluation of your organization’s specific needs and constraints.

The wrong choice can lead to technical difficulties during your event, while the optimal platform will enhance both guest experience and fundraising results.

Consider these key elements when evaluating nonprofit fundraising event software options:

1. Team size and technical expertise

Small teams (1-3 people): Prioritize user-friendly platforms with comprehensive customer support and pre-built templates

Medium teams (4-10 people): Look for collaborative features, role-based access controls, and workflow automation tools

Large teams (10+ people): Focus on enterprise-grade platforms with advanced permissions, custom reporting, and dedicated account management

2. Event format and complexity

In-person galas: Emphasize mobile bidding, QR-code check-in, and real-time payment processing capabilities

Virtual events: Require integrated live streaming, online auction tools, and online engagement features

Hybrid formats: Need platforms that seamlessly connect in-person and remote participants with unified bidding and donation systems

3. Budget considerations and ROI

Limited budgets: Consider tip-based platforms or percentage-fee models that scale with success

Moderate budgets: Evaluate monthly subscription services with predictable costs and feature scaling

Enterprise budgets: Investigate custom pricing with volume discounts and white-label branding options

4. CRM integration requirements

Existing donor databases: Ensure seamless data synchronization and two-way integration capabilities

Multiple software systems: Look for platforms with robust API connections and Zapier compatibility

Standalone needs: Consider all-in-one solutions like RallyUp that eliminate integration complexity

The most successful nonprofits choose platforms that not only meet current needs but can scale with organizational growth and evolving event formats.

Organize your next gala fundraiser with RallyUp

When the music winds down and the last glasses are cleared, two things linger from a gala: The sparkle of the evening and the sense of having been part of something bigger.

Guests remember the thrill of raising a paddle, the excitement of a bidding war, and the joy of seeing fundraising goals surpassed live. Those are the moments that turn one night into a legacy of generosity.

Behind it all are the event management platforms that reduced fundraising efforts, allowing the spotlight to stay on the cause. 

So if you’re looking for a partner that can weave every part of your gala together – from first invitation to final thank-you – RallyUp is built to do just that.