How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Rankite is independent; if a vendor ever pays for a featured spot, that listing is clearly labeled Partner.
Key takeaways
- The gala is often a nonprofit's biggest fundraising night. The best event management software for nonprofits handles ticketing, auctions, mobile bidding and donor data in one place.
- Givebutter ($0, free) is the free option nonprofits love. Auctria ($0 Explorer) is the free DIY auction tool. Eventbrite ($0 for free events) handles public ticketing.
- OneCause is the gala specialist for large events. Qgiv/Bloomerang ($40/mo annual) is the modular fundraising suite. WildApricot ($59.40/mo annual) suits membership organizations.
- Watch the fee structures: platform fees, ticket fees and marketplace commissions vary wildly and eat gala revenue.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 OneCause | large-scale galas and auctions | See website | No |
 Givebutter | free fundraising with auctions and events | $0 | Yes |
 Qgiv (Bloomerang) | modular fundraising with event management | $40/mo (billed annually) | No |
 Handbid | mobile bidding specialist | See website | No |
 GiveSmart | CRM plus auctions in one | See website | No |
 Eventbrite | public-facing ticketed events | $0 | Yes |
 Whova | conferences and association events | See website | No |
 Accelevents | hybrid and virtual events | See website | No |
 Auctria | DIY auctions on a budget | $0 | Yes |
 WildApricot | membership organizations running events | $59.40/mo (billed annually) | No |
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We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best event management software for nonprofits
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
OneCause is the gala and auction platform for nonprofits that run big events. Now part of Bonterra, it offers a comprehensive suite: integrated ticketing, table management, sponsorship sales, volunteer tools, express check-in, silent and live auctions, fund-a-need appeals, and the new Auction AI for item descriptions and recommendations.
The depth is the selling point. From event giving sites and donation forms to paddle raises, live chat and multi-affiliate reporting, OneCause covers the full gala lifecycle. The Pay As You Go option suits organizations raising under $50,000 a year; Professional and Enterprise plans serve larger programs.
Pricing is quote-based, and reviewers note high cost and complex reporting at scale. For mid-size to large nonprofits running frequent galas and auctions, OneCause is the dedicated event specialist and the best event management software for nonprofits with serious event programs.
What we like- The gala specialist with deep auction tools
- Auction AI
- Comprehensive event features from ticketing to fund-a-need
Watch out for- Quote-based pricing
- Reporting gets unwieldy at scale per reviewers
Starting price$0
Free planYes
Givebutter is the free fundraising platform that nonprofits actually love. The model is simple: 0% platform fees across all campaign types when optional donor tips are enabled, backed by the Givebutter Guarantee that covers processing fees. If tips are disabled, a flat 3% platform fee applies.
The product covers fundraising events, auctions, donation forms, donor management and CRM, marketing and engagement, all free with unlimited users and contacts. Givebutter Plus, from $29 per month, adds automated workflows, texting, video messages and priority support for organizations that want more.
For small to mid-size nonprofits that need events, auctions and donor management without a software budget, Givebutter is the obvious starting point. The free tier is genuinely full-featured, not a trial.
What we like- Genuinely free with 0% platform fees (tips enabled)
- Auctions, events, CRM and donations in one
- Top-rated on G2
Watch out for- 3% platform fee if donor tips are disabled
- Givebutter Plus adds cost for advanced features
#3
Qgiv (Bloomerang)
Best for: modular fundraising with event management
Visit qgiv.com
Starting price$40/mo (billed annually)
Free planNo
Qgiv, now Bloomerang Fundraising, is the modular option. Pricing is published: Bloomerang Fundraising starts at $40 per month billed annually, with the full Giving Platform from $242 per month. The event management includes customizable registration forms, multi-attendee discounts, QR-code check-in, table seating and auction fundraising with mobile bidding.
The modularity is the appeal. Organizations pay for the components they use: donation forms, events, auctions, peer-to-peer, text fundraising. Integration with Bloomerang CRM connects event data to donor records, which is where the real value lies for year-round fundraising.
Some features require bundling with Bloomerang CRM, and the add-ons add up. For small to mid-size nonprofits that want flexible, pay-for-what-you-use fundraising with solid event tools, Qgiv is a strong choice.
What we like- Published pricing from $40/mo annual
- Event management plus auctions, text and peer-to-peer
- Now part of Bloomerang
Watch out for- Must bundle with Bloomerang CRM for some features
- Add-ons increase cost
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Handbid is the mobile bidding specialist. Founded in 2011, it focuses on doing auctions well: silent and live auctions, online bidding, proxy bidding, white-label app and browser bidding, with an engaging experience that drives bid activity.
The specialization suits organizations running one or two major galas a year. Instead of a sprawling platform, Handbid delivers the auction mechanics that make or break the fundraising: reliable bidding, outbid alerts, streamlined checkout and an app bidders actually enjoy using.
Pricing is not published on the vendor site. Handbid is auction-first, not a full event management suite; pair it with a ticketing or CRM tool for the complete gala. For auction excellence, it is a top pick.
What we like- Excellent mobile bidding experience
- White-label app
- Strong for one or two major events a year
Watch out for- Pricing not published on the site
- Auction-focused rather than full event management
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
GiveSmart is the all-in-one that bundles CRM with auctions. Part of Momentive Software, it combines a full donor CRM with native auctions, mobile bidding and event tools, with guided implementation to get organizations live. The pitch is no upfront cost; you pay when you raise.
The CRM integration is the differentiator. Auction and event data flows directly into donor records, so the gala is not a data silo but part of the year-round donor relationship. Item procurement and packaging management help with the operational side of auctions.
Pricing is not published on the site. For mid-size nonprofits that want CRM and fundraising events in one system without stitching tools together, GiveSmart is the strongest fit.
What we like- Bundles donor CRM with auctions and mobile bidding
- Guided implementation
- No upfront cost model
Watch out for- Pricing not published on the site
- Momentive ecosystem may not suit everyone
Starting price$0
Free planYes
Eventbrite is the ticketing giant that nonprofits use for public events. Publishing an event is free, and free events carry no fees at all. For paid tickets, the fee is 3.7% plus $1.79 per ticket, with 2.9% payment processing. Nonprofits get discounted ticketing fees on donation tickets and 50% off Pro plans.
The marketplace is the advantage. With 89 million monthly users discovering events, a public fundraiser, workshop or community event gets exposure no nonprofit-specific tool can match. The ticketing tools, check-in app and marketing suite are proven at scale.
Eventbrite is not built for galas or auctions; there is no mobile bidding or fund-a-need. For public-facing ticketed events where discovery matters, it is the default. For fundraising galas, pair it with an auction tool.
What we like- Free for free events
- Massive discovery marketplace
- Nonprofit discounts (50% off Pro)
Watch out for- 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket
- Not nonprofit-specific
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Whova is the event app for conferences and association gatherings. It excels at attendee engagement: networking, agendas, speaker profiles, live polls and community features that make multi-day events feel connected. Associations and academic nonprofits rate it highly.
For nonprofits running conferences, summits or conventions rather than galas, Whova's engagement tools outperform the fundraising platforms. The attendee app is polished and the organizer tools handle complex agendas well.
Pricing is not published on the site. Whova is not fundraising software; there are no auctions or donation tools. For event experience over fundraising mechanics, it is the pick.
What we like- Excellent attendee engagement and networking
- Strong for conferences and academic events
- Well-reviewed app
Watch out for- Pricing not published on the site
- Less fundraising-focused than nonprofit tools
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Accelevents is the hybrid and virtual event platform. Founded in 2014, it handles in-person, virtual and hybrid events in one system, with registration, ticketing, live streaming, networking and engagement tools that work across formats.
For nonprofits running hybrid galas or virtual fundraisers, the format flexibility matters. The platform scales from single events to annual programs, with features for sponsors, exhibitors and attendees across physical and digital venues.
Pricing is not published on the site; third-party sources report from $7,500 per event. For nonprofits committed to hybrid or virtual fundraising events, Accelevents is purpose-built.
What we like- Strong hybrid and virtual event platform
- All-in-one for in-person plus online
- Good engagement tools
Watch out for- Pricing not published on the site
- Enterprise-oriented pricing per third-party reports
Starting price$0
Free planYes
Auctria is the DIY auction tool for budget-conscious nonprofits. Pricing is transparent and refreshingly honest: the Explorer plan is free for under $10,000 tracked per year, Emerald is $375 per year, Diamond is $750 per year. No performance fees, ever; the license is a fixed upfront cost.
The product covers online and mobile bidding, silent and live auctions, tickets, sponsorships, donations and paddle raises, with a customizable event website. The DIY ethos means organizers do more setup themselves, but the user guide and community are strong.
For small nonprofits running auctions on a tight budget, Auctria is the value leader. The free Explorer plan handles a first gala; the paid tiers stay affordable as the organization grows.
What we like- Free Explorer plan
- No performance fees ever
- Transparent annual pricing ($375/$750)
Watch out for- DIY approach needs more organizer effort
- Texting only on paid plans
Starting price$59.40/mo (billed annually)
Free planNo
WildApricot is the membership platform with event management built in. Pricing is published: from $59.40 per month billed annually ($66 monthly) for 100 contacts, scaling with contact count. A 60-day free trial requires no credit card.
The product combines membership management, event registration with customizable forms and payments, email marketing, a website builder and donations. For associations, clubs and member-based nonprofits that run events for their community, having membership and events in one database is the win.
The auction tools are thinner than OneCause or Handbid. For membership organizations where events serve the community rather than maximize gala revenue, WildApricot is the natural fit.
What we like- Published pricing from $59.40/mo annual
- Membership plus events plus website in one
- 60-day trial
Watch out for- Membership-centric
- Less auction depth than dedicated tools
How we chose
We researched vendor documentation, product materials and nonprofit software comparisons in October 2026. Every price above comes from the vendor's own pricing page; where vendors do not publish pricing we say so. We weighted event fundraising capability (ticketing, auctions, mobile bidding), nonprofit-specific pricing, ease of use for staff and volunteers, and fee transparency, favoring tools built for nonprofits over general event platforms.
Auction-first vs event-first: picking the right category
The nonprofit event world splits into two categories. Auction-first tools (OneCause, Handbid, Auctria, GiveSmart's auction module) are built around galas and fundraising auctions: mobile bidding, item management, paddle raises, fund-a-need. Their success metric is dollars raised per event.
Event-first tools (Eventbrite, Whova, Accelevents, WildApricot) are built around the event experience: ticketing, registration, agendas, networking, check-in. Their success metric is attendance and engagement. Givebutter and Qgiv straddle both.
The mistake is buying the wrong category. A gala needs auction-first software; a conference needs event-first. Buying Eventbrite for a silent auction leaves the fundraising mechanics to spreadsheets. Buying OneCause for a community workshop is expensive overkill. Name the event type first, then choose the category.
The fee structures that eat gala revenue
Nonprofit event pricing is a maze, and the maze has teeth. Platform fees (OneCause's pay-as-you-go percentage, Givebutter's 3% without tips), ticket fees (Eventbrite's 3.7% + $1.79), payment processing (2.9% + $0.30 standard), and marketplace commissions all stack. On a $100,000 gala, the difference between fee structures can be $5,000 or more.
The free tools are not always cheapest. Givebutter's 0% with tips is genuinely free, but if donors do not tip, the 3% applies. Auctria's fixed annual fee with no performance percentage wins as revenue grows. Eventbrite's per-ticket fees punish high ticket prices.
Model the fees on your actual numbers before committing. Take last year's gala revenue, ticket count and average donation, and run each vendor's fee structure against it. The cheapest sticker price is rarely the cheapest total cost, and the most expensive platform sometimes earns its fee in higher bidding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best event management software for nonprofits?
It depends on the event type. For galas and auctions, OneCause, Handbid and Givebutter lead. For free or low-cost options, Givebutter ($0), Auctria ($0 Explorer) and Eventbrite ($0 for free events) are excellent. For membership organizations, WildApricot. For conferences, Whova. For hybrid events, Accelevents. Match the tool to the event, not the other way around.
How much does nonprofit event software cost?
It ranges from free to thousands. Givebutter, Auctria Explorer and Eventbrite (free events) cost $0. Qgiv/Bloomerang starts at $40 per month billed annually. WildApricot starts at $59.40 per month billed annually. OneCause, Handbid, GiveSmart, Whova and Accelevents are quote-based. Always model the fee structure (platform, ticket, processing) against your actual event numbers.
Should nonprofits use Eventbrite for fundraising events?
Eventbrite is excellent for public-facing ticketed events: free to publish, massive discovery marketplace, nonprofit discounts. But it lacks auction and fundraising mechanics like mobile bidding and fund-a-need. Use Eventbrite for ticketed community events and workshops. For galas and auctions, use a fundraising-first tool like OneCause, Givebutter or Handbid.
What is the difference between OneCause and Givebutter?
OneCause is the enterprise gala specialist: deep auction tools, dedicated event features and quote-based pricing for mid-size to large nonprofits running frequent events. Givebutter is the free all-rounder: 0% platform fees, auctions, events, CRM and donations in one, best for small to mid-size nonprofits. OneCause offers more event depth; Givebutter offers unbeatable value.
How do nonprofits handle event ticketing and auctions together?
The best approach is one platform that does both, like OneCause, Givebutter, Qgiv or GiveSmart, so ticketing, bidding and donor data stay connected. If using separate tools (Eventbrite for ticketing plus Handbid for auctions), ensure the data syncs to the donor CRM afterward. Disconnected event data is the most common post-gala headache.
Sources we checked (16)
- https://www.onecause.com/
- https://www.onecause.com/pricing
- https://givebutter.com/
- https://givebutter.com/pricing
- https://www.qgiv.com/
- https://www.qgiv.com/pricing
- https://www.handbid.com/
- https://www.givesmart.com/
- https://www.eventbrite.com/
- https://www.eventbrite.com/pricing
- https://whova.com/
- https://www.accelevents.com/
- https://www.auctria.com/
- https://www.auctria.com/pricing
- https://www.wildapricot.com/
- https://www.wildapricot.com/pricing
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has spent more than a decade helping SaaS and e-commerce brands grow through search. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.