BiddingOwl
BiddingOwl is a dedicated non-profit auction management software providing mobile bidding, online auctions, and event management tools to help organizations streamline fundraising and increase donor engagement.
GiveSmart
GiveSmart is a comprehensive fundraising and donor management software designed to help nonprofit organizations manage auctions, process mobile donations, and organize events to increase their mission's overall impact.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BiddingOwl | GiveSmart |
|---|---|---|
| Website | biddingowl.com | givesmart.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Custom |
| Starting Price | Free | Custom Pricing |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2011 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Grand Blanc, USA | Chicago, USA |
Overview
BiddingOwl
BiddingOwl is a specialized fundraising platform designed to help you manage charity auctions from start to finish. Whether you are running a small school fundraiser or a large-scale gala, you can transition your traditional paper-based bidding to a digital format. You can easily upload items, manage donor data, and track bids in real-time through a centralized dashboard.
The platform solves the common headache of manual checkout by automating the invoicing and payment process for winning bidders. You can choose between running a purely online auction, a mobile-only event, or a hybrid model that combines live and silent auction elements. It is built specifically for non-profits and schools looking for a cost-effective way to modernize their fundraising efforts without high upfront software fees.
GiveSmart
GiveSmart provides you with a unified platform to manage every aspect of your nonprofit fundraising, from silent auctions to year-round donor engagement. You can move away from fragmented tools and handle ticket sales, guest registration, and secure payment processing in one centralized location. The software focuses on mobile-first experiences, allowing your supporters to bid on items or donate directly from their smartphones during live events or virtual campaigns.
Beyond event day, you can use the built-in CRM features to track donor history and automate personalized follow-up communications. Whether you are running a small local gala or a national multi-city campaign, the platform scales to meet your needs with peer-to-peer fundraising tools and detailed data analytics. It helps you build deeper relationships with your supporters while reducing the administrative burden on your development team.
Overview
BiddingOwl Features
- Mobile Bidding Allow your guests to place bids directly from their smartphones and receive instant outbid notifications to drive higher engagement.
- Online Auction Website Create a custom-branded auction page where you can showcase items with photos and descriptions to reach remote donors.
- Leaderboard Displays Project real-time bidding activity and countdown timers at your live event to create excitement and encourage last-minute bids.
- Automated Invoicing Generate and send digital invoices to winning bidders automatically as soon as your auction closes to speed up collections.
- Donor Management Track your donor history and manage contact information in one place to simplify your post-event thank you notes.
- Item Management Upload unlimited auction items with multiple images and set starting bids or 'buy it now' prices with a few clicks.
GiveSmart Features
- Mobile Bidding. Let your guests bid on auction items and receive outbid notifications directly on their phones to drive higher engagement.
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising. Empower your supporters to create personal fundraising pages and recruit their own networks to donate to your cause.
- Donor Management CRM. Track every donor interaction and giving history in a central database to build more personalized long-term relationships.
- Text-to-Give. Collect donations instantly by allowing supporters to send a simple text message during your live presentations or appeals.
- Event Management. Manage guest lists, seating charts, and check-in processes digitally to eliminate long lines at your physical events.
- Reporting and Analytics. Access real-time data on campaign performance and donor behavior to make informed decisions for your future strategy.
Pricing Comparison
BiddingOwl Pricing
- No upfront activation fees
- Unlimited auction items
- Mobile and online bidding
- Custom auction website
- 5% performance fee on winning bids
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Credit card processing integration
- Direct payment to your account
- Automated checkout workflow
- Standard processing fees apply
GiveSmart Pricing
Pros & Cons
BiddingOwl
Pros
- No upfront costs makes it accessible for small budgets
- Very easy for donors to use on mobile devices
- Responsive customer support during live fundraising events
- Simple setup process for volunteers with limited tech skills
Cons
- User interface feels a bit dated compared to competitors
- Limited customization options for the auction website design
- Performance fees can add up for very high-value auctions
GiveSmart
Pros
- Intuitive mobile bidding interface increases auction revenue
- Excellent on-site support options for live events
- Streamlined check-in and check-out process for guests
- Robust reporting tools provide deep donor insights
Cons
- Learning curve for complex backend setup
- Customization options for landing pages can be limited
- Higher price point compared to entry-level tools