Online Fundraising in the US in 2026: Maximize Donations with GalaBid

Online fundraising has never been more important for US nonprofits, schools, sports clubs and community organisations.

While fundraising events remain at the heart of many campaigns, today's supporters expect the convenience of donating, bidding and purchasing tickets from wherever they are, whether that's at home, in the office or attending an event with a smartphone in hand.

At the same time, fundraising has become more competitive. Organisations are working harder to attract donor attention, volunteer numbers are under pressure, and rising event costs mean every fundraising dollar needs to work harder than ever before.

Technology has become a key part of solving these challenges.

The right fundraising platform can do far more than simply collect donations. It can reduce administration, improve the supporter experience, simplify event management and help organisations raise more with the same resources.

In this guide, we'll explore the trends shaping online fundraising in the US, the features that matter most when choosing a fundraising platform, and how GalaBid helps organisations deliver successful fundraising campaigns from start to finish.

Why Online Fundraising Continues to Grow Across the US

Digital fundraising isn't replacing traditional fundraising - it's making it more accessible.

Whether you're organising a charity gala, silent auction, school fundraiser, golf day or community event, supporters increasingly expect a simple digital experience.

That means being able to:

• Purchase tickets online
• Bid in silent auctions from their own phone
• Donate in seconds
• Receive receipts automatically
• Participate whether they're attending in person or remotely

For organisers, digital fundraising offers equally significant benefits. Tasks that once took volunteers hours to complete can now happen automatically, allowing teams to spend less time on administration and more time engaging supporters.

The Challenges Facing US Fundraisers in 2026

While fundraising opportunities continue to grow, organisations across the United States are also facing several common challenges.

Rising Event Costs

Venue hire, catering, entertainment and staffing costs continue to increase, placing additional pressure on fundraising events to deliver stronger returns.

Many organisations are looking for ways to reduce overheads without compromising the supporter experience. Online fundraising platforms help achieve this by automating manual processes and reducing the need for printed materials, paper bidding sheets and administrative follow-up.

Volunteer Time Is More Valuable Than Ever

Many nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers, yet recruiting and retaining volunteers has become increasingly difficult.

Every hour spent reconciling auction results, processing payments or manually updating spreadsheets is time that could be spent engaging donors or planning the next campaign.

Technology should reduce workloads, not create more of them.

Donors Expect Convenience

Supporters are increasingly accustomed to frictionless online experiences. Whether they're ordering groceries, booking travel or paying bills, they expect the same simplicity when making a charitable donation.

Long registration forms, app downloads or complicated payment processes can all reduce participation.

The easier it is to give, the more likely people are to complete a donation.

Hybrid Events Are Here to Stay

One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the growth of hybrid fundraising.

Many organisations now combine in-person events with online participation, allowing supporters who can't attend to still bid, donate or purchase raffle tickets.

This expands fundraising reach beyond the local community and opens opportunities to reconnect with alumni, former members, corporate supporters and family networks across the country.

Regulations Vary Between States

Unlike some countries, fundraising regulations in the US can vary significantly depending on the state.

Organisations should understand requirements relating to:

• Charitable solicitation registration
• Raffle and gaming laws
• Prize draws
• Tax receipting
• Payment processing

While many online fundraising activities are straightforward, it's important to ensure your fundraising complies with applicable local regulations.

Fundraiser takeaway: Great fundraising isn't just about attracting donors- it's about making participation easy, reducing administration and ensuring your campaign is compliant from the beginning.

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What to Look for in an Online Fundraising Platform

With dozens of fundraising platforms available, comparing features can quickly become overwhelming.

Rather than focusing solely on platform fees, start by asking how well each platform supports the way your organisation actually fundraises.

Here are the questions worth asking.

1. Can It Support More Than One Type of Fundraiser?

Many organisations don't run just one fundraising activity each year. You might host a gala dinner in spring, launch an online giving campaign in summer and organise a golf day or charity auction later in the year.

Choosing separate systems for each event often creates duplicated work and inconsistent supporter experiences.

Instead, look for a platform that supports multiple fundraising formats in one place, including:

• Silent auctions
• Live auctions
• Direct donations
• Event ticketing
• Raffles (where legally permitted)
• Buy-it-now items
• Peer-to-peer fundraising

Having everything managed through a single platform makes fundraising simpler for both organisers and supporters.

How GalaBid Helps

GalaBid combines all of these fundraising activities into one intuitive platform, allowing organisations to manage campaigns from a single dashboard rather than switching between multiple systems.

Whether you're running a charity gala, school fundraiser or community event, supporters enjoy one consistent experience from registration through to payment.

Fundraiser takeaway: The fewer systems your volunteers need to learn, the easier your fundraising becomes.

2. Does It Reduce Administration?

One of the biggest misconceptions about fundraising software is that it's simply a place to collect payments.

In reality, the best fundraising platforms automate many of the jobs that traditionally consumed hours of volunteer time.

Think about everything that happens after an auction closes:

• Identifying winners
• Calculating bids
• Collecting payments
• Issuing receipts
• Updating reports

Traditionally, these tasks often kept volunteers working long after guests had gone home. Modern fundraising platforms can complete much of this automatically.

How GalaBid Helps

One of the reasons organisations choose GalaBid is because it dramatically reduces post-event administration.

For example, when the Texas Society of Homeopathy moved their annual conference auction online, Event Coordinator Janelle found the biggest difference came after bidding closed.

Instead of sorting paper bid sheets and manually reconciling winners, payments were processed automatically, allowing the team to finish the event without hours of additional work. For volunteer-led organisations, those time savings can be just as valuable as the funds raised.

Fundraiser takeaway: Time is one of your organisation's most valuable resources. Choose technology that gives it back.

3. Is It Built for Mobile Donors?

Today's supporters expect to participate from their phones.

That includes:

• Buying tickets
• Making donations
• Browsing auction items
• Bidding
• Checking event information

If your fundraising platform requires supporters to download an app or complete lengthy registration forms, participation can quickly drop. Instead, look for a platform that works directly within a web browser on any device.

How GalaBid Helps

GalaBid's browser-based platform allows supporters to participate instantly without downloading an app. Whether they're attending in person or joining remotely, they can register, browse, bid and donate from virtually any smartphone, tablet or computer.

This creates a smoother experience for supporters while reducing technical questions for organisers.

Fundraiser takeaway: Every extra step in the donation process increases the chance someone abandons it.

4. Does It Make Payment Processing Simple and Transparent?

Few things create more friction during a fundraiser than complicated payment collection.

Whether it's manually processing credit cards, following up unpaid auction items, or waiting weeks for funds to arrive, inefficient payment processes can create unnecessary work and delay access to much-needed fundraising income.

Supporters also expect payment to be quick and secure. The fewer steps involved, the more likely they are to complete their donation or purchase.

When comparing fundraising platforms, ask:

• How are payments processed?
• Who receives the funds?
• Are payments secure?
• How quickly can you access the money you've raised?

How GalaBid Helps

GalaBid integrates with Stripe, allowing organisations to receive funds directly into their own Stripe account. GalaBid never holds, delays or controls your fundraising income.

Supporters can pay using familiar payment methods, including major credit cards and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, creating a smooth checkout experience that encourages participation.

For organisers, it means less time chasing payments and greater confidence knowing funds are flowing directly to their organisation.

Fundraiser takeaway: Fast, secure payment processing benefits everyone - supporters enjoy a better experience, while organisers spend less time managing transactions.

5. Does the Pricing Model Suit Your Organisation?

Fundraising platforms use a wide variety of pricing models. Some charge a percentage of every donation. Others require annual subscriptions or monthly software fees. Some offer donor-paid fees, while others provide flat-fee options.

There isn't one pricing model that's right for every organisation.

Instead of asking, "Which platform is cheapest?", ask:

• How often do we fundraise?
• How much flexibility do we need?
• Would our supporters be comfortable covering platform costs?
• Would we prefer predictable budgeting?

The answers will often determine which pricing structure delivers the best value.

How GalaBid Helps

GalaBid offers flexible pricing designed to suit different fundraising styles.

Organisations can choose a donor-supported model that keeps platform costs low, or select alternative pricing options that better align with their fundraising strategy and supporter preferences.

This flexibility allows organisations to choose the model that works best for them, rather than adapting their fundraising to fit a single pricing structure.

Fundraiser takeaway: Don't compare fundraising platforms on fees alone. Compare the overall value they deliver through features, support and time savings.

6. Can It Support In-Person, Online and Hybrid Events?

Fundraising has become far more flexible than it was just a few years ago.

Many organisations now combine face-to-face events with online participation, allowing supporters to stay involved regardless of where they live.

A former volunteer who has moved interstate, an alumnus living across the country, or a corporate partner unable to attend can still contribute if your fundraising platform allows them to participate remotely.

Hybrid fundraising also helps extend campaigns beyond a single evening. Auction items can open before guests arrive and remain accessible until bidding closes, giving supporters more time to engage.

How GalaBid Helps

GalaBid was designed to support fundraising wherever your supporters are.

Guests attending an event can browse items, donate and bid from their own device, while remote supporters enjoy exactly the same experience.

This creates one fundraising campaign instead of separate online and in-person experiences, helping organisations maximise participation without increasing administration.

Fundraiser takeaway: The more people who can participate, the greater your fundraising potential.

7. What Happens If You Need Help?

Even experienced fundraising teams occasionally need support.

Whether it's setting up an event, importing auction items or preparing for event day, responsive customer service can make a significant difference.

Unfortunately, some fundraising platforms provide little more than an online knowledge base, leaving organisers to troubleshoot problems themselves.

When evaluating platforms, ask:

• Is live support available?
• Can someone review my campaign before launch?
• Will I receive help if something changes during my event?

How GalaBid Helps

GalaBid combines powerful fundraising technology with real human support.

Organisations have access to live chat assistance from experienced fundraising specialists, along with campaign health checks designed to identify opportunities to improve performance before an event begins.

For many first-time organisers, having an experienced team available provides valuable reassurance throughout the planning process.

Fundraiser takeaway: Technology is important - but knowing expert help is available when you need it can be just as valuable.

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Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Fundraising Platform

With so many fundraising platforms available, asking the right questions is often more valuable than comparing feature lists.

Before making your decision, consider:

• Does the platform support the types of fundraising we run?
• Can supporters participate easily from their phones?
• Will it reduce volunteer administration?
• How are payments processed?
• Who receives the funds?
• Are there flexible pricing options?
• Can it support both in-person and online fundraising?
• Is expert customer support available if we need it?

Choosing a platform that aligns with your organisation's goals today - and can continue supporting you as your fundraising grows—can save considerable time and effort in the future.

Why Many US Organisations Choose GalaBid

Successful fundraising isn't just about collecting donations. It's about creating an experience that supporters enjoy while making life easier for the people organising the event.

That's why organisations across the United States use GalaBid for charity galas, school fundraisers, nonprofit events, golf days, conferences and community campaigns.

By combining ticketing, auctions, donations, payment processing and reporting in one intuitive platform, GalaBid helps organisations reduce administration while delivering a modern fundraising experience supporters appreciate.

Whether you're organising your first fundraiser or looking to improve an established annual event, the right technology can help your team spend less time managing logistics and more time focusing on your mission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can individuals use an online fundraising platform?

Yes. While some fundraising platforms are designed specifically for registered nonprofits, others, including GalaBid, can support fundraising for individuals, schools, sports clubs and community groups, subject to local laws and payment provider requirements.

Do supporters need to download an app?

No. GalaBid works through a standard web browser, allowing supporters to register, donate and bid without installing additional software.

Can remote supporters join a fundraising event?

Absolutely. Online fundraising platforms make it easy for supporters to participate wherever they are, helping organisations reach family members, alumni, corporate partners and donors beyond their local community.

Is online fundraising secure?

Reputable fundraising platforms use secure payment processing and industry-standard security measures to protect supporter information. Always check how payments are processed and who receives the funds before selecting a platform.

Can GalaBid be used for more than auctions?

Yes. GalaBid supports a wide range of fundraising activities, including silent auctions, live auctions, event ticketing, direct donations, buy-it-now items, peer-to-peer fundraising and more, allowing organisations to manage multiple campaign types from one platform.

Final Thoughts

Online fundraising continues to evolve, but the fundamentals remain the same: make it easy for people to support your cause, create an engaging experience and minimise unnecessary administration for your team.

The right fundraising platform should do more than process payments. It should help you save time, engage supporters and deliver better fundraising outcomes year after year.

If you're evaluating fundraising platforms for your next campaign, take the time to compare how each one supports your organisation's goals—not just its pricing.

With flexible fundraising tools, transparent payment processing, mobile-friendly participation and expert support, GalaBid is helping organisations across the US simplify fundraising and focus on what matters most: making a bigger impact.

Ready to See GalaBid in Action?

Whether you're planning a charity gala, school fundraiser, silent auction or community event, GalaBid gives you everything you need to create a professional fundraising experience from one easy-to-use platform.

Explore GalaBid's features, book a personalised demo, or start building your next fundraiser today.

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