GiveSmart For Non Profits: Fundraising Events GiveSmart Donor Engagement
Juggling separate platforms for event registration, mobile bidding, donor management, and virtual fundraising—watching your team waste hours manually syncing data between systems? GiveSmart consolidates your entire fundraising technology stack into one all-inclusive platform, from $100,000 galas with live auctions to year-round peer-to-peer campaigns, eliminating tool proliferation while giving attendees a seamless mobile-first experience.
What It Does (The Problem It Solves)
Managing your annual gala with five different tools—one for ticketing, another for auction management, a third for check-in, a payment processor, and a separate CRM—only to spend the week after the event manually reconciling data, tracking down missing bids, and updating donor records? Most nonprofits cobble together a fragmented technology stack for fundraising events, creating massive inefficiency, data silos, and a disjointed experience for attendees who have to navigate multiple systems just to buy a ticket and place a bid.
GiveSmart solves this by providing an all-in-one fundraising platform that handles every aspect of event-based and campaign-based fundraising from a single system. Whether you're running a 500-person gala with silent and live auctions, a virtual fundraiser with livestream integration, a peer-to-peer giving day campaign, or a golf tournament with team registration, GiveSmart consolidates what would normally require 4-8 separate tools into one unified platform.
The platform is built around a mobile-first philosophy where attendees and supporters interact primarily through their smartphones—bidding on auction items, making donations, registering for events, and engaging with your content—all without downloading an app or navigating clunky interfaces. For your team, this means:
- Single source of truth for event data—every registration, donation, bid, and interaction captured in one database that syncs with your CRM
- Automated guest communications including confirmations, thank-you messages, receipts, and follow-ups triggered by attendee actions
- Real-time fundraising dashboards showing live totals, bidding activity, and donor engagement during events
- Flexible event formats—use the same platform for galas, golf outings, virtual events, hybrid gatherings, and ongoing donation campaigns
- Year-round access with unlimited events and campaigns included in your annual subscription (no per-event fees)
Unlike point solutions that excel at one thing (event registration OR auction management OR peer-to-peer campaigns), GiveSmart is designed for nonprofits that run multiple fundraising initiatives throughout the year and want to standardize on a single, comprehensive platform. It's particularly powerful for organizations that have grown beyond basic tools but aren't ready for enterprise systems requiring six-figure implementations.
Think of GiveSmart as your fundraising operating system—a foundation that supports everything from your signature annual gala to ad-hoc giving campaigns, with all donor data, engagement history, and transaction records flowing into a unified view that integrates with your existing CRM and accounting systems.
Best For
Organization Size
Mid-sized to established nonprofits running professional fundraising events that generate $50,000+ annually from events and campaigns. The pricing structure ($1,195/month minimum) makes most sense for organizations with event revenue exceeding $200,000/year or those running 3+ major fundraising initiatives annually where the cost is justified by operational efficiency and increased revenue.
- Sweet spot: Organizations with 5-50 staff members running multiple events (galas, golf tournaments, virtual fundraisers) annually
- Also works for: Smaller organizations hosting one major gala ($100,000+ revenue) who want enterprise-level event technology
- Not ideal for: Very small nonprofits with limited event budgets (under $50,000 annual event revenue) or organizations running only simple events
Best Use Cases
- Annual Galas with Auctions: Organizations running formal events with 150-1,000 attendees, silent and live auctions, assigned seating, and mobile bidding requirements
- Virtual and Hybrid Fundraising: Nonprofits that pivoted to virtual events during COVID and want to maintain digital capabilities while returning to in-person gatherings
- Multi-Event Organizations: Teams running diverse event portfolios (galas, golf tournaments, 5Ks, auctions, voting competitions) who want consistent branding and data management
- Peer-to-Peer Campaigns: Organizations running Giving Tuesday, team fundraising challenges, or ambassador programs that need participant dashboards and social sharing tools
- Sponsor Activation: Nonprofits with corporate sponsors who need sponsor portals, branded event presence, and detailed sponsorship reporting
- Complex Event Logistics: Events requiring detailed seating charts, meal selections, golfer groupings, VIP experiences, and multi-tier ticket packages
Ideal For
Development Directors, Event Managers, Fundraising Teams, and Executive Directors who oversee multiple fundraising initiatives and are tired of managing disparate tools. Perfect for organizations with dedicated event staff or development teams of 2+ people who value operational efficiency and professional attendee experiences over rock-bottom pricing.
Key Features for Nonprofits
Mobile Bidding & Auction Management
Award-winning mobile bidding system that turns every attendee's phone into a bidding paddle—no app download required, just a simple web link.
- Silent and live auction management with automatic bid notifications, outbid alerts, and closing countdown timers
- Item solicitation tools for collecting donated auction items with images, descriptions, donor credit, and fair market values
- Buy-it-now options, popcorn bidding (extends closing time when bids come in), and proxy bidding for maximum revenue
- Live displays showing real-time bidding activity, fundraising thermometers, and leaderboards for in-person events
Comprehensive Event Management
Full-featured event platform handling registration, ticketing, seating, check-in, and guest communications from a single interface.
- Customizable registration forms with multi-tier ticketing, table purchases, meal selections, and add-on options
- Advanced seating management with drag-and-drop table assignments, VIP sections, and automatic seat optimization
- Contactless check-in via QR codes with automatic bidder number assignment and welcome packet tracking
- Golf-specific features including foursome grouping, hole sponsorships, and course management
Virtual & Hybrid Event Capabilities
Purpose-built tools for virtual and hybrid fundraising events with integrated livestream experiences and remote participation.
- One-screen livestream interface where attendees watch your program and participate in fundraising without leaving the video
- Integration with YouTube, Vimeo, and professional streaming services for seamless video embedding
- Virtual bidding, real-time donation appeals, and live chat functionality for remote attendees
- Hybrid event support allowing in-person and virtual attendees to participate simultaneously with synchronized experiences
Peer-to-Peer & Campaign Fundraising
Year-round campaign tools for peer-to-peer fundraising, recurring giving, text-to-donate, and Giving Tuesday initiatives.
- Participant dashboards with personalized fundraising pages, social sharing tools, and progress tracking
- Voting competitions and bracket-style challenges with audience engagement mechanics
- Text-to-give capabilities with simple keyword-based donation prompts
- Recurring donation programs with automatic payment processing and donor retention tracking
Real-Time Reporting & Analytics
Comprehensive dashboards and automated reports providing instant visibility into fundraising performance and donor engagement.
- Live event dashboards showing total raised, active bidders, top items, and donation velocity during events
- Automated post-event reports with attendee engagement metrics, revenue breakdown, and year-over-year comparisons
- Donor insights including lifetime giving, event attendance history, and engagement patterns
- Exportable data for external analysis, tax receipts, and CRM updates
CRM & Systems Integration
Native integrations with leading nonprofit CRMs and communication tools to maintain data consistency across your technology stack.
- Salesforce Connector (via AppExchange) with real-time sync of contacts, donations, and event participation
- Direct integrations with Raiser's Edge, eTapestry, and other popular nonprofit databases
- Email marketing platform connections (Constant Contact, Mailchimp) for coordinated communications
- Custom field mapping to align GiveSmart data with your existing CRM structure
Real-World Nonprofit Use Case
A regional children's hospital foundation was managing their annual $350,000 gala using four separate systems: a ticketing platform ($2,500/year), an auction software ($3,000/event), a payment processor with separate fees, and manual processes for seating charts and check-in. Their three-person development team spent 40+ hours after each event reconciling data between systems, updating their Salesforce database, and generating donor acknowledgments. Virtual events during 2020-2021 required adding yet another platform, creating even more fragmentation.
After switching to GiveSmart's all-in-one platform, they consolidated all event technology into a single annual subscription ($14,340/year). The team now manages registration, seating, mobile bidding, and virtual components from one dashboard. Post-event reconciliation dropped from 40 hours to under 8 hours thanks to automated Salesforce syncing and integrated reporting. Their 2024 hybrid gala (250 in-person, 150 virtual attendees) generated $425,000—a 21% increase—with attendees praising the seamless mobile experience.
The foundation now uses GiveSmart year-round for their Giving Tuesday campaign (peer-to-peer fundraising with 50 participants raising $35,000), quarterly virtual donor briefings, and a spring golf tournament. Having unlimited events included in their subscription eliminated per-event budget approvals, making it easier to experiment with new fundraising initiatives. The director of development noted: "We're not just saving money on software—we're reclaiming dozens of hours previously lost to manual data entry and saving thousands in event production costs through better attendee engagement."
Pricing
Standard Pricing
All-Inclusive Annual Subscription
One flat fee, unlimited events and campaigns
- Unlimited events and fundraising campaigns throughout the year
- All features included (no tiered feature limitations)
- Fixed pricing regardless of funds raised (no percentage-based platform fees)
- Unlimited user accounts for your team
- Dedicated customer success support and onboarding
Credit Card Processing Fees
Donor Fee Coverage Option: You can give donors the choice to cover processing fees at checkout. Many donors voluntarily add this, effectively making the platform free to process donations.
Free Trial
GiveSmart offers a free trial period to test the platform before committing. Contact their sales team to arrange a demo and trial access tailored to your organization's event type and fundraising goals.
NONPROFIT PRICING
GiveSmart is specifically designed for nonprofits, so their standard pricing already reflects nonprofit-focused models. While specific nonprofit discounts aren't prominently advertised, pricing is structured as an all-inclusive annual subscription rather than percentage-based fees that scale with your fundraising success.
- Contact GiveSmart sales team for custom quote based on your organization size and event portfolio
- Share your annual event revenue and number of major fundraising initiatives
- Request detailed breakdown of included features and any setup fees
- Ask about multi-year commitment discounts or seasonal promotions
Calculate your current total spent on separate tools for event registration, auction management, payment processing, and donor communications. GiveSmart often costs less than the sum of these fragmented solutions while delivering better integration and user experience. Organizations typically save $3,000-$12,000 annually by consolidating tools.
*Pricing information is subject to change. Please verify current pricing directly with GiveSmart.
Learning Curve
GiveSmart offers powerful features that require upfront learning but becomes intuitive with regular use. Event staff comfortable with tools like Eventbrite or Mailchimp will adapt quickly, while teams new to event technology should plan for dedicated training time.
Time to First Value
Account configuration, branding customization, payment gateway connection, and platform orientation
Creating registration page, setting up ticket types, testing checkout process
Registration, auction items, seating charts, mobile bidding setup, communication templates, volunteer training
Comfortable creating events independently, troubleshooting common issues, and leveraging advanced features
Technical Requirements
- Comfort with web-based platforms and basic event management concepts
- Ability to organize donor/attendee data in spreadsheets for initial import
- Understanding of auction mechanics, ticketing systems, and donor communications
- No coding required, but technical confidence helpful for integration setup
Support Available
- Dedicated onboarding specialist: Personalized training sessions for your team during implementation
- Comprehensive knowledge base: Searchable articles, video tutorials, and setup guides
- Live customer support: Phone and email assistance during business hours
- Pre-event planning calls: Strategy sessions before major events to optimize setup
- Community resources: Best practices from 5,000+ nonprofits using the platform
COMMON PITFALL
Don't wait until two weeks before your first major event to start learning GiveSmart. The platform has significant depth—rushing setup leads to missed features, data errors, and stressed staff. Plan to implement GiveSmart at least 6-8 weeks before your first major gala. Use a smaller, lower-stakes event (like a donor appreciation gathering or small auction) as a practice run to build team confidence before your flagship fundraiser.
Integration & Compatibility
Connects With
CRM / Donor Management:
Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud (via AppExchange Connector), Raiser's Edge, eTapestry, Bloomerang, Little Green Light, DonorPerfect
Payment Processing:
Integrated payment processing (standard credit cards, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay
Email Marketing:
Constant Contact, Mailchimp (for contact sync and coordinated campaigns)
Video/Streaming:
YouTube, Vimeo, professional streaming services for virtual event integration
Analytics:
Google Analytics (for website tracking and conversion monitoring)
Platform Availability
- Web-based admin dashboard: Works on all modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) for event management
- Attendee experience: Mobile-responsive web interface (no app download required) accessible on any smartphone or tablet
- Mobile apps: iOS and Android apps available for enhanced mobile bidding experience (optional)
- Offline capability: Limited offline mode for check-in; primary functions require internet connection
Data Portability
- Full CSV export of attendee, donor, and transaction data
- Event reports exportable in PDF and Excel formats
- API access available for custom integrations (contact sales for details)
- Event page templates and custom branding configurations not directly exportable (standard vendor lock-in consideration)
PRO TIP FROM ONE HUNDRED NIGHTS
If you're using Salesforce, prioritize setting up the GiveSmart Connector during onboarding—don't wait until after your first event. Real-time sync means donor records update instantly as people register and bid, eliminating post-event data cleanup. We've seen nonprofits save 20-30 hours of manual CRM updates per major event by getting the integration right from day one. Work with both GiveSmart and your Salesforce admin to map custom fields properly during initial setup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- True all-in-one solution: Eliminates need for 4-6 separate tools (registration, auction, payment, CRM sync), drastically simplifying event management
- Excellent mobile bidding experience: No app download required; works seamlessly on any smartphone with intuitive interface that drives higher bidding engagement
- Unlimited events included: Annual subscription covers galas, golf tournaments, virtual events, and campaigns with no per-event charges
- Strong Salesforce integration: Native connector provides real-time CRM sync, eliminating post-event data cleanup for Salesforce users
- Virtual and hybrid event capabilities: Purpose-built tools for online fundraising that many competitors added as afterthoughts
- Transparent, predictable pricing: Flat fee structure with no percentage-based platform charges means costs don't increase as you raise more money
Cons
- Significant upfront cost: Starting at $1,195/month makes it expensive for small nonprofits or those with limited event budgets (under $100,000 annual event revenue)
- Steeper learning curve than simpler tools: Comprehensive features require meaningful upfront training; not ideal if you need to onboard new volunteers for each event
- May be overkill for basic events: If you only run simple registration-and-donation events (no auctions, complex seating, or multiple ticket tiers), you're paying for features you won't use
- Limited customization for unique workflows: Platform is powerful but opinionated; organizations with highly specific event processes may find themselves adapting to GiveSmart's approach
- Annual commitment required: Subscription model means you're locked in for a year; not ideal for testing with a single event before committing
Alternatives to Consider
If GiveSmart doesn't feel like the right fit, consider:
Givebutter
More affordable, beginner-friendly fundraising platform
Free tier available with optional platform fees; much more accessible pricing for small to mid-sized nonprofits. Easier to learn but less sophisticated event management features. Best if budget is primary concern or you're running simpler events without complex auction requirements.
OneCause (formerly BidPal)
Specialized event fundraising and auction management
Strong auction-focused features with similar mobile bidding capabilities. Comparable pricing to GiveSmart but with more emphasis on live auction production and auctioneer tools. Best if your primary focus is high-end galas with significant live auction components and you want specialized auctioneer support.
Classy
Comprehensive online fundraising with strong peer-to-peer capabilities
Excellent for peer-to-peer campaigns, crowdfunding, and ongoing online giving with modern, branded campaign pages. Less emphasis on in-person event logistics (seating, check-in) but stronger recurring giving and sustainer management. Best if online campaigns are your priority over in-person galas.
Why you might choose GiveSmart instead:
GiveSmart provides the most comprehensive all-in-one solution for nonprofits running multiple event types throughout the year. Unlike competitors that excel in one area (Givebutter for affordability, OneCause for live auctions, Classy for digital campaigns), GiveSmart handles in-person galas, virtual events, peer-to-peer campaigns, and year-round giving from a single platform with excellent CRM integration. Choose GiveSmart if you value having one unified system over picking best-of-breed point solutions, and your budget can accommodate enterprise-level pricing.
Getting Started
Your First 30 Days with GiveSmart
Follow this roadmap to ensure successful implementation and avoid common pitfalls:
1Week 1: Demo, Pricing & Decision (3-5 hours)
- Request personalized demo focused on your specific event types (gala, golf tournament, virtual, etc.)
→ Visit GiveSmart to request demo - Get custom pricing quote based on your organization size and event portfolio
- Calculate current costs for existing tools (registration, auction software, payment processing) to compare ROI
- Ask about trial period or money-back guarantee options
2Week 2: Initial Setup & Team Training (6-8 hours)
- Complete onboarding sessions with dedicated GiveSmart specialist
- Configure account branding (logo, colors, organization details)
- Connect payment processing and configure fee coverage options
- Pro tip: Involve all event staff in initial training—don't rely on one person to become the expert and train others later
3Week 3: CRM Integration & Data Import (4-6 hours)
- Set up Salesforce Connector or other CRM integration with proper field mapping
- Import historical donor/attendee data to establish baseline relationships
- Test sync process with sample records before importing full database
- Pro tip: Clean your data BEFORE importing—remove duplicates, standardize name formats, validate emails—to avoid troubleshooting data issues later
4Week 4: Practice Event & Testing (4-6 hours)
- Create a small test event (internal team meeting, small donor reception, or volunteer appreciation) to practice workflows
- Test registration, payment processing, email confirmations, and check-in process
- If planning auction events, add test auction items and practice mobile bidding from attendee perspective
- Verify CRM sync worked correctly after test event
- Critical: Have team members act as attendees on their personal phones to experience the mobile interface firsthand
QUICK WIN: Your First Test Campaign
Want to see immediate value and build team confidence? Set up a simple peer-to-peer fundraising campaign for Giving Tuesday or an upcoming awareness day:
- Create campaign page with fundraising goal and compelling story (1 hour)
- Invite 10-15 board members or committed volunteers to create personal fundraising pages (30 minutes)
- Launch with 2-week fundraising window
- Monitor real-time dashboard to see donations rolling in
What you'll learn: Whether GiveSmart's peer-to-peer tools drive engagement for YOUR supporters. Most nonprofits raise $3,000-$15,000 on first test campaigns.
Time invested: 3-4 hours setup | Potential outcome: Validated platform value before major gala investment
🤝 Need Help with Implementation?
Implementing comprehensive fundraising software like GiveSmart involves technical setup, team training, process redesign, and strategic planning—especially when integrating with existing CRM systems and migrating from legacy tools. If you'd like expert guidance setting up GiveSmart, optimizing your event workflows, or training your team for maximum impact, we're here to help.
One Hundred Nights offers implementation support ranging from strategic planning sessions to full-service setup, CRM integration, and staff training.
Contact Us to Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Is GiveSmart free for nonprofits?
GiveSmart is not free. Pricing starts at $1,195/month (or approximately $2,395/year according to some sources) with an annual subscription model. However, the platform operates on an all-inclusive pricing structure where you pay one flat fee regardless of how much you raise, and there are no additional charges per event or campaign. A free trial is available to test the platform before committing.
How long does it take to set up GiveSmart for an event?
For a basic event with registration and ticketing, setup takes 3-5 hours. A full-scale gala with mobile bidding, seating charts, and auction items typically requires 10-15 hours of setup time spread over 2-3 weeks. GiveSmart provides onboarding support and templates to accelerate the process. Virtual events can be set up more quickly (2-4 hours) using their streamlined one-screen experience.
Does GiveSmart integrate with Salesforce and other CRMs?
Yes, GiveSmart offers native integration with Salesforce (including Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud) through their official Salesforce Connector available on the AppExchange. The platform also integrates with other popular nonprofit CRMs including Raiser's Edge and eTapestry. Real-time data sync allows donor and transaction information to flow automatically into your CRM, and you can map custom fields to match your organization's data structure.
What's the difference between GiveSmart and Givebutter for nonprofit events?
GiveSmart is enterprise-focused with sophisticated features for large galas, complex seating management, and high-touch event production, starting at $1,195/month. Givebutter is more affordable and beginner-friendly with free and low-cost tiers, better for smaller organizations or those just starting with online fundraising. Choose GiveSmart if you're running large-scale events (200+ attendees) with significant auction components; choose Givebutter if budget is tight or you need a simpler, more accessible platform.
Can GiveSmart handle both virtual and in-person events?
Yes, GiveSmart is designed for virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. For virtual events, they offer a one-screen livestream experience where attendees can watch your program and participate in bidding, donations, and activities without leaving the video. For in-person events, the platform provides mobile bidding, contactless check-in, seating management, and live displays. Hybrid events combine both capabilities seamlessly on the same platform.
What are the credit card processing fees with GiveSmart?
GiveSmart charges a standard 3.5% credit card processing fee (3.95% for American Express). Importantly, you can give donors the option to cover these fees at checkout, which many choose to do. The processing fees are fixed regardless of your fundraising volume, and there are no additional platform fees or percentage-based charges on top of your monthly subscription.
Resources
Official Resources
Third-Party Reviews
Ready to Consolidate Your Fundraising Tech Stack?
GiveSmart can help you eliminate tool fragmentation, improve attendee experiences, and reclaim hours lost to manual data management—if your budget and event portfolio align with their enterprise-level platform.