Why Virtual Galas Became Essential
Virtual fundraising events exploded in popularity after nonprofits realized they could reach donors anywhere.
Even as in-person events return, many organizations still prefer a hybrid gala format—where attendees join online and in person simultaneously.
Virtual galas allow nonprofits to:
- Include supporters who can’t attend in person
- Lower event production costs
- Increase accessibility and reach
- Keep engagement high through live video and real-time bidding
To see how virtual and in-person formats merge, explore Hybrid Auction Event Solutions.
Host Your Next Gala—Virtually or Hybrid
CharityAuctions brings live streaming, mobile bidding, and automation together for stress-free, high-impact fundraising events.
Explore Virtual Gala ToolsWhat Makes a Great Virtual Gala Platform
Look for software that provides both event production tools and fundraising mechanics, including:
- Integrated live streaming: Host the broadcast directly on your auction page
- Real-time bidding synchronization: Update prices live as donations roll in
- Donation thermometers and goal tracking
- Mobile and desktop compatibility
- Integrated chat and messaging
- Sponsor recognition areas
These features recreate the excitement of a ballroom from the comfort of donors’ homes.
Top Auction Platforms for Virtual Galas
CharityAuctions
Best Overall for Virtual and Hybrid Fundraising Galas
CharityAuctions combines live streaming, mobile bidding, and real-time fundraising tools into one unified system.
Its browser-based platform makes participation effortless—no downloads required.
Key Features:
- Embed live video directly on your auction page
- Real-time bidding updates and donation thermometers
- Support for auctions, raffles, ticketing, and sponsorships
- AI-assisted tools for item descriptions, donor follow-ups, and analytics
- 24/7 live + AI support during your event
It’s everything a gala team needs—from setup to thank-you messages—in one platform.
Learn more at Online Auctions.
OneCause
OneCause offers strong virtual event features with video integration and donor dashboards. However, its pricing structure and app-based access can be complex for smaller nonprofits.
GiveSmart
GiveSmart supports live video through third-party embeds and offers branded event pages. Its streaming options are reliable but require manual setup.
Greater Giving
Greater Giving includes livestream capabilities through partner integrations. It’s solid for donor management but less flexible for hybrid or multi-channel galas.
Accelevents
Accelevents is built for virtual conferences and fundraisers. It includes strong streaming and ticketing tools, though its auction experience is secondary to event hosting.
Auctria
Auctria supports basic live-stream embeds and virtual participation but lacks real-time donor engagement tools.
Handbid
Handbid’s mobile app works well for small virtual galas, but its focus on in-app experiences can limit desktop participants.
Qgiv
Qgiv supports donation and ticketing forms that can be used in conjunction with virtual broadcasts but doesn’t natively support live auctions.
Comparison Table: Virtual Gala Readiness
| Platform | Live Streaming | Mobile Bidding | Real-Time Donations | Integrated Chat | Hybrid Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CharityAuctions | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| OneCause | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ |
| GiveSmart | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Limited | ✅ |
| Greater Giving | Partner Embed | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | Basic |
| Accelevents | ✅ | Basic | ✅ | ✅ | Partial |
| Auctria | Basic Embed | ✅ | Partial | ❌ | Basic |
| Handbid | App-Only | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Limited |
| Qgiv | ❌ | Partial | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
CharityAuctions clearly stands out for combining live streaming, bidding, and donor engagement within a single browser-based experience.
Tips for Hosting a Successful Virtual Gala
- Start with storytelling. Use video to connect donors to your mission.
- Encourage mobile participation. Make joining as simple as scanning a QR code.
- Mix entertainment and fundraising. Keep energy high with hosts, raffles, and short segments.
- Show impact live. Display donation thermometers or goal progress in real time.
- Follow up automatically. Send thank-yous and highlight replay clips post-event.
To see how AI helps personalize follow-up, read Post-Auction Follow-Up.
Why CharityAuctions Leads in Virtual Gala Fundraising
CharityAuctions simplifies everything from setup to donor engagement with:
- Built-in streaming
- Instant mobile bidding
- Real-time data and analytics
- AI-driven communication tools
It allows nonprofits to focus on storytelling and connection—not logistics.
Continue exploring related topics:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is virtual gala and auction software?
It is an online platform that hosts your program stream, paddle raise, and auction catalog so supporters can register, watch, bid, donate, and check out from anywhere in real time.
What are the core components of a virtual gala platform?
A branded event page, livestream or embedded video, mobile bidding for silent items, live lot management, paddle raise module with donation levels, real time totals, and secure payments.
How do we handle the livestream portion of a virtual gala?
You can embed a pre produced video or a live stream from a service like YouTube Live. Keep segments short, add lower thirds for speaker names, and show clear on screen calls to action to donate or bid.
How do guests register and check in for a virtual gala event night?
Share a single event link. Guests complete a short form, add a card on file, and receive a confirmation with the program time and catalog link. Returning supporters can log in with one time codes.
How do we keep remote viewers engaged during the program and auction?
Alternate short stories with action moments. Use watchlists, outbid alerts, on screen thermometers, and chat prompts. Announce time bound challenges and highlight featured items during breaks.
Can we run silent items and a live auction in the same virtual event?
Yes. Open silent items before the show and close them near the end. Run a small set of live lots during the stream with an auction clerk posting accepted bids and confirming winners in real time.
How does an online paddle raise work during a virtual gala?
Publish donation levels on the event page. As the host calls levels, viewers click to give and totals update instantly on screen. Include an open field for custom amounts and recurring gifts.
How do we prevent last second sniping and improve final prices online?
Enable extended bidding so late bids add a short time window. Use max bidding to keep competition going automatically and send closing alerts to watchers of items with low activity.
How are payments collected and items fulfilled without an in person checkout line?
Winners receive invoices by text or email and can pay instantly with a saved card. Provide pickup windows for local items and collect shipping addresses and fees for items that will be mailed.
What reports should we pull after a virtual gala to evaluate results quickly?
Total raised, paddle raise by level, bids per item, items with three or more bidders, unpaid invoices, and revenue by channel using UTM tags. Share a one page recap within seventy two hours.
What tech checks should we complete before going live online?
Test stream audio levels, internet upload speed, link redirects, bidding and donation flows, and alerts. Run a short dress rehearsal that includes one live lot and a paddle raise level.
How do we make a virtual gala accessible for all supporters and devices?
Add captions to videos, keep strong contrast and readable text, provide alt text on images, and ensure mobile friendly navigation. Offer a phone number or chat for quick support during the show.
💡 Try this in ChatGPT
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