BiddingForGood vs BiddingOwl
BiddingForGood
frontstream.com
BiddingOwl
biddingowl.comSide by side
| Figure | BiddingForGood | BiddingOwl |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 2 |
| Spec score · Charity Auction Software | 7.2 (#22) | 8.4 (#6) |
| Auction formats | The platform supports virtual, in-person, and hybrid charity auctions. | The platform supports online, mobile, silent, live, and offline auctions. |
| Founded | 2007 | 2012 |
| Payments | Accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, depending on configuration. | BiddingOwl integrates with Stripe and PayPal and also supports cash or check payments recorded by manually marking invoices paid. |
| Security | FrontStream states that it is Level 1 PCI Compliant and securely processes donations, ticketing, and auction payments. | The payment integrations page says Stripe and PayPal use SSL encryption and are PCI compliant. |
| Support | FrontStream offers a help center, email and phone support, onboarding assistance, training, campaign page building, and onsite event support. | BiddingOwl offers phone and email support during weekday office hours and 24/7 critical emergency phone support. |
Plans
BiddingForGood
- FrontStream EngagePriced on request
- FrontStream EventsPriced on request
- FrontStream StarterPriced on request
- FrontStream WorkplacePriced on request
BiddingOwl
- Traditional silent/live auction and related servicesFree
- Online/mobile auction$5, paid once
In their own words
BiddingForGood
BiddingForGood is FrontStream’s web platform for charity auctions and fundraising events serving schools and nonprofits. It supports virtual, in-person, and hybrid auctions, including live, silent, and online formats. Event tools include auction pages, mobile bidding, guest management, ticketing, live streaming, seating charts, payment processing, and event reporting. Mobile bidding can send instant text updates to bidders. A partner marketplace offers high-value consignment items without upfront cost, and FrontStream says its community includes 4.4 million philanthropic shoppers. Configurable payments include credit and debit cards, ACH, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. FrontStream states that it is Level 1 PCI Compliant. Listed integrations include Constant Contact, Mailchimp, QuickBooks, payment services, and other business tools; API access may be available. Support includes a help center, email and phone assistance, onboarding, training, campaign-page building, and onsite event support. Pricing is on request, and transaction fees apply.
BiddingOwl
BiddingOwl provides online auction and fundraising tools for nonprofits, schools, charities, and other organizations. Organizers can run online, mobile, silent, live, or offline auctions and offer donations, admission and raffle tickets, Fund-a-Need, and paddle raises without separate paid add-ons. Bidders can follow items on a watchlist, set a maximum proxy bid, and receive SMS or email updates about outbids, wins, and events. Organizers can import items from CSV, export item data, manage or duplicate events, and retain their data; one login can manage multiple organizations and simultaneous auctions. Payments can be processed through Stripe or PayPal, or tracked as cash or check by manually marking invoices paid. Traditional silent and live auction services cost nothing; winning online or mobile bids incur a $5, paid once performance fee. Payment processor fees may apply. BiddingOwl is available on Android, iOS, and web. It offers weekday phone and email support and 24/7 critical emergency phone support.