CareToBid is completely free for fundraisers. No platform fees, no monthly charges, no percentage taken from your funds. Supporters have the option to tip the platform directly—your cause keeps 100% of what's raised.
Two Ways to Raise Funds
Option 1: Partner With an Auctioneer
Let an Approved Auctioneer handle the auction logistics while you focus on your cause. They'll manage product sourcing, auction setup, and fulfillment—you provide the cause and help spread the word.
Best for: Schools, nonprofits, community groups, and individuals who want a hands-off approach.
Option 2: Become an Auctioneer
Run auctions yourself using our powerful platform tools. Build a product library, set your own terms, and help multiple causes raise funds.
Best for: Experienced fundraisers, event planners, or anyone who wants full control.
How It Works
Bidders purchase bid credits and spend them to place bids on auction items. Each bid increases the item price by a small amount and extends the auction timer, creating excitement and engagement. When time expires without a new bid, the last bidder wins and pays the final auction price.
Your cause receives funds from three sources: bid credit purchases, final auction prices, AND direct donations. Because bidders are engaged and competing, auctions often generate significantly more revenue than the retail value of items—turning a $50 gift card into hundreds of dollars in funds raised. Our gamified features like daily login streaks, referral rewards, and King of the Bid keep participants coming back and spreading the word, amplifying your fundraising reach.
Spread the Word & Watch Your Fundraiser Grow
The most successful fundraisers are the ones people hear about! Work with your Auctioneer to tap into our powerful promotion tools and turn your supporters into an army of advocates.
Social Media That Spreads Itself
Share to Facebook, X, and Instagram with one click. When supporters share, they earn free bid credits—and new users get signup bonuses. Your reach grows exponentially as everyone benefits from spreading the word.
Email Invites Made Easy
Send personalized invitations to your entire contact list with one click. Each email includes the sender's referral code, so your supporters can easily invite their networks too.
Everyone Becomes a Promoter
Our referral system rewards people for sharing. When their friends sign up and participate, they earn bid credits—turning casual supporters into motivated advocates with skin in the game.
Professional Marketing Support
Need flyers, social graphics, or press releases? Our team can create custom, professional materials for your cause. Your Auctioneer can even help with media outreach to local news outlets.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Connect with local businesses and community groups to cross-promote. We can provide co-branded materials that benefit everyone involved.
Keep Them Coming Back
Daily login streaks, referral bonuses, and King of the Bid rewards keep participants engaged throughout your campaign—not just on day one.
Causes receive funds from three sources:
- Bid Credit Values: Each bid credit is worth the cost the user paid to acquire it. When a credit is used on your auction item, you receive the value of that bid credit. For example:
- A bid credit purchased for $1.00 raises $1.00 for your cause
- A bid credit acquired through a promotional discount for $0.50 raises $0.50 for your cause
- Freely acquired bid credits (signup bonuses, referral rewards, streak rewards) do not contribute a direct monetary value to your cause, but will extend the auction encouraging additional bids.
- Final Auction Price: The winning bidder pays the final auction price, which also goes to your cause
- Direct Donations: Users can make donations directly to your cause during auctions and checkout
Total Funds Calculation: Your total funds raised = (sum of all bid credit values used on your auction) + (final auction prices of your items) + (donations)
Bid credits are used on a First In, First Out (FIFO) basis, meaning they are automatically used in the order they were acquired by the bidder.
CareToBid uses a supporter-funded model—your cause can receive up to 100% of funds raised!
When supporters make a purchase or donation, they have the option to:
- Cover processing fees (2.9% + $0.30) — so 100% of their contribution goes to your cause
- Add an optional platform tip (default 15%) — to support CareToBid's operations and keep the platform running
The platform takes care of:
- All technology and platform infrastructure
- Secure hosting and data management
- Complete payment processing and transaction handling
- Marketing and promotional tools
- SMS text marketing and notification systems
- Email marketing tools and campaign management
- Fraud protection and chargeback risk management
The Auctioneer takes care of:
- Customer service and support for you and your bidders
- Auction creation and setup
- Entire auction management
- Product sourcing and fulfillment coordination
Your fundraiser has zero upfront costs, no monthly fees, and no hidden charges. Supporters who opt to cover fees ensure you receive 100% of their contribution!