Note: This is a guest post from our friends at OneCause.
Auction technology is no longer optional, especially if you’re aiming to engage younger donors. Gen Z and Millennials have new expectations for nonprofit events, and they’re clear about their needs: seamless, intuitive, digital auction experiences.
According to the 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report, these younger generations are leading the shift toward tech-driven auctions. Without effective tools to run your auction efficiently, your organization risks missing out on a crucial opportunity to engage today’s most tech-savvy, cause-driven donors.
Gen Z and Millennials grew up with touchscreens at their fingertips. They’ve been accustomed to seamless, instant interactions – so they expect their auction experiences to be fast and effective – wherever they are, and at any time. Mobile bidding delivers just that, so they can join the action on their terms.
The data speaks for itself: 31% of auction attendees across all ages placed silent bids from their mobile devices. Looking at Gen Z, that number jumps to 44%, and for Millennials, 34%. Mobile bidding isn’t just convenient. It’s a powerful way to keep these younger donors engaged and active from start to finish!
The 2025 State of Auctions Report highlights how critical real-time bidding updates are. While only 43% of Gen X and 24% of Boomers prefer outbid notifications, the number jumps to 65% among younger generations. These instant alerts keep donors informed on the status of their bids while fueling a competitive spirit, creating more engagement overall throughout the event.
When Gen Z and Millennials receive real-time updates, they’re more likely to jump back in and place another bid. This renewed participation drives higher revenue per item, as donors are more energized, alert, and eager to compete for items.
In today’s tech-driven world, we can access any information in seconds, receive packages within a day, and contact anyone with a few taps on a screen. Instant gratification has become the norm – especially for younger generations. That’s why fixed-priced items and buy-it-now items shine!
According to the report, 61% of Gen Z and Millennial auction participants appreciate these options because they allow for immediate purchases without the wait or back-and-forth bidding. In contrast, only 39% of Gen X and 20% of Boomers value these features, revealing a clear generational gap.
For young donors, the appeal lies in efficiency. When they see an item they like, they don’t want to wait – they want it now. By incorporating fixed-price and buy-it-now items, your nonprofit can boost engagement with Gen Z and Millennials, making them more likely to participate and enjoy their auction experience.
The key to a successful event is intentionality – especially when it comes to auctions. Tailor the experience to what your donors want, making it worth their time by curating your item list and offering item suggestions during the event. The report reveals that 59% of younger donors love receiving suggestions based on items they’ve viewed or bid on. Personalize your attendees’ experience by investing in software that helps them quickly discover items they’ll think are worth bidding on.
A tailored bidding experience makes participants feel like the auction was designed for them with intention, enhancing their engagement and enjoyment.
The best part? OneCause found that adding automatic item suggestions increased proceeds from sold auction items by 25%, proving that personalization doesn’t just enhance the experience – it drives results!
So, what are your next steps as a nonprofit? Use auction technology to create more engagement within this generation of donors. Here’s how:
In today’s world, a technology-driven experience is an expectation among younger generations. If your auction events aren’t using the right tools, you risk missing out on meaningful participation and increased revenue.
The 2025 State of Nonprofit Auctions Report highlights just how valuable technology is when engaging younger donors. Investing in seamless, intuitive software transforms your auction experience from a simple fundraiser into a memorable experience – one that resonates with younger generations, turning them into lifelong supporters.
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