To ensure our members feel confident that their money is going to the intended cause (and also because government regulates the activity), we have a policy and guidelines to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I raise money for charity through eBay for Charity?
Yes, as long as your account is in good standing, you can use our program, eBay for Charity - opens in new window or tab, to list items and donate a proportion of the sale to charity.
If you accept the eBay for Charity Seller Terms and Conditions - opens in new window or tab, you can create a listing and agree to donate 10% or more of the final sale price (1% for eBay Motors) to a certified organization in the nonprofit directory if the item sells. You'll also have to select PayPal, debit card, or credit card as a payment option. Read our full policy for more details.
Read our full policy
Charity and fundraising policy overview
eBay helps individuals and organizations raise funds for charity. Whether or not you use our dedicated program, eBay for Charity - opens in new window or tab, you can list items and give all or part of the proceeds to charity.
If you use a different donation program, make sure your listing follows our guidelines below. If it doesn't, it may be removed, and you may be subject to a range of other actions, including limits of your buying and selling privileges and suspension of your account.
What are the guidelines?
eBay for Charity listings
PayPal Giving Fund is the nonprofit organization selected by eBay to administer the eBay for Charity program. PayPal Giving Fund supports the eBay for Charity - opens in new window or tab program by:
- Verifying that nonprofits are eligible for the program
- Powering the donation account inside My eBay
- Collecting and paying out sellers' donations
- Providing sellers with tax receipts
- Maintaining the nonprofit directory for eBay for Charity - opens in new window or tab
Allowed
You can list with eBay for Charity if you:
- Accept the eBay for Charity Seller Terms and Conditions - opens in new window or tab and keep your account in good standing
- Agree to donate at least 10% of the final sale price (1% for vehicles sold on eBay Motors) to a certified organization in the nonprofit directory - opens in new window or tab if the item sells. The minimum donation is $1
- Select PayPal - opens in new window or tab, a credit card, or a debit card as one of your payment options
Note: This policy does not apply to Nonprofit Direct Sellers. Nonprofit Direct Sellers - opens in new window or tab receive 100% of an item's final sale price directly from the buyer.
Not allowed
- Items listed in the following categories can't be listed with eBay for Charity:
- Adult Only
- Real Estate
- Items that can't be sold on eBay, including lottery and raffle tickets
Charity listings without eBay for Charity
Allowed
You can list items for charity without using eBay for Charity if:
- You're soliciting on behalf of recognized, tax-deductible charitable organizations (for example, 501(c)(3) or equivalent status with the IRS)
- You receive advance written consent from the charitable organization for the solicitation-and include the following information in your listing:
- A readable photo or scanned image of the written consent. (This proof can't be a link to a website.) The letter must be on the charity's letterhead and signed by one of the organization's officers
- The charity's tax-deductibility status
- Your name or eBay username, dates of event or listings, and the donation amount (percentage of the final sale price) you'll be donating if your item sells
Why does eBay have this policy?
The guidelines in this policy help ensure that buyers and sellers are following all laws and regulations on charitable fundraising, which is regulated by both federal and state governments.