A raffle can be a great addition to any fundraising event. However, there are some important details to consider that can have unintended consequences.

Make sure your volunteers know their roles and responsibilities in selling tickets. You should also make sure that they have a secure, visible receptacle such as a box or jar to store the tickets in.

Ticket Price

The ticket price is a key factor in the success of a raffle. It determines how many tickets you can sell and, consequently, how much money you make. The ticket prices typically range from $1 per ticket to $10 or more, depending on the size of your prize pool and your fundraising goals.

The best way to find the right ticket price is to start by setting a monetary goal for your fundraiser. This will help you figure out how many tickets to sell and what kind of prizes to offer.

Raffle tickets come on a double-ticket roll with consecutive serial numbers, and there is a space on the back to write the ticket buyer's name, phone number, or address so you can contact them about the winnings. They are available at most party supply stores and big box office supply stores for under $10 a roll. Some online providers also offer printable raffle tickets that you can use to sell at your event.

Prizes

The prizes offered in your raffle can be the difference between a successful fundraiser and one that fails. The prize pool must be big enough to draw in your target audience and the size of your budget will determine how many prizes you can offer.

Unique and valuable items can make a big impression at your event. Timeless luxury watches are a popular choice for adults, and foodies love exquisite gourmet meals or gift baskets. Memberships to local museums or fun activities for kids are great for family-friendly events, while autographed memorabilia appeal to sports fans.

You can also offer unique experiences such as spa days or photography sessions with a professional photographer, and reserve parking spaces for your winners. If you want to keep your attendees engaged at your event, include a bonus giveaway where the winner gets a free treat just for purchasing tickets! You can use a box, jar or bucket for the ticket stubs, and you can announce the winner at a specific time or at the end of your event.

Ticket Sales

To reach your fundraising goals, promote the raffle through social media and email, and make sure to offer online and offline sales options. This allows your community to participate at a level that is comfortable for them. Using tiered pricing structures can also encourage inclusivity and drive ticket sales. Whether it's a single ticket for $2 or an enticing bundle of 10 for $15, this strategy makes the raffle more accessible and increases participation.

Choose a team of personable ticket sellers who are enthusiastic about your organization's mission and the raffle event. Schedule weekly goals to keep them motivated throughout the selling process. Also, be sure to collect ticket stubs at every point of contact, and have a regular meeting with your team to discuss sales and any other issues related to the raffle.

If possible, ask local businesses to promote your raffle and display posters or flyers in their stores. It may also be a good idea to reach out to influential people in your community to help spread the word about your event and drive ticket sales.

Drawing

Once the ticket-selling process is complete and all of your volunteers have completed their assignments, it’s time to choose a winner. Picking the winner is an exciting event that adds excitement to your raffle and draws people to your nonprofit’s event.

Nonprofits can promote the drawing by sharing updates about the cash prize amount on social media, in their email newsletter and on their fundraising pages. A fundraiser thermometer is a popular visual element that ramps up interest and creates a sense of urgency.

If you’re running a 50/50 raffle within an event, consider using double-roll tickets that have your contact information on one side and “TICKET” printed on the other. If you use this type of ticket, make sure to include an important caveat in your rules that states if the winner is not present at the time of the drawing, they will have to wait until the next draw. This will prevent the potential for lost tickets.