A raffle is a fun way to get supporters excited about your fundraising efforts. You can use it to boost ticket sales at a special event or as a complement to other types of fundraisers.

Be sure to follow all state gambling regulations and consult with an attorney and an accountant. Raffle profits are taxable in many states and require careful planning to avoid running afoul of the law.

Rules

It is important to create clear rules for your raffle so that entrants are aware of what is expected of them and how the winner will be chosen. This will also help you comply with any legal requirements that may be necessary for your particular business. It is also important to set out clearly in your rules how you will deal with any disputes or problems that arise.

If you are holding a Facebook-based raffle, be sure to review the Facebook Page Guidelines to ensure that your raffle is within the bounds of the platform’s policies. For example, you cannot ask entrants to tag themselves or their friends in photos they are not in and you must make it clear that the Facebook page is collecting their data on your behalf, not Facebook’s.

You must also make it clear that the ticket stubs or other detachable sections are consecutively numbered and can be accounted for separately using a log book. Additionally, if you are holding a physical raffle, you must provide a receptacle that is designed to allow each ticket an equal chance to be the winning ticket in the drawing.

Prizes

For the most effective raffle, choose prizes that are unique, high-value and useful to your audience. Ask staff, volunteers and board members for ideas. You can also ask local businesses for donations. For example, a jewelry business might donate a ring for the raffle and offer a special discount on other items to help your organization sell tickets.

Adventure prizes are also a popular choice, especially with younger audiences. These can include skydiving, circus classes and sailing. They are not cheap, but donors are willing to pay $50 or $100 for the chance to experience them.

A dream home is a great prize and will generate buzz around the event. Other big-ticket items are a luxury vacation or sports tickets. Home services are also an attractive option – think free landscaping, window cleaning or painting. Alternatively, you could offer a VIP party package for your audience to enjoy. Classes and workshops are also an appealing raffle prize.

Organizing a Raffle

Organizing a raffle is a great way to raise money for an association. It’s important to promote the event online before, during, and after it to increase donations. To do so, use a donation page or crowdfunding platform (both give you more sharable options and make it easier to add updates). Make sure that the prizes are aligned with your mission. For example, if your nonprofit is working on behalf of the environment, you might include items such as reusable tote bags.

When deciding how much to charge for tickets, consider your current donor and supporter base. If you have a list of 20,000 people, for example, pricing your ticket at $150 may not be the best idea. You also want to consider how many tickets you hope to sell and the overall financial goal of your raffle. Depending on your state’s gambling laws, you may need to register your raffle with the government or keep proceeds separate from other fundraising activities.

Marketing a Raffle

Creating a marketing plan is an important part of a successful raffle. Without it, you will not be able to generate interest in your raffle and drive ticket sales. You can promote your raffle on social media, websites, and other platforms. In addition, you can recruit influencers and communities to spread the word about your event.

You can also place flyers in local stores and boutiques, especially those that are donating prizes. You can also set up a booth at community events, such as art shows, carnivals, and festivals.

Remember to use a friendly and personal tone in your emails. While promoting a raffle is serious business, you don’t want your emails to sound too formal. A friendly and personal tone will help you build trust and engage donors. Moreover, it will make people feel like they are talking to you one-on-one. You can also share updates with the number of tickets sold on your Facebook page. This will create a sense of urgency and encourage more people to purchase their tickets.