Raffles are a great way to increase ticket sales at your fundraiser event. But remember, raffles are not sweepstakes—and that distinction matters to donors and the IRS.
Airline tickets to a destination that excites the imagination are an attractive raffle prize. You can also offer smart home devices or home services like cleaning or organizing.
Printing
Raffles are a popular way for groups and clubs to raise funds. They typically find a sponsor to donate a prize, then sell tickets for the chance to win it. While it is possible to make your own raffle tickets at home, it can be more cost-effective and easier to have them professionally made. Whether you need a few hundred or several thousand tickets, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.
If you want to use a computer program to design the tickets, you should look for a template designed specifically for this purpose. This will help to ensure that your tickets are a consistent size and that the information is clearly visible. It is also recommended to have the tickets perforated so that participants can keep one part for themselves and the ticket number in a safe place. You can also use Microsoft Word to create numbered tickets, although this can be difficult from a graphics perspective.
Incentives
If you’re planning a raffle event, it’s important to create incentives for participants. These can be as simple as cash or a chance to win a big prize. You may also want to offer a discounted ticket price for early buyers, especially if the event is held at a high-end venue.
Providing meaningful prizes will help boost ticket sales. Consider raffling off items like a smart home device bundle, a VIP party package, or a weekend getaway.
Other popular raffle prizes include a shopping spree at a local boutique or custom one-of-a-kind art pieces. If you know a local artist, ask them to partner with your nonprofit to offer these unique prizes.
Another option is to raffling off services that are helpful for your audience, such as lawn care or window cleaning. This will help keep your audience happy while promoting your organization at the same time. You could even raffling off reserved parking spaces for a local business, which is an excellent way to advertise your nonprofit while helping donors.
Prizes
For students, a raffle prize like a college scholarship is an attractive option. It is something that is immediately useful to them, and it is not out of reach financially. While a new car is a high-end prize that will require a higher ticket price, it is still an incredibly appealing prize.
A vacation is another enticing prize that is sure to attract donors. A cruise, a tropical getaway, or even a ski trip are all good options. A day at the spa is also an excellent option for a prize. This is especially effective if you pair it with a massage or other spa treatments.
Creative hobbies are always popular with adults and children alike. Painting and drawing classes are a great idea, as are baking and cooking classes. Gift cards to local shops and restaurants are also a good idea for raffle prizes. An engraved brick is a unique and personalized way to show appreciation for a donor’s support of your nonprofit.
