How to Correctly Implement a Raffle Fundraiser

Non-profit organizations provide a great opportunity for individuals in a community to get together for a singular purpose. Although, the finances responsible to keep these establishments operational aren’t going to pay themselves! That’s where fundraisers come in. And there’s a key word that should not be overlooked by any means: Fun!

Raffle fundraisers are a fantastic way to engage the community of any organization in a positive way. It offers a sense of equality and control. Each person who enters has the same odds of winning as the next. But you can choose to increase your odds by buying more tickets, just as they can. Having tickets given or assigned to you, also offers a sense of identity in the raffle. Your raffle tickets are totally unique to you. I’ve often found myself personally invested in a single ticket to a great degree. “Come on! I’m number 102378!!!!”

Once you’ve purchased your tickets, your job is done. There’s no further involvement or participation on your end. Which for some people who are shy, is a great relief. Unless you win that is! But that’s a totally different spotlight!

People love suspense. The allure of having your numbers called out in perfect order is tantalizing. Having that dream become a reality is often more than just winning the raffle. It makes people feel lucky. Which is a great feeling to have. Everyone always says they’re the type to never win anything like a raffle. So when it happens, boy does it feel good! This will always gives you a very warm positive memory of the organization, which is sure to keep you happily involved in the future.

Raffle fundraisers are won by luck, but the money raised during them isn’t. Organizations should strive to improve their strategies for maximizing sales, and growing the number of participants.
The individuals designated as the ticket sellers should focus on their engagement with the potential customer, utilizing tricks such as:
-Making eye contact and smiling.

-Encouraging that the funds are going to a great cause.

-Be ready in advance to highlight the specifics of the cause if the person asks about it.

-Offer deals for buying multiple tickets. (Such as 1 for 2 dollars. 3 for 5 dollars.)

-Attempt to go around and make last minute sales. Working off of the pitch that “It’s starting soon! Get your ticket’s now!”

All of these tactics are good and well. Yet if the prize or prizes being raffled off aren’t appealing, the community of your organization still may not respond well.
While assigning prizes to your raffle, try and keep these tips in mind.

-Avoid setting the prizes as non-materialistic items, such as a cruise or a day at a spa. Most people want to physically be able to see and receive the prize they are winning then and there. They want to be able to envision it in their possession.

-Keep prizes fairly relevant to all age groups and demographics. Generally accepted luxuries or essentials should be a focus point for prizes.

-If multiple prizes are awarded (first drawn matching ticket is 1st place, second drawn matching ticket is 2nd place ETC), make an effort to keep the values relatively similar. While it’s natural for the value of prizes to lower respectively from place to place, keep that to a minimum. Individuals may feel disheartened or insulted if they received something significantly lesser in value than the previous winner.

Raffle fundraisers, when executed correctly, can heavily enhance the financial capabilities of any non-profit organization. So keep it fun, and keep raising! An organizations great idea and innovations might just be the winning ticket!

Hold a Raffle Fundraiser for Your Organization and Reap the Benefits

Non-profit organizations, such as church groups, civic groups, and youth sports organizations, can derive great benefit from holding a raffle fundraiser. They can maximize the sales of their raffle tickets by advertising and announcing the raffle locally, widely, and often. They can do this by posting on multiple social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. In addition, they can send out e-mails or letters to market and campaign for their fundraiser. They can announce the raffle to their volunteers and staff. Furthermore, some organizations can place an advertisement in the local paper or post flyers around town. They can also spread invitations by word-of-mouth. Hosting the raffle contest during an annual meeting, dinner, or another large event could increase attendance greatly over hosting the raffle as a main, single event.

Organizations could offer incentives to volunteers and staff who invite friends and family to the raffle or event. They could also reward their people who post about the event on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media websites. Finally, making sure that any rules or guidelines for the raffle are clear will increase sales because sellers will be able to explain the raffle and ticket buyers will feel more secure in their investment.

Non-profit organizations can increase their raffle ticket sales by offering prizes that are of as high a value as feasible. Trips to various exotic destinations, flashy cars, and large amounts cash are often exciting to win. People covet even older model cars and trips to nearby destinations within the United States. Simple gifts, such as baskets geared toward the season, are good inexpensive ideas for adult audiences.

They can contain teas, coffees, candles, perfumes, candies, and other lower dollar items. Most men are looking for something to give a wife or girlfriend on her birthday, their anniversary, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, etc. Women can give the baskets to their mothers, colleagues, daughters, friends, and even themselves! Children may appreciate toys, gadgets, games, and parties. Local vendors appreciate recognition and may be willing to part with several gift cards in exchange for sponsorship. Computers, iPads, iPods, phones, tablets, and other hot technology items are inexpensive once they have been out for a year or so. This in no way diminishes their appeal to most adults and teenagers as a raffle prize.

Motivating volunteers to sell raffle tickets may not be something that people who are fundraising for organizations think about doing. However, if volunteers are motivated to sell raffle tickets, then the number of ticket sales should increase. Prizes and incentives encourage raffle ticket sellers to spread the word to family, friends, coworkers, church members, and others. Large incentives based on the number of tickets sold are usually more effective than small incentives for simply volunteering. For children, a pizza party, cash, an ice cream social, or the latest gadgets are great ideas.

Entry to the party or could be for a minimum number of raffle ticket sales. Organizations can reserve the money or gear for the top earners. For adults, gift cards to local vendors, a raffle entry, or an invitation to an after-party would be motivating. Again, organizations can base the receipt of the prize on a minimum number of ticket sales or give the best incentives to the top few earners. As with the raffle, offering a laptop or tablet to the highest seller is a good option for motivating adult and teen volunteers.

If you like these ideas or have other suggestions for a successful raffle, then please like or comment!