BetterWorld

15 Awesome Ideas to Ace Your 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser Game

By Whit Hunter

Want to build an effective fundraising campaign?

Our team is here to give you more details and guides on how to grow your fundraiser.

Book a Demo with Us →

Get ready to dive into 15 game-changing strategies that'll take your fundraising game to the next level! Whether you're a seasoned veteran or taking your first steps into the world of nonprofit fundraising, this guide is your one-stop-shop for making waves in the realm of philanthropy.

What is a 50/50 Raffle?

Ever heard of the 50/50 raffle? In the realm of fundraising, few tools are as dynamic and exciting as the 50/50 raffle. Picture this: You've got people buying tickets, and half of that dough is heading straight into a jackpot, while the other half is doing some serious good for the cause. It's like winning big while spreading some love, and that's why people can't get enough of it!

At its core, the 50/50 raffle is pure brilliance wrapped in simplicity. It's not just about raising funds – it's about giving people a shot at scoring something amazing. That's why it's a crowd-pleaser for nonprofits of all shapes and sizes. Whether you're backing a local charity, fueling a community project, or championing a global cause, the 50/50 raffle packs a punch.

What's the IRS' take on 50/50 Raffle?

Now, let's talk about the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and 50/50 raffles. While these events are loads of fun for nonprofits and supporters alike, there's some paperwork involved to keep everything legit. According to the IRS, organizations hosting 50/50 raffles need to play by the rules when it comes to reporting and taxes.

Here's the deal: Let's say your nonprofit throws a 50/50 raffle bash, and you rake in 19,000 in ticket sales. Half of that, 5,000, goes into the jackpot, while the other half supports your cause. Now, the IRS wants to see the whole picture – they expect you to report the total revenue from the event, including both the jackpot and the funds going to your organization. Skipping out on accurate reporting could land you in hot water with some hefty penalties.

But fear not! With a bit of organization and attention to detail, you can keep things on the up and up. Keep solid records of every dollar coming in and going out, from ticket sales to expenses and where the funds end up. By sticking to the IRS guidelines and keeping your records squeaky clean, you can navigate these regulations like a pro and keep doing the good work through your fundraising efforts.

How 50/50 Raffles Drive Nonprofit Fundraising

Let's break down how 50/50 raffles help nonprofits raise money into five (5) key points:

Chasing the Big Win

You know that feeling when you buy a ticket, not just to support a cause, but secretly hoping to score a big win? That's the magic of 50/50 raffles. Participants jump at the chance to snag a hefty chunk of the jackpot while still contributing to the cause. It's a win-win that drives ticket sales through the roof, helping nonprofits stack up funds in no time.

The American Red Cross hosts an annual gala fundraiser, featuring various attractions including a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and live entertainment. Attendees eagerly purchase tickets to the event, drawn by the chance to win big while supporting the Red Cross's humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Building Bonds and Boosting Engagement

Ever noticed how rallying around a common goal brings people closer? 50/50 raffles do just that. When folks join in, they're not just buying tickets; they're becoming part of a tribe united by a shared mission. This sense of belonging sparks more participation and deeper connections within the supporter community, turning one-time donors into loyal advocates.

The Smithsonian Institution, known for its vast array of museums and educational programs, implements 50/50 raffles during its membership drives and special events. By fostering a sense of community among supporters, the Smithsonian strengthens its bond with patrons, turning one-time visitors into dedicated advocates for arts and culture.

Looking for an easy-to-use online raffle generator? Try BetterWorld’s Raffle Software for FREE!

  • Simple, powerful, automated online raffle and giveaway tools

  • Offer discounts for larger purchases or give away free entries for sharing 

  • Completely fair, random and automated winner selection

  • Run unlimited campaigns every year, no fees ever

Start Your Online Raffle Now!

Flexibility at its Finest

Picture this: your nonprofit needs funds for a specific project. Or maybe it's for everyday expenses or ongoing initiatives. Enter 50/50 raffles, the chameleons of fundraising. Their adaptable nature lets organizations tailor their approach to fit their exact needs. With the potential to attract a diverse crowd and rake in serious cash, these raffles become the Swiss Army knife of fundraising tools.

That is how the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) utilizes 50/50 raffles as part of its diverse fundraising strategy to support conservation efforts globally. Whether funds are needed for protecting endangered species, restoring ecosystems, or combating climate change, WWF adapts its raffle events to meet specific conservation goals, attracting support from a broad range of donors.

Quick Cash on Hand

Need funds pronto? 50/50 raffles have got your back. With half the proceeds earmarked for the jackpot and the other half supporting the cause, nonprofits can rake in cash in record time. This instant cash flow means organizations can tackle urgent needs and dive into impactful projects without missing a beat.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital organizes 50/50 raffles as part of its annual telethon and fundraising events. With half of the proceeds benefiting pediatric cancer research and treatment, the raffles generate quick cash flow, enabling St. Jude to continue providing life-saving care to children battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

Shining the Spotlight

Hosting a 50/50 raffle isn't just about raising funds; it's about shining a spotlight on your cause. These events draw attention from all corners of the community, spreading awareness like wildfire. And with increased visibility comes increased support, both from longtime backers and newfound champions, turbocharging your nonprofit's fundraising efforts.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation hosts 50/50 raffles during its Race for the Cure events, drawing attention to the fight against breast cancer. These raffles not only raise funds for breast cancer research and support services but also shine a spotlight on the importance of early detection and prevention, inspiring communities to join the fight against this prevalent disease.

 

15 Brilliant Strategies for Dominating Your 50/50 Raffle Fundraiser

Want to ace your 50/50 raffle fundraiser game? We'll explore 15 game-changing ideas to help you supercharge your fundraising efforts like never before.

1.       Online Ticket Sales: Expand your reach by selling raffle tickets online through your organization's website or social media platforms. This allows supporters from far and wide to participate in your fundraiser, boosting ticket sales and overall revenue.

2.       Early Bird Specials: Offer discounted ticket prices for those who purchase early, incentivizing early participation and increasing overall ticket sales leading up to the event.

3.       Bundle Deals: Create enticing bundle deals where supporters can purchase multiple tickets at a discounted rate. This encourages bulk purchases and increases the chances of winning for participants.

4.       Theme Nights: Spice up your raffle events by hosting themed nights such as "Casino Night" or "Sports Night." Themes add excitement and draw in a larger crowd, resulting in higher ticket sales and increased revenue.

5.       Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with local businesses or corporations to sponsor your raffle event. In exchange for sponsorship, offer them visibility through advertising at the event and on promotional materials, while also potentially securing donations or matching funds.

6.       VIP Packages: Create exclusive VIP packages that include premium seating, complimentary drinks, and additional raffle tickets. These packages appeal to supporters looking for a more luxurious experience, while also generating additional revenue for your cause.

7.       Social Media Campaigns: Launch targeted social media campaigns to promote your raffle event and encourage ticket sales. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach a wider audience and generate excitement leading up to the event.

8.       Incentivize Referrals: Encourage supporters to refer friends and family to purchase raffle tickets by offering incentives such as extra entries into the raffle or exclusive prizes for those who refer the most participants.

9.       Raffle Add-Ons: Offer add-on options such as 50/50 side raffles or additional prize drawings to increase participation and generate extra revenue during the event.

10.       Local Celebrity Endorsements: Partner with local celebrities or influencers to endorse your raffle event and help promote it to their followers. Their endorsement adds credibility and can significantly boost ticket sales.

11.       Interactive Games: Incorporate interactive games or activities into your raffle event to keep attendees engaged and entertained. This could include trivia contests, photo booths, or live entertainment, enhancing the overall experience and encouraging participation.

12.       Raffle Baskets: Create themed raffle baskets filled with donated goods or services from local businesses. Themes could range from "Date Night" to "Self-Care Spa," enticing supporters with the chance to win curated prizes while supporting your cause.

13.       Mobile Ticket Sales: Make it easy for attendees to purchase tickets on the go by implementing mobile ticket sales through a dedicated app or QR code scanning. This convenience encourages impulse purchases and increases overall ticket sales.

14.       Volunteer Incentives: Recruit volunteers to help sell raffle tickets and offer incentives such as volunteer-only prize drawings or recognition at the event. This not only boosts ticket sales but also fosters a sense of community among your supporters and volunteers.

15.       Post-Event Thank You: Show appreciation to participants and sponsors by sending personalized thank-you notes or hosting a post-event appreciation party. Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and encourages continued support for future fundraising efforts.

By implementing the strategies we've discussed, nonprofits can truly maximize the impact of their fundraising efforts. And when it comes to taking your fundraising game to the next level, BetterWorld's got your back!

With BetterWorld's online raffle and giveaway generator, you can effortlessly organize fun and engaging fundraisers that capture the imagination of your supporters. Imagine hosting exciting online raffles and giveaways, all while raising funds for your cause! BetterWorld's platform makes it easy to set up donation pages and sell tickets online, ensuring that every supporter can participate in your fundraising events, no matter where they are.

But that's not all! BetterWorld's event ticketing platform streamlines the entire ticketing process for your fundraising events. From setting up donation pages to tracking offline ticket sales and running smooth check-ins on event day, BetterWorld's user-friendly system has you covered. And the best part? It's all 100% free!

So why not take advantage of BetterWorld's powerful tools to supercharge your next fundraising event? With their support, you can raise more funds with less effort, leaving you with more time to focus on making a real difference in your community. Reach out to BetterWorld today and discover how their innovative solutions can help your nonprofit thrive!

Join 100,000+ amazing nonprofits, organizations, and fundraisers on BetterWorld

Let our FREE fundraising tools help you raise more funds with less effort

Start a Fundraiser →

Get started on your next campaign

Join 100,000+ amazing nonprofits, organizations, and fundraisers on BetterWorld

Sign up now →
Whit Hunter
AUTHOR

About Whit Hunter

Whit Hunter is the co-founder of BetterWorld, the free, easy-to-use online fundraising platform. His passion for empowering nonprofits and tech expertise have shaped BetterWorld’s mission to make fundraising more accessible and efficient.

Whit's innovative vision has helped countless organizations raise more funds and reach their goals, driving BetterWorld’s ongoing success.

Related posts

Start a Fundraiser

Giveaways

Fundraising is easy with BetterWorld's online raffle generator. With a click of a button, you can raise more funds for your nonprofit, school, church, or other organization while your donors participate in fun and exciting games

Continue reading

Charities & nonprofits

Utilize BetterWorld’s platform for nonprofit fundraising solutions Set up a campaign and start raising money in as little as five minutes. Select and customize the fundraising method best suited for your organization.

Continue reading
Sign up for free Request a demo
© 2025 BetterWorld
Terms Privacy