11 Best Engagement Strategies to Implement on Your Raffle Games

Raffle games are a favorite choice for nonprofits looking to raise funds while sparking excitement among supporters. They offer nonprofits an easy, fun way to unite people for a common cause. 

But what if your raffle became the highlight of your supporters’ week? 

With a little creativity and some thoughtful engagement strategies, you can turn an ordinary drawing into a moment people talk about long after the event is over. Let’s look at how to make that happen.

1. Set the Stage for a Memorable Experience

Start with a theme that sparks curiosity and relates to your nonprofit’s story. 

For example, why not go for a “Paws and Prizes” theme if you're supporting an animal shelter? Use elements like paw-shaped raffle tickets or an animal trivia mini-game before the drawing.

For in-person events, skip the generic balloons and tablecloths. Instead, use props or interactive displays that tell a story about your cause. For example, an environmental nonprofit might feature a small, live demo showing how donations make an impact, such as planting a sapling for every ticket purchased.

Online raffle games offer unique opportunities, too. Personalize your platform with a live feed of prize previews or a leaderboard showing who’s buying the most tickets. 

Include fun, themed sound effects or animations when tickets are purchased to keep the excitement going.

2. Select the Right Raffle Format

Your raffle fundraising approach shouldn’t just be a one-size-fits-all approach—it should reflect the needs and interests of your audience. 

Think beyond the usual and explore options like a reverse raffle, where the last ticket drawn wins, or a prize wall, where participants pick a mystery envelope.

When choosing a format, consider your audience’s preferences and your resources. A 50/50 draw might work well for a sports club’s fundraiser. Meanwhile, a nonprofit focused on education might benefit from raffling off unique experiences, like a “Lunch with a Local Author” package. 

Match the game to your supporters' values and interests to create a more personal connection.

Hosting the raffle online alongside any in-person events opens up participation. An online format allows supporters from different locations to join, and features like live countdowns or instant digital tickets make it easy to stay engaged. 

Plus, hybrid formats can help you connect with new audiences who might not typically attend your in-person events.

Not sure how to host an online raffle? Check out our guide on Online Raffles: A Step-by-Step Guide to Successful & Easy Fundraisers.

3. Interactive Ticket Sales

Ticket sales for your raffle games can be more than just a transaction—they can be part of the excitement. Offer creative bundles that feel like a deal but also bring value to your audience. 

For example, instead of the standard “buy five, get one free,” design themed packages like a “Family Fun Pack” with ten tickets and a small goodie bag or a “VIP Raffle Entry” that includes an exclusive prize draw for bundle buyers.

Use live updates creatively to keep your audience engaged. Instead of just showing the number of tickets sold, highlight milestones with a fun twist: “We just hit 200 tickets—the next 50 buyers get a shoutout on our page!” 

Add playful elements like a thermometer graphic filling up as you approach your goal or short videos announcing updates.

Social media is your playground for engagement. Go beyond countdowns and try interactive challenges, like asking followers to share why they’re excited about the raffle, with a bonus entry for the best response. 

4. Build Anticipation Before the Draw

Consider your raffle fundraising as a journey, not just a single event. Building anticipation before the draw creates excitement and keeps people engaged every step of the way. 

Instead of just showing prizes, make it interactive. Host a “guess the prize” game by sharing blurred images or cryptic clues about the top rewards. 

Stories have a way of connecting people to your cause. Share the “why” behind your raffle. For instance, if you’re raising money for school supplies, highlight a student who benefited from past campaigns. 

Use heartfelt videos or short testimonials to remind your audience of the real impact their participation will have.

Keep the energy high by hosting mini-games that involve your community. Trivia contests about your nonprofit or a quick online scavenger hunt can reward winners with extra raffle entries. Even better, feature a “lucky number draw” before the main event, where one ticket buyer gets a small prize just for participating early. 

5. Choose Attractive and Relevant Prizes

Picking the right prizes can transform your raffle games from ordinary to unforgettable. Instead of focusing solely on what’s trendy, consider prizes that tell a story. 

For example, if your nonprofit works in education, offer a “Book Lover’s Dream” package with a collection of signed books, a cozy blanket, and a gift card to a local bookstore. This ties the prize to your mission and sparks a connection with participants.

Why not choose beyond physical items? Experiences often hold more value than things. A weekend retreat, a meet-and-greet with a local celebrity, or even a “Be a Chef for a Day” experience at a popular restaurant can create excitement. 

Partnering with local businesses can also open up unique opportunities. A yoga studio might offer free classes, or a local bakery could contribute a “Cake-a-Month” prize. 

6. Enhance the Drawing Process

The drawing process is the highlight of your raffle fundraising, so it’s worth turning it into an event people remember. A live stream or in-person reveal with an energetic host can make a big difference. 

Choose someone who can keep the energy up, share quick anecdotes about your nonprofit’s mission, and interact with participants.

Start by announcing smaller prizes to build anticipation. As the excitement grows, people will stay engaged, waiting for the big reveal. Add fun moments, like asking attendees to guess the grand prize winner or sharing a quick fact about the impact of the funds raised between draws.

Let participants send shout-outs or short messages during the event to make it even more interactive. These can be shown on the live stream or read out loud if in person. 

It’s a simple way to bring your community closer while celebrating everyone’s contributions to the cause.

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7. Involve Your Supporters Beyond the Tickets

Your raffle game ideas can go further by involving supporters in ways that extend beyond just buying tickets. Encourage participants to share photos with their tickets or prizes on social media. 

Add a creative twist, like asking them to pose in a way that reflects your nonprofit’s mission or theme. Offer small incentives for the most unique submissions, such as bonus entries for future raffles.

Feature winners’ reactions and stories to create a personal connection. A short video of a winner unboxing their prize or sharing why they participated can make your event feel more relatable and human. It’s a great way to show the joy and impact that your raffle brings.

Don’t forget to highlight testimonials or thank-you messages from beneficiaries of your nonprofit’s work. 

A quick video or post showing how the funds raised make a difference helps participants see the bigger picture. These stories remind everyone that their support goes beyond the fun of the raffle—it’s helping change lives.

Keep your audience excited and engaged with tools like BetterWorld’s specialized Free Fundraising Software For Sports Teams. Find all the features that will help you succeed, from raffles to auctions and crowdfunding to ticketing.

8. Incorporate Technology for Greater Reach

Using technology in your raffle games can make participation seamless and boost your event’s visibility. So why not use the best online raffle site for nonprofits? BetterWorld's Free Raffle & Giveaway Software allows you to manage everything effortlessly. 

Whether you’re accepting donations for a giveaway or selling raffle tickets, the platform simplifies the process. With just a few clicks, you can raise more funds for your nonprofit, school, church, or community organization—all while offering an engaging experience for your supporters. Sign up now!

Social media is another powerful tool to expand your reach. Share live updates during the raffle and announce winners in real-time to keep your audience excited and engaged. 

Add a creative touch by using polls or countdowns to build anticipation before the big reveal.

Encourage participants to tag your nonprofit when they post about your raffle. Not only does this celebrate their involvement, but it also introduces your cause to their networks.

9. Create Opportunities for Continuous Engagement

Your raffle fundraising doesn’t have to end with the drawing. Keep the momentum going by introducing follow-up raffles or fun challenges for participants. 

For example, launch a “Second Chance Raffle” where leftover tickets or new purchases go into another draw for smaller prizes. Or, host a mini contest where attendees share their raffle experiences for a chance to win bonus rewards. 

Personalized thank-you messages go a long way in showing appreciation. Instead of generic emails, include details about how their support made a difference. For example, “Thanks to your ticket purchase, we’ll provide 50 meals to local families in need.” 

Take it a step further by giving social media shout-outs to highlight individual contributions or creative ways people supported your cause.

Finally, tie everything back to the impact of the funds raised. Share updates on how the raffle’s success is helping your mission. 

10. Pricing Strategies for Tickets

Start with a ticket price that feels accessible. A $5 or $10 entry point often works well. The goal is to attract as many participants as possible without making the price a barrier.

For those who want to buy more, create incentives. Discounts on bulk purchases can drive ticket sales—like offering five tickets for $20 instead of $25. Early bird specials are another way to boost excitement, rewarding those who buy tickets within the first week with a slight discount or bonus entry.

To make your pricing even more engaging, try creative tiers. For instance, a standard ticket could be $10, but a $25 “gold ticket” could include extra entries or exclusive perks, like access to a special raffle drawing. 

This approach gives buyers options while encouraging higher contributions, making the process more fun and personalized.

11. Wrap-Up and Celebrate

The end of your raffle fundraising is the perfect moment to bring everyone together and celebrate the impact they’ve made. Start by announcing the total funds raised and how those funds will support your mission. 

Highlight the event’s best moments to keep the excitement alive. Share photos and videos of the drawing, prize winners, and behind-the-scenes fun. 

Testimonials from participants or beneficiaries can also help show the real value of the fundraiser.

Use this time to gather feedback from your audience. Send a quick survey or ask for comments on social media about what they enjoyed and where you could improve. Supporters who feel heard are more likely to join your future raffle games.