What makes a nonprofit raffle successful? A step-by-step guide

Raffles are one of the easiest ways for nonprofits to raise funds while keeping donors involved. They’re easy to set up, cost-effective to run, and bring a level of excitement that many other fundraising campaigns struggle to match.

Instead of asking for a large donation up front, raffles let people contribute a small amount. That makes them more accessible and helps your nonprofit reach both new supporters and existing donors.

In fact, around 47% of donors take part in nonprofit raffles or sweepstakes online.

So how can your nonprofit run a raffle that actually drives engagement and donations? Let’s break it down.

What is a nonprofit raffle and how does it work?

A nonprofit raffle is a fundraising campaign where donors purchase tickets for a chance to win a prize. Each ticket represents an entry, and winners are selected randomly at the end of the campaign.

The structure is simple:

• Supporters buy one or more tickets
• Each ticket increases their chances of winning
• Winners are drawn after the raffle closes

Raffles can run fully online or alongside other campaigns. The flexibility makes them easy to integrate into broader fundraising efforts.

Why raffles are so effective for fundraising

Raffles are effective because they remove barriers to entry.

Ticket prices are usually low, which encourages participation from a wider group of donors. Someone who may not be ready to make a large donation is often willing to spend a small amount for a chance to win.

Jessica Nieves, Senior Client Growth Manager at BetterWorld, explains it clearly: “Who doesn't want to spend $10 for a chance to win something really cool?”

The combination of low cost and high perceived value increases engagement.

Raffles also create excitement. The chance-based nature adds anticipation, which keeps donors interested throughout the campaign. Unlike standard donation appeals, raffles give people a reason to keep checking back.

Another advantage is simplicity. Raffles require minimal resources and can be managed by small teams. Many of the processes, such as ticket tracking and entries, can be automated.

In short, raffles are one of the most efficient fundraising options for nonprofits looking to maximize impact without increasing overhead. Raffles are a practical and scalable option.

Step-by-step guide to running a successful raffle

Running a raffle is pretty simple, but structure matters.

1. Choose a prize your donors actually want

Start with your audience. The prize should match their interests. Broad appeal items, such as experiences or popular gift packages, tend to perform best.

2. Set clear ticket pricing and bundles

Offer both single tickets and bundles. For example, one ticket at a base price and multiple tickets at a discounted rate. You can also offer an early-bird discount to encourage participation.

3. Create a central raffle page

Host all information in one place. Donors should be able to learn about the raffle, view the prize, and purchase tickets easily.

4. Promote your raffle across multiple channels

Use email, social media, and word of mouth. Start promoting your raffle at least two weeks before your drawing date, and build momentum throughout the campaign.

5. Use reminders to drive participation

Send countdown updates as the raffle progresses. Reminders help convert interest into action.

6. Announce winners and follow up

Share results publicly. Thank all participants and encourage them to stay connected for future campaigns.

How to increase raffle participation and donations

Participation increases when the campaign is easy and rewarding.

One of the most effective strategies is share-to-enter. Donors receive additional entries when they share the raffle with others. It expands reach without additional marketing cost.

Incentives also help increase ticket purchases. For example:

• Bonus entries for larger purchases
• Small rewards for higher contributions

These encourage donors to spend more while keeping the process simple.

Ease of access is also critical. Features like one-click sharing and mobile-friendly checkout reduce friction.

Remember, making it easy for donors to participate directly impacts completion rates.

Reducing friction is one of the fastest ways to increase both participation and total funds raised.

How to choose the right raffle prizes

Prize selection has a direct impact on participation.

The most important factor is knowing your audience. A prize that appeals to your donors will always perform better than something generic.

If the prize does not match their interests, engagement will drop.

Experiences often perform better than physical items because they offer higher perceived value. These could include:

• Event tickets
• Travel packages
• Local experiences

Partnering with local businesses can also help. Many businesses are willing to donate or discount prizes in exchange for visibility.

Legal considerations nonprofits must know before running a raffle

Raffles are regulated, and rules vary by location.

Some areas require permits or have restrictions on how raffles can be run. It is important to review local laws before launching a campaign.

Better World strongly recommends seeking legal guidance if there is any uncertainty.

One solution is to use an alternative entry method. It allows participants to enter without purchasing a ticket, which can help meet legal requirements in certain areas.

Addressing compliance upfront helps protect your organization and builds trust with participants.

Common mistakes to avoid when running a raffle

Even simple campaigns can fail if key details are missed.

Common mistakes include:

• Choosing prizes that donors do not want
• Starting promotion too late
• Making the entry process complicated
• Ignoring legal requirements
• Failing to follow up after the raffle ends

Running raffles becomes easier with the right platform

Raffles can become difficult to manage when you’re tracking tickets, payments, and entries manually. That’s where BetterWorld helps simplify the process. With BetterWorld’s raffle and giveaway tool, you can set up a raffle page quickly, sell tickets online, and manage everything in one place. It works for online, in-person, or hybrid campaigns, so you’re not limited in how you run it.

It also makes distribution simple — you can just share your raffle link or use a QR code so people can join from any device without downloading anything.

The biggest upside is cost, as there are no platform fees, so you can keep all the funds you raise. That alone can boost your final results.

Instead of dealing with spreadsheets and manual tracking, you can focus on promotion and getting more people involved.

Connect with BetterWorld today and run your raffle with a setup that’s simple and efficient.

FAQs

How much should a nonprofit raffle ticket cost?

Most nonprofit raffle tickets are priced low to encourage participation, often around $5 to $10 for general audiences. Pricing should also match the prize value and fundraising goal, with many organizations using simple formulas to balance revenue and affordability.

Can raffles be run online?

Yes, many nonprofits run raffles online using dedicated platforms that handle ticket sales and payments. However, rules vary by location, and some regions restrict or regulate online ticket sales.

Are there legal requirements for nonprofit raffles?

Yes, raffles are considered a form of gambling and are regulated by local laws. Many states require nonprofits to be registered and obtain permits or licenses before running a raffle.

How can nonprofits get more people to share their raffle?

Keep entry costs low, offer attractive prizes, and promote across email and social channels. Creating urgency and excitement encourages supporters to share the raffle within their network.