Fundraiser raffle tickets are a great way to raise money and promote your organization, but they must be carefully planned and executed. Nonprofits must consider a number of factors, such as ticket price, prize selection, and how many tickets to sell in order to achieve their fundraising goals and ensure the success of the event.
To begin planning, nonprofits should set a concrete goal for how much they hope to make through ticket sales. This figure will help you determine how much to charge for each ticket and how many prizes to include in the raffle. Choosing a price that is affordable to your current audience will be more effective than trying to attract in new donors with a high-priced item.
Once you have determined how much to charge for each ticket, select a prize that fits within your budget and will be appealing to your audience. Donors want to feel as if their contribution is going towards something that will directly benefit them, so a prize that has a personal touch makes a huge difference in ticket sales. For example, an item that is custom-made will resonate with your audience more than a generic gift card or cash prize.
If your organization can't afford to purchase a prize on its own, ask local businesses for donations. Some companies may even be willing to give away a service like a free massage or dinner for two. This approach is a win-win for both parties because it can help to expand your audience and also attract more participants to the event.
Raffles are not the same as sweepstakes, and this distinction can have significant legal implications. Some states have regulations governing raffles, and some have outlawed them altogether. For this reason, it is important to check your state laws and understand the legality of running a raffle before you start planning and selling tickets.
The last thing you want is to run into a problem that delays your raffle or prevents you from making as much money as you could have. Before launching your raffle, be sure to have a plan for how you will notify winners and how you will collect and manage prize-related gifts.
Getting the word out about your fundraiser raffle is vital, but it's equally important to have an organized system for ticket sale and distribution. Organizing your team into groups that each have a specific amount of tickets to sell will keep everyone motivated and on track to meet their goal. It's also helpful to have weekly meetings with your team to collect ticket stubs and share information about how well sales are progressing.
To drive ticket sales and increase participation, offer VIP ticket tiers with exclusive privileges like early access, special seating, or a meet-and-greet opportunity for supporters who contribute at higher levels. This will also encourage your organization's current donors to attend the event and bring their friends, which helps maximize your fundraising potential.
