How to run a raffle: 9 steps guide for fundraisers

This guide will walk you through everything step by step, with plenty of real-world tips to make your raffle run smoothly. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.

What a raffle is and how it supports your goals

A raffle is a simple game of chance where people buy tickets for the chance to win a prize. It’s a fun way to get folks excited and involved in your cause. But here’s the thing, it’s more than just handing out prizes. When done right, a raffle can become a big part of your fundraising strategy.

Before you jump in, think about your fundraising goals. How much do you want to raise? What will the money be used for? A clear goal helps you choose the right type of raffle, set ticket prices, and talk to your supporters in a way that really connects.

Raffles work great on their own or as part of bigger fundraising events. You can run one at a gala, during a school carnival, or even online. The key is to match your raffle to your audience and the vibe of your event. Some folks like flashy prizes and live drawings; others just want a quick and easy way to give back.

No matter how you run it, a raffle is a smart way to raise money while giving your supporters something fun to look forward to.

Step-by-step guide to run a successful raffle

1. Define your fundraising goals and target audience

Before you print a single ticket or pick a prize, take a minute to zoom out. What are you raising money for? Is it a one-time need, like new equipment or a community trip? Or are you building support for something long-term, like monthly programs or operational costs?

Knowing your fundraising goals helps everything else fall into place. It tells you how many tickets you’ll need to sell, how much to charge, and what kind of prizes make sense. It also helps you explain your raffle to others in a clear, honest way, which builds trust fast.

Next, think about your audience. Are your supporters mostly families? Young professionals? Seniors? What would get them excited? The more you know about the people you're talking to, the better your raffle will perform.

Here’s what we’ve seen work: small teams who start with a simple goal and a clear audience tend to raise more money, and feel less stressed doing it.

2. Choose the right type of raffle for your campaign

Not all raffles are built the same, and that’s actually a good thing. You’ve got options, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how excited your audience gets and how much money you raise.

Here are a few popular types of raffles we’ve seen work well:

• 50/50 raffle – Half the money goes to the winner, the other half to your cause. Simple and fast.
• Reverse raffle – Instead of the first ticket drawn winning, the last one does. Builds suspense and keeps people tuned in.
• Calendar raffle – Winners are picked on different days throughout the month. Great if you have a lot of smaller prizes to give out.
• Door prize raffle – A bonus raffle just for people who show up at your event. Good for boosting attendance.
• Online raffles – Done totally through a website or platform. Easy to manage and perfect if your supporters are spread out.

Each style has its own vibe. Reverse raffles feel more like a show. Online raffles work great if you’re short on time or staff. 50/50s are perfect for casual events or sports nights. Just pick the one that fits your crowd and your goals.

3. Check your local raffle laws and compliance requirements

This might not be the most exciting step, but it’s one of the most important. Raffles are considered a game of chance, and that means there are usually rules about how and when you can run one.

Before you start selling tickets, check the raffle laws in your city, state, or country. Some places require a permit or license. Others have rules about who can host a raffle, how the money is used, or even what kind of prizes you can give out. If you're doing an online raffle, the rules might be different than for in-person events.

It’s worth taking a little extra time here to make sure everything is legal and above board. It builds trust with your donors and helps you avoid last-minute surprises.

We’ve worked with teams who didn’t realize they needed a permit until the week of their drawing, it’s not a fun scramble. So be safe, not sorry.

Tip: If you’re using a platform like Harness, we can help guide you through the setup and make sure you’re checking the right boxes from the start.

4. Source and secure irresistible raffle prizes

Your prizes are what get people talking, and buying tickets. If you want your raffle to catch fire, you’ve got to offer prizes that feel exciting, useful, or just plain fun.

Think about what would light up your audience. For some, a local gift card does the trick. For others, it’s a big splashy experience, like a week-long vacation, VIP concert tickets, or a new tech gadget. You don’t need a huge budget to make it work, either. Many great prizes come from donated items or sponsors who want to support your cause and get a little visibility.

One thing we’ve learned: don’t assume you need a laundry list of prizes. A few really good ones often do better than a long list of okay ones.

Also, be clear about what’s included. If the prize is a trip, mention what’s covered (flights, hotel?) and what’s not. That builds trust and helps avoid confusion when it’s time to award the prize.

In short, good prizes sell tickets. Great prizes build buzz. And the best prizes? They do both.

5. Set up ticket pricing and sales strategy

This is where the math meets the mission. You’ve got a goal and some great prizes, now it’s time to figure out how much to charge and how to sell tickets in a way that works for your audience.

Start by deciding your ticket price. Most raffles go with something simple, $5, $10, or $20 per ticket. If your prize is big (like a week-long vacation), you might price a bit higher. Want to boost your numbers fast? Offer a bundle, like 5 tickets for $20. It feels like a deal, and people love feeling like they’re getting more chances to win.

Next, think about how people will buy tickets. Will they grab a paper ticket at an event, or click a button online? A lot of groups use both, and we’ve found that having an online option really helps. It’s fast, easy, and lets you reach folks who can’t attend in person.

Make it easy to track your ticket sales. If you’re using a platform like Harness, you can keep everything in one place, no spreadsheets, no guesswork. And that means you’ll know exactly where you are and how close you are to hitting your goal.

6. Design and distribute your raffle tickets

Now that you’ve got your pricing and sales strategy down, it’s time to make those tickets look good and get them into people’s hands. Your raffle tickets should reflect the excitement of your event and your cause.

If you’re running a physical raffle, you’ll need to design tickets that are clear, professional, and easy to read. Include the event name, the prize(s), the price per ticket, and any relevant raffle details (like the drawing date). A nice touch: add a perforated part that the buyer can keep as a “stub” for proof of purchase. It’s simple but gives them something to hold on to.

One more thing to keep in mind: Make it easy for people to buy tickets! If you're using a website, don’t hide the ticket link, make it prominent and easy to find. The easier it is for people to buy, the more likely they are to actually do it.

7. Promote your raffle through social media and fundraising platforms

Even the best raffle won’t raise a dime if people don’t know about it. Promotion is where you turn quiet planning into real momentum, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start with social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (X) are great for sharing updates, showing off prizes, and creating buzz. Use simple, clear messages with eye-catching images. Short videos work well too, even a quick phone recording explaining the raffle and showing the prize can grab attention.

If you have an email list, send updates leading up to the big day. Remind people what they could win, when the drawing is, and how to purchase raffle tickets. Make it easy for them to share with friends. Word of mouth is a huge driver.

The bottom line: talk about your raffle often and everywhere. The more eyes on it, the more tickets you’ll sell, and the more money you’ll raise for your cause.

8. Host a compelling drawing event

This is the big moment, when all the excitement comes together and you finally announce your winner (or winners). How you handle your drawing matters, and it can make a lasting impression on your supporters.

You’ve got two main options: a live stream or an in-person event. Both work, you just need to pick what fits your audience and your setup. A live stream is perfect if your donors are spread out or if you’ve been running the raffle mostly online. It’s easy to set up on social media, and people love tuning in from home to see if they win.

If you're going for an in-person event, treat it like a celebration. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it should feel special. Have someone on your team speak briefly about the cause, thank supporters, and then do the draw with a little build-up. Keep it fun and honest.

However you do it, make sure the process is clear and fair. Show the ticket selection (whether it’s a digital draw or a hand-pulled ticket) and announce winners live if you can. That transparency helps people feel good, even if they don’t win.

And don’t forget to record it! You can post the video later for folks who missed it and to use for future promotions.

9. Follow up and report results

Once the winners are announced and the prizes are handed out, your job isn’t quite done. A solid follow-up is what turns a good raffle into a great experience, and sets you up for even more success next time.

First things first: thank your participants and sponsors. Whether someone bought one ticket or twenty, they showed up for your cause. A simple thank-you email or social media post goes a long way. If you had prize donors or local business sponsors, give them a special shout-out. It shows appreciation and keeps those relationships strong.

Next, share your results. Let your supporters know how much money was raised, what the funds will support, and how they helped make it happen. This kind of transparency builds trust, and it shows people that their contribution mattered.

If you're planning future fundraising events, this is also a great moment to start planting the seed. Share what you learned, what you'll improve next time, and invite them to stay connected.

We’ve seen that the organizations who take the time to close the loop with their community are the ones who keep growing. It’s not just about the prize, it’s about the connection.

Putting it all together

Raffles are more than just a way to raise quick cash, they’re a chance to bring your community together, have a little fun, and make a real impact. Whether you're hosting a simple drawing at a local event or launching a full-scale online fundraising campaign, you now have the steps to do it right.

Keep your goals clear, your prizes exciting, and your process simple. And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone.

Harness is here to help you run smarter, smoother fundraising. With expert tools and real support, we make it easier to connect with your audience and hit your goals.