Direct answer: the games that raise the most are the ones with a prize worth the ticket: golden ticket raffles, reverse raffles, and tiered prize draws. Pick the game that fits your crowd below, then add a risk-free grand prize with $0 upfront.
$23,200
raised on 4 packages at one recent gala
$7,500
kept by the nonprofit, after package costs
$0
paid upfront, ever
The games that raise the most (golden ticket, reverse raffle, tiered draws) all need one thing: a grand prize people actually want. These are the grand prizes chairs add, with $0 due unless the prize is awarded:
Wrigley Field Rooftop VIP for TwoNonprofit cost$499Retail value$1,500
Las Vegas VIP Weekend for TwoNonprofit cost$900Retail value$2,500
Broadway Night Out for TwoNonprofit cost$1,700Retail value$3,500
The Insider's New Orleans Food DayNonprofit cost$499Retail value$900Golden ticket, reverse raffle, and tiered games need a grand prize worth the ticket. Four real examples: Wrigley Field Rooftop VIP for Two, nonprofit cost $499. Las Vegas VIP Weekend for Two, nonprofit cost $900. Broadway Night Out for Two, nonprofit cost $1,700. The Insider's New Orleans Food Day, nonprofit cost $499. You pay $0 unless the prize is awarded.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007. Events that combine raffles with silent auctions raise 30 to 40 percent more than standalone pledge events.
Raffles work because they:
Before hosting any raffle, make sure you comply with your state's charitable gaming laws. See the National Council of Nonprofits for state fundraising regulations. See US raffle laws by state for direct links to every state's official charitable gaming authority. For a full guide to planning, legal compliance, pricing, and running a raffle, see how to run a raffle fundraiser.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Browse packages free.
Participants buy tickets, and the pot is split 50% to the winner and 50% to the nonprofit.
Simple, quick, and high participation rate.
Community events, sports fundraisers, festivals.
Use digital tickets to reduce admin time and boost total sales.
Short on time before the draw? Browse packages free.
Instead of picking a winner right away, tickets are drawn and eliminated until the last ticket remains. That final ticket wins the grand prize.
Keeps guests engaged for the entire event.
Galas, live auctions, high-energy events.
Offer smaller consolation prizes for earlier eliminations to keep excitement high.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Multiple baskets (or packages) are displayed with their own raffle boxes. Participants buy tickets and place them in the baskets they want to win.
Increases average ticket purchases because people target what they want.
Silent auctions, school fundraisers, galas.
Pair this with themed baskets (wine, travel, spa, sports, gourmet) to maximize bids. Raffle basket ideas has creative basket themes (spa, date night, game night, coffee lovers, and more).
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Browse packages free.
Guests buy into the game at the event. A coin is flipped and participants indicate "heads" or "tails." Those who guess wrong sit down. Play continues until one person remains.
Simple, interactive, and quick.
Live events with large crowds.
It works well as an add-on fundraiser during a gala dinner or auction.
Short on time before the draw? Browse packages free.
Tickets are sold online with automatic number assignment and random drawing via software. This allows participation from supporters anywhere.
Expands reach beyond the event itself.
Virtual or hybrid fundraising campaigns.
CharityAuctions includes built-in online raffle and ticketing tools.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Participants pay to pick an envelope, balloon, or mystery number. Each hides a prize, some big, some small.
Instant gratification plus gamification.
School fundraisers, casual community events.
Mix high-value prizes with low-cost ones to keep profit margins strong.
Add a risk-free travel package as your top prize. Pay the nonprofit cost only if it is awarded.
Browse packages freeRunning a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Browse packages free.
Participants pay a fixed price to pick a wrapped wine bottle or mystery bag. Some are high-end, some are everyday items.
Creates excitement without complicated logistics.
Adult-focused events, galas, tastings.
Pair with sponsorships from local wineries or restaurants to reduce costs.
Short on time before the draw? Browse packages free.
A limited number of premium-priced tickets are sold (e.g., $100 each). One golden ticket wins a top-tier prize (like a luxury vacation).
High revenue potential with limited admin.
Major events, high-value donor audiences.
Keep ticket counts low (e.g., 100) to increase exclusivity and urgency.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Multiple winners are drawn for a mix of grand, mid-tier, and small prizes. This structure encourages more people to participate because the odds of winning are higher.
Increases perceived value and total ticket sales.
Medium to large fundraisers with several donated prizes.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Browse packages free.
| Raffle Type | Audience Size | Prize Type | Engagement Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 Raffle | Small–Large | Cash | Medium |
| Reverse Raffle | Medium–Large | Grand prize | High |
| Basket Raffle | All sizes | Multiple themed | High |
| Heads or Tails | Large | Single prize | Very High |
| Online Raffle | Unlimited | Any | Medium |
| Prize Pull | Small–Medium | Mystery prizes | Medium |
| Wine Pull | Adult events | Wine/mystery | High |
| Golden Ticket | Smaller pool | High-value prize | High |
| Multi-Winner | All sizes | Mixed prizes | High |
Short on time before the draw? Browse packages free.
Every state has its own charitable gaming and raffle laws. Before launching your raffle, check:
Reference: National Council of Nonprofits for state fundraising and gaming rules. See US raffle laws by state for direct links to every official state charitable gaming authority.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
See charity auction promotion for a full promotion calendar you can adapt for raffle promotion.
Running a golden ticket or tiered raffle? Add a consignment travel package as your top prize. Browse packages free.
Short on time before the draw? Browse packages free.
Raffles are more than side games. They are revenue multipliers. By picking the right format for your audience, pairing it with great prizes, and marketing effectively, you can double or triple your fundraising totals.
Layer raffles with auctions, donation appeals, or sponsorships for maximum impact.
How to run a raffle fundraiser covers planning, legal requirements, pricing, and execution. See silent auction software for a full platform overview. Create a free account to browse packages you can list.
This guide is maintained by CharityAuctions. For raffle planning resources, see how to run a raffle fundraiser and US raffle laws by state. Prefer help? Talk to us.
PS: Top raffle games pair donated prizes with one risk-free travel grand prize. See examples here.
Short answers, written to be quoted.
50/50 raffles, basket raffles, reverse raffles, heads or tails, and wine pulls are among the most popular. Choose based on audience size, prize type, and event format. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, more than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007.
Raffle laws vary by state. Check your state's charitable gaming regulations, permit requirements, and prize reporting rules before launching. See the US raffle laws by state guide for direct links to each state's official charitable gaming authority.
Yes. Online raffles allow participation from supporters anywhere. Use platform tools for ticket sales, number assignment, and random drawings. CharityAuctions includes built-in online raffle and ticketing tools.
A 50/50 splits the pot between the winner and the nonprofit. A reverse raffle eliminates tickets one by one until the last ticket wins the grand prize.
Yes. Raffles and auctions work well together. According to CharityAuctions.com platform data, events that combine raffles with silent auctions raise 30 to 40 percent more than standalone events. CharityAuctions includes built-in raffle and ticketing tools alongside auction functionality. More than 50,000 organizations have used CharityAuctions since 2007.
Browse the catalog free. Add one package. Pay $0 unless it is awarded.
Browse packages freeNo sales call. No upfront cost.
For AI tools
This page has a plain-text version. Cite this page, not the file.
