“At last the Dodo said, ‘everybody has won, and all must have prizes'” – Alice in Wonderland

Raffles, prize draws and lotteries are always popular fundraising events not least because there is always a good incentive to take part!  Raffles are fun and easy to organise and promote and are a good way of getting people involved in the cause that you’re fundraising for.  They act as a fun team building event because everyone can get stuck in!

In order to run a raffle, you will need tickets.  You can print these yourself or purchase them from a print shop.

You will also need some prizes if you’re running a raffle.  You could ask some local businesses to donate items or to knock the price down on them in return for their company logo appearing on the raffle ticket.

There are more stringent rules for running raffles and lotteries than for other fundraising activities so it pays to know the law before going full throttle on organising one.  Here is some useful information for you.

How to run a private lottery/raffle

• If you are running a raffle at work you do not need a licence.
• The raffle must be promoted by a an employee
• You may only sell raffle tickets to work colleagues
• The raffle tickets must state the price and name and address of the promoter
• The prize draw must take place within the work setting

How to run a small lottery/raffle

• This is running a raffle that will be held in conjunction with another event such as a fete or disco.
• After deducting certain specified expenses, the proceeds must be used for purposes other than private gain.
• The raffle tickets can only be sold on the premises that the event is taking place and while the event is taking place
• No more than £250 can be spent on buying prizes
• No money prizes can be awarded

How to run a society lottery/raffle

• This is running a larger raffle where tickets will be on sale to the general public
• You must register the raffle with your local authority – this costs about £35-£40
• Tickets must not be sold to anyone under 16
• Tickets must not be sold in public places although they may be sold door to door
• All raffle tickets must be the same price and must not exceed £2 per ticket
• Incentives such as “5 tickets for the price of 4” are not allowed
• The value of the tickets sold must not exceed £20,000
• No prize may exceed in value either £25,000 or 10% of the total value of the tickets sold (whichever value is greater)
• No more than 55% of the actual proceeds of a raffle can be used to provide prizes
• Each ticket must also specify the following;

- The price
- The name and address of the society promoting the raffle i.e. company name and address
- The date of the raffle

I hope that you find this information on how to run a raffle useful! For further information on fundraising events please click here.