| Raffles are one of the most popular and cost | | | | okay. So I know what you are thinking. How do I go |
| effective ways to raise money for a non profit | | | | about getting these prizes?The absolute best way is |
| organization. However, it would not be a raffle if you | | | | to survey the members of your organization. Every |
| had nothing to give away!So what kind of prizes | | | | member could possibly have something of value to |
| should you have? First of all, put yourself in your | | | | contribute to the prize pool. And if not, they may |
| potential supporter's shoes - What if someone comes | | | | know somebody who can. Go for your biggest prize |
| up to you and says they are selling raffle tickets? | | | | first, though. You need to secure that "hook" in order |
| What prize would you like to win?Here are some | | | | to have a viable raffle.One of the raffle fundraisers |
| prizes that attract many people's attention:Cars - | | | | that I organized raised over $1000, with just 5 ticket |
| Sports cars, Luxury cars, SUV's in this years model. | | | | sellers! In case you are wondering, our prize was a |
| Another great alternative is a completely restored | | | | big screen TV. The company I worked for at the |
| classic / collector's car. You may or may not be able | | | | time had a point system incentive program. I pooled |
| to get this donated. If not, consider other types of | | | | my points with some of my co-workers to get the |
| prizes, since your profit will be higher if all items are | | | | big prize.I also sent out an email asking my friends |
| donated.Travel - Always a winner. Roundtrip Airfare, | | | | and the other ticket sellers for donations. I quickly |
| a package deal, a cruise, hotel stays, even airline | | | | got several more donations including some nice |
| miles all make great prizes. Most people love to travel | | | | watches. Finally I went to area restaurants and got |
| and the biggest obstacle is usually cost. Now if they | | | | several gift certificates for third prizes.It's usually |
| win this raffle, they'll just have to take some | | | | easy to get prizes from restaurants and some |
| vacation time and go.The larger trips such as | | | | retailers such as beauty salons and video stores. |
| week-long cruises or packages with airfare and hotel | | | | Type a letter of request on your organization's |
| may draw more ticket buyers. However, travel | | | | letterhead. Visit businesses in your area during the |
| doesn't have to be exotic to make a great prize. | | | | afternoon when they're not as busy. Give them a |
| Even a weekend getaway within driving distance | | | | copy of your letter and ask if they would be able to |
| could be a great prize. As long as it's a place people in | | | | donate a gift certificate or other prize. Be sure to |
| your area would want to go to for a vacation. A one | | | | start canvassing your city about a month before |
| night stay at a local hotel is not usually as | | | | your deadline, because some managers need to get |
| appealing.Electronic Equipment - Big screen TVs, | | | | approval or they may have a limited number of prizes |
| DVDs, and stereos. These are big incentives, | | | | per month they can distribute.With a little creativity |
| especially for the guys.Gift Certificates - For stores | | | | and persistence, you'll be able to get some great |
| like Home Depot, Best Buy, and local or chain | | | | prizes for your raffle!Sandra Sims has been |
| restaurants. These make great secondary | | | | fundraising for various charities for over 10 years. |
| prizes.These are just a few examples. As mentioned | | | | She is the publisher of Step By Step Fundraising |
| earlier, it is important to offer a prize that your | | | | website, which helps non profit organizations get |
| potential sellers will place a high value on. A Barbecue | | | | maximum results from fundraising campaigns. Visit her |
| Grill, a Handmade Quilt, a Gourmet Dinner, all of these | | | | website to find out more about raffle fundraisers and |
| could be great prizes for the right audience.Okay, | | | | raffle ticket printing. |