Collins' Column
Raffles are a great way to raise money at your next church event, but the prize often determines how many people will purchase the tickets. While lottery tickets and alcoholic beverages are generally frowned upon as prizes, there are plenty of fun and creative options for church fundraisers.
Here are 10 ideas for your next raffle.
1. A Getaway
Everyone needs a vacation, even if it’s just escaping home for a weekend. Speak to a local resort about securing a prize weekend for two you can add to your raffle. Some places offer discounts for promotion, helping your church recoup the costs for it.
A free getaway is attractive for many reasons. People love the idea of relaxing or trying a fun activity, it can get people interested in the raffle, and you can create a fruitful relationship with a local business.
2. A Family Portrait Session
With more and more do-it-yourself card and invitation options online and in stores, families often just need a good picture for Christmas cards, wedding announcements, birthday invitations, and baptism information.
In a world of selfies and tripods, many families would rather sacrifice quality than pay for a portrait session. However, lots of people would jump at the opportunity for professional portraits to use on cards or display in their homes.
3. Baskets
If there’s one thing aside from baked goods that’s a staple at church fundraisers, it’s baskets. Baskets are easy to put together since church members can pick up items in various categories to put together, and you can get as creative as you want.
There are endless possibilities, from summer fun baskets with inflatable pools, lounge chairs, and outdoor games to relaxation baskets with candles, blankets, and teas. It’s fun to win a well-put-together basket, with many seeing the variety of items as more than worth it.
4. Electronics
We live in an age of screens, and offering up a new one can get a raffle a lot of attention. Offering one of the latest phones, televisions, tablets, or smart home devices gives people the opportunity for communication, entertainment, and security they previously didn’t have.
Plan ahead and keep an eye on online deals in your area to save money on the device, and then advertise your raffle heavily.
5. Home Services
Life gets busy, but housework is important. Though chores are necessary, many would gladly hand them off if they could. Why not allow them to take some time off?
Try offering a professional cleaning service, free landscaping services, or a personal chef for a day. These services are a great treat for anyone with housework, and you can often find them through local businesses or even congregation members.
6. Streaming Subscriptions
More and more people are cutting the cord and ditching their satellite dishes for smart televisions with various streaming services. With so many show selections available, the number of services can get overwhelming – and expensive.
An attractive raffle prize can cover the cost of one of the services for a year, allowing the winner to enjoy programming they weren’t able to before. If your congregation has a lot of families, Disney+ or Paramount+ are great options. For a mainly adult congregation, consider HBO Max or Netflix.
7. Rewards Cards
Many chain and local stores offer rewards programs that provide discounts and gifts for repeat visits. The winner can use the program for as long as it exists, making it a long-term prize that can save them a lot of money.
An example of this is the KOA Rewards program, which offers camping discounts and free nights. These types of programs are very attractive to people in different niches. Since the card needs to be in the winner’s name, you will need to either pay for the card and register it for the winner after the raffle or provide the funds for the card afterward.
8. Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great option for raffle prizes since they’re easy to obtain and winners can use them however and whenever they wish.
Restaurant, grocery, gas, clothing store, and movie gift cards are all great options. You can choose to get one greater-value gift card or a few smaller-value cards. Many people enjoy an excuse to treat themselves, and these prizes are excellent ones.
9. Spa Certificates
Who doesn’t love a spa day – or know someone who would? Everyone deserves the benefits of self-care, and a spa day can relieve stress and rejuvenate anyone who needs a pampering touch.
From massages and facials to hairstyling and manicures, a spa certificate is an excellent prize. Check with local facilities about possible deals for your fundraiser and ensure the certificate is enough to cover at least one full treatment.
10. Desserts
There are many churches known for selling and serving baked goods, and they make great raffle prizes. If there’s a congregation member famous for their cookies or cakes, ask if they’d be willing to make a sweet treat for the raffle.
Don’t know anyone who bakes? Consider raffling off a cake, cookie tray, or bread basket from a local bakery instead.
Planning Your Next Church Raffle
Raffles are a relatively easy way to raise money before or during an event and can get your church the funds to continue supporting the community and other worthy causes. With the right prizes, your raffle is sure to be a success.
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