Are Raffles Worth It for Your Catholic Nonprofit?

We’ve all been there. You’re brainstorming ideas for the next fundraiser and someone says, “What about a raffle?” It’s simple. It’s familiar. It feels like easy money.

Sure, raffles can bring in some quick funds and add a little fun to your fundraising calendar. But are they actually worth it?

Let’s dig into the pros, cons, and what raffles can do beyond adding a little to your bank account.

The Appeal of a Good Old-Fashioned Raffle

There’s a reason raffles are a go-to for Catholic schools, parishes, and ministries. They’re community-oriented, usually inexpensive to run, and they give people a low-barrier way to participate.

You can tie them to a parish festival, a school fundraiser, a retreat center open house, or run them standalone with a fun prize donated by a generous local business or supporter. And yes, they can bring in a few thousand dollars.

But that’s just the start.

Raffles Are Great at One Thing: Getting New Names

Want to grow your database? A raffle can help.

Most raffle entries come with a name, phone number, and email address - exactly the kind of info you need to start building relationships. Raffle participants don’t need to know much about your mission to join in. They just need to want the prize or support the cause casually.

That means raffles can be a great tool to:

Connect with parents, grandparents, and alumni who aren’t yet donors
Engage local community members who visit your parish festival or school event
Capture names from social media followers who may not be in your CRM

But here’s the key: you’ve got to have a follow-up plan.

Raffles Alone Won’t Build Your Mission (But They Can Start the Conversation)

Let’s be honest. Many raffle participants are only there for the prize. They’re not signing up to become recurring donors or volunteer committee chairs. So, if your raffle ends when you pull a name out of a hat, you’re missing the real opportunity.

Instead, treat your raffle like the first handshake in what could become a beautiful friendship.

Here’s how:

Send a warm thank-you email to every participant. Include a short impact story and a photo that highlights your mission.
Invite them to something light and easy. An open house, a coffee with the principal, a ministry update night. Keep it relational.
Offer a way to stay connected, like joining your newsletter or following you on social media.
Don’t ask for money right away. Let the mission do the talking. When they’re ready to give, they’ll be much more receptive.

You aren’t going to engage every raffle entrant. Some are going to unsubscribe from your emails or ask to be removed from your mailing list. This is ok. Expect it. Don’t let this deter you from reaching out to the entrants.

Over time, some of those raffle participants will become donors, volunteers, or ambassadors, if you put in the work to bring them closer.

The Fine Print: Costs, Compliance, and Bandwidth

Raffles aren’t risk-free. Before launching one, consider:

Legal requirements in your state (raffles are technically gambling and often require permits). Every state has different laws, and they can be strict - research this well ahead of time.
Upfront costs, especially if you’re purchasing the prize or printing physical tickets.
Volunteer time to coordinate, promote, and manage the drawing and communication.
Donor perception. If done too often or too transactionally, raffles can feel more like a lottery than a mission-centered fundraiser.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them, just that you should go in with eyes wide open.

So, Are Raffles Worth It?

Here’s the verdict:

They can raise money
They can grow your database
They can boost community engagement

But only if you treat them as more than a one-off.

When raffles are integrated into a larger strategy of donor engagement and relationship-building, they can be a great tool. Just don’t expect them to carry your annual fund or replace the personal, mission-driven connection that fuels real generosity.

So, if you're planning a raffle this year, go for it. Just make sure it's not the end of the story. It's the beginning of a new chapter in your fundraising efforts.

Want a simple resource to help you run a mission-focused raffle and turn participants into long-term supporters? Download our free Catholic Fundraiser’s Raffle Kit, complete with a step-by-step planning checklist and ready-to-use email templates for follow-up. It’s everything you need to make your next raffle more effective and more meaningful. Download it HERE.

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