125 Raffle Prize Ideas for Fundraisers That Sell Tickets

The best raffle prizes are the ones people instantly picture themselves winning — useful, easy to understand, and exciting enough to make a $5 ticket feel like a deal. A prize doesn’t have to be expensive; it has to be wanted. A well-presented $40 themed basket often outsells a random $200 item nobody can imagine using.

But the prize is only half the job. A great raffle page also tells you which prizes to choose for your audience and budget, how to price tickets so the math works, how to get prizes donated for free, and how to stay on the right side of raffle rules. This guide does all of that — including a free calculator to check your numbers before you sell a single ticket. It’s part of our complete fundraising ideas resource, and it covers raffles for schools, nonprofits, sports teams, clubs, churches, community groups, workplaces, and charity events.

Top 15 Raffle Prizes Most Likely to Sell Tickets

If you only have time to pick a few, start here. These are strong, reliable starting points across most fundraisers — they combine broad appeal, obvious value, and easy donation potential. “Selling power” below is our editorial rating of how dependably a prize drives ticket sales, not measured data.

Cost key: $ = under $25 · $$ = $25–$100 · $$$ = $100–$500 · $$$$ = $500+

Tip: on a phone, scroll the table sideways to see every column.

The Winning Raffle Prize Formula

Most successful raffles follow the same simple structure. Build yours around it, then fill in the prizes from the ideas below.

Which Raffle Prizes Should You Choose?

Your fundraiser type points to the prize mix that sells best. Find yours, then build the lineup from the ideas below.

Pick the Best Raffle Prize by Budget

Match the prize to what you can spend or get donated. These quick lists pull the strongest options from the full guide below.

Best Raffle Prizes Under $25

• Coffee lover basket
• Snack-attack basket
• Book and blanket bundle
• Plant or herb-garden basket
• Pancake breakfast basket
• Handmade candle set
• Movie night basket (DIY)

Best Raffle Prizes Under $100

• Restaurant gift card bundle
• Car wash or car care basket
• Game night basket
• Pet lover basket
• Date night basket
• Grill master / BBQ basket
• Self-care or fitness basket

Best Raffle Prizes Over $100

• Spa day package
• Local sports tickets
• Hotel stay / weekend getaway
• Home cleaning package
• Amusement park tickets
• Tablet, smartwatch, or robot vacuum
• Big local prize package (grand prize)

Best Raffle Prizes You Can Get Donated for Free

• Restaurant and local-business gift cards
• Service certificates (cleaning, detailing, photography)
• Class or experience passes (yoga, cooking, mini golf)
• Local sports or theater tickets
• Themed baskets built from small donated items
• Handmade items from supporters (quilts, art, woodwork)
• A vacation-property weekend from a board member or supporter

Best Raffle Prizes by Audience

For Families

Grocery gift card, movie night basket, pizza-night card, zoo or aquarium tickets, board game bundle, amusement park tickets, ice cream shop card, kids’ activity basket.

For Adults

Restaurant gift cards, spa package, home cleaning service, coffee lover basket, date night basket, cooking class, fitness package, weekend getaway.

For Students

School spirit basket, bookstore gift card, art supplies, sports gear, backpack of supplies, pizza party, ice cream party, game night basket.

For Sports Fans

Local game tickets, signed memorabilia, tailgate basket, team gear bundle, sporting-goods gift card, private coaching session, fitness tracker, training-equipment basket.

For Community Events

Local restaurant bundle, local business basket, family entertainment passes, farmers-market basket, museum passes, local experience package, car wash bundle, garden center card.

For Workplaces

Premium parking spot, catered team lunch, coffee delivery for a week, desk-upgrade basket, wellness package, office snack basket, gift card tree, extra day off (if management approves).

Online vs. In-Person Raffles: Which Prizes Work

Where you run your raffle changes which prizes sell. The biggest factor is fulfillment — can the winner actually use or receive the prize?

If you’re selling tickets online, lead with prizes that ship easily or work as e-gift cards. If your raffle is tied to an event, lean into local experiences and a photogenic grand prize people can see on the table.

What Makes a Raffle Prize Sell?

A prize doesn’t have to be expensive to sell tickets — it has to be wanted. A well-presented $40 basket with a clear theme often outsells a random $200 item nobody pictures using. Every strong raffle prize pulls at least two of these three levers:

• Perceived value — it feels worth far more than a ticket costs (gift cards, getaways, electronics).
• Broad appeal — many people want it, not one narrow group (groceries, restaurants, family outings).
• Donatability — a local business or supporter will give it for free in exchange for recognition, so almost everything you raise is profit.

The fastest way to weak ticket sales is choosing a prize only because it was easy to get. If it doesn’t move at least two of those levers, make it a small add-on prize — not your headline.

Raffle Prizes to Avoid

A few prize types reliably underperform or create problems. Skip these as headline prizes:

How to Price Raffle Tickets

Ticket price should track prize value. Price too high and casual buyers walk past; too low and you leave money on the table. Use this as a starting point, then test bundles:

Bundle pricing almost always lifts revenue because it nudges buyers up a tier without raising the entry price. Run your exact numbers through the calculator above to see profit and break-even before you commit.

How Much Money Can a Raffle Raise?

The math is simple: profit = (ticket price × tickets sold) − prize cost. Because most prizes can be donated, well-run raffles often keep 90–100% of what they sell. Reach and ticket price are the two levers that decide the total. A few realistic illustrations:

These are examples, not guarantees — your result depends on how many people you reach and how appealing the prizes are. The takeaway: a stronger grand prize lets you raise ticket prices and sell to more people, which moves the total far more than adding extra small prizes. Model your own scenario in the calculator above.

Ready-Made Raffle Prize Lineups (Copy & Use)

Short on time? Copy one of these proven prize plans. Each pairs one headline grand prize with supporting prizes that widen appeal — adjust the grand prize to fit your budget and donations.

125 Raffle Prize Ideas by Category

Gift Card Raffle Prizes

Gift cards are the easiest raffle prizes to donate, display, and redeem. Everyone understands their value instantly.

1. Restaurant gift card bundle. Collect cards from several local restaurants and package them as a “dinner around town” prize. Why it sells: flexible and local. Ticket price: $5–$10. Donation tip: offer each restaurant a logo on your event page in return.

2. Grocery store gift card. Practical and broadly wanted. Why it sells: a $100 card feels like cash because every household buys groceries. Ticket price: $2–$5 for small cards, $5–$10 for larger. Donation tip: ask store managers about a community-sponsorship card.

3. Gas card. Strong for school, church, club, and workplace raffles — nearly every adult can use it.

4. Coffee shop gift card. A simple low-cost prize; bundle it with a mug, beans, and snacks to add value.

5. Bookstore gift card. Great for schools, literacy programs, libraries, and parents.

6. Home improvement store gift card. A strong prize for homeowners and community fundraisers.

7. Garden center gift card. Perfect for spring fundraisers and garden clubs.

8. Movie theater gift card. Turn it into a full movie-night prize with popcorn, candy, and drinks.

9. Local boutique or salon gift card. Ask specialty shops to donate in exchange for recognition.

10. Online shopping gift card. Useful when your audience is broad and you want a prize most people can redeem.

11. Family entertainment center gift card. Great for school raffles and family-focused events.

12. Ice cream shop gift card. Inexpensive and popular with families.

13. Pizza-night gift card. Works especially well for schools, teams, and youth groups.

14. Local bakery gift card. Good for community breakfasts, holiday raffles, and bake-sale tie-ins.

15. Meal-delivery gift card. A modern, broadly appealing prize for busy households.

Themed Basket Raffle Prizes

Themed baskets are one of the best raffle formats: they look valuable, photograph well, and can be built entirely from donated items.

16. Coffee lover basket. Beans, a mug, flavored syrups, biscotti, and a coffee shop card. Why it sells: looks premium, costs little, near-universal appeal. Ticket price: $1–$3.

17. Family movie night basket. Popcorn, candy, a cozy blanket, drinks, and a theater or rental card.

18. Self-care basket. Candles, bath products, lotion, tea, a journal, and a soft towel.

19. Game night basket. Board and card games, snacks, drinks, and scorepads.

20. Date night basket. Restaurant card, movie tickets, chocolates, and a flower voucher. Why it sells: a small bundle that feels like a real night out.

21. Pet lover basket. Treats, toys, grooming supplies, a pet-store card, and a small blanket.

22. Baker’s basket. Baking mixes, measuring cups, sprinkles, cookie cutters, and a cookbook.

23. Grill master / BBQ basket. Sauces, rubs, grilling tools, an apron, and a butcher or grocery card.

24. Breakfast basket. Pancake mix, syrup, coffee, jam, honey, and a bakery card.

25. Cozy night in basket. Blanket, tea, hot chocolate, snacks, candles, and a book.

26. Fitness basket. Resistance bands, a water bottle, workout towel, protein snacks, and a gym pass.

27. Gardening basket. Gloves, seed packets, hand tools, plant markers, and a garden-center card.

28. Beach day basket. Towels, sunscreen, water bottles, snacks, sunglasses, and a cooler bag.

29. Road trip basket. Snacks, travel mugs, phone chargers, car games, and a gas card.

30. Teacher appreciation basket. Classroom supplies, a coffee card, snacks, and a relaxation item.

31. New parent basket. Diapers, wipes, baby lotion, a board book, coffee, and a baby-store card.

32. Student survival basket. Notebooks, pens, snacks, a water bottle, planner, headphones, and gift cards.

33. Craft night basket. Paints, brushes, markers, paper, glue, and project kits.

34. Holiday basket. Seasonal ornaments, candles, treats, decorations, and a gift card.

35. Local favorites basket. Small donated items from several local shops, packaged as a community prize.

Experience-Based Raffle Prizes

Experiences often feel more exciting than physical items, and they’re easy to get donated by local businesses and supporters.

36. Dinner for two. Simple, desirable, and easy to promote. Donation tip: most restaurants will donate a meal for recognition.

37. Spa day. A massage, facial, or spa certificate — a strong prize for adult audiences. Why it sells: it’s a treat people won’t book for themselves.

38. Cooking class. Great for food lovers and date nights.

39. Fitness class package. Ask a yoga studio, gym, or dance studio to donate a class pack.

40. Local tour experience. A food tour, historical tour, or guided local experience.

41. Escape room tickets. Fun for families, coworkers, and friend groups.

42. Bowling party. Practical for schools, clubs, and family events.

43. Mini golf package. Low-pressure, family-friendly, easy to promote.

44. Museum passes. Great for school fundraisers and community groups.

45. Zoo or aquarium tickets. A strong family prize with broad appeal.

46. Amusement park tickets. Higher value that helps sell more tickets.

47. Concert tickets. Works well when the act matches your audience’s age and taste.

48. Theater tickets. Good for arts organizations, schools, and community events.

49. Local sports game tickets. Strong for teams, booster clubs, and local nonprofits.

50. Family photo session. Ask a local photographer to donate a mini session.

51. Private music lesson. Great for schools, arts groups, and youth organizations.

52. Personal training session. Good for wellness-themed raffles.

53. Art class. A fun prize for families and creative groups.

54. Local workshop. Pottery, floral design, woodworking, or craft workshops.

55. VIP event seating. Reserved seats at a school play, concert, or community event.

School and PTA Raffle Prizes

School raffles work best when prizes appeal to both kids and parents. Practical family prizes outperform novelty items. For a deeper playbook, see our guide to school and community fundraising ideas.

56. Principal for a day. A low-cost, school-only experience that gets kids excited.

57. Front-row seats at graduation or a performance. Very attractive to parents.

58. Reserved parking spot. A premium spot for a school event, season, or pickup line.

59. Skip-the-line pickup pass. Front-of-line car pickup for a week or month — a fresh, rule-safe favorite.

60. Lunch with a favorite teacher. A simple experience prize for younger students.

61. School spirit basket. Shirts, hats, stickers, water bottles, and spirit gear.

62. Backpack full of supplies. Great for back-to-school events.

63. Birthday party package. Partner with a local venue, bakery, or entertainer.

64. Kids’ art kit. Markers, paints, paper, stickers, and craft supplies.

65. Family board game bundle. Reliable; parents and kids enjoy it together.

66. Ice cream party. For the winning student’s class or group.

67. Pizza party. A classic, easy-to-understand school prize.

68. Yearbook package. Yearbook, personalization, and school merch.

69. Summer fun basket. Outdoor toys, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, sunscreen, and water bottles.

70. Reading basket. Age-appropriate books, bookmarks, a blanket, and a bookstore card.

Sports Team Raffle Prizes

For teams, choose prizes that appeal to athletes, parents, and local fans.

71. Team gear bundle. Shirts, hats, hoodies, decals, and water bottles.

72. Signed team item. A signed ball, jersey, poster, or framed team photo.

73. Sports equipment basket. Balls, cones, water bottles, towels, and training accessories.

74. Private coaching session. Ask a coach or experienced athlete to donate a lesson.

75. Sports ticket package. Local pro, college, or high-school tickets perform very well.

76. Tailgate basket. Snacks, folding chairs, team colors, a cooler bag, and game-day supplies.

77. Fitness tracker. A strong tech prize for athletes and active families.

78. Athletic store gift card. Useful and easy to promote.

79. Team photo package. Partner with a photographer for a sports session.

80. Car detailing package. Popular with parents who drive to practices and tournaments.

Nonprofit and Charity Raffle Prizes

For nonprofit raffles, lead with broadly desirable prizes that still tie back to your mission. Recognition-only items work as small add-ons, not headliners.

81. Mission-themed gift basket. Build a basket around your cause — animal rescue, education, the environment, or community service. Why it sells: ties the prize to the reason people give.

82. Local business bundle. Gift cards and small items from several local partners. Why it sells: all donated, supports local, and easy to fill.

83. Behind-the-scenes experience. Invite the winner to see your work up close (a shelter tour, studio visit, or program day).

84. Handmade item from a supporter. A quilt, artwork, pottery, or woodwork — often a surprise top seller.

85. Restaurant + experience package. Pair a dinner with tickets or a local activity for high perceived value.

86. Weekend getaway donated by a supporter. Ask anyone with a vacation property for an off-season weekend.

87. Cause-themed art print. A framed print or local-artist donation related to your mission.

88. VIP gala package. Premium seating, reserved parking, or a special reception experience.

89. Meet-the-team experience (add-on). A lunch or coffee with leadership — best as a smaller add-on prize.

90. Donor recognition feature (add-on). Naming or a dedicated message on your website, program, or donor wall — use to sweeten a package, not as the main prize.

Workplace Raffle Prizes

Workplace raffles should be simple, useful, and HR-friendly. Avoid anything that creates favoritism or awkwardness.

91. Extra day off. Only offer this if management approves it — but it’s the runaway favorite when allowed.

92. Premium parking spot. Great for office fundraisers and internal campaigns.

93. Coffee delivery for a week. A fun, low-cost workplace prize.

94. Catered lunch for a team. Motivates groups to participate together.

95. Desk upgrade basket. Desk lamp, notebook, organizer, mug, and small accessories.

96. Remote work day. Only if company policy allows it.

97. Wellness package. A massage certificate, fitness class, water bottle, and healthy snacks.

98. Office snack basket. Simple, affordable, broadly appealing.

99. Tech accessory bundle. A wireless charger, quality earbuds, and a desk gadget.

100. Gift card tree. Attach several small gift cards to a decorative display and raffle the whole bundle.

Low-Cost Raffle Prizes

You don’t need expensive prizes to run a great raffle — presentation matters more. A $25 basket with a clear theme and clean packaging sells.

101. Homemade baked goods basket. Best for churches, schools, and community groups.

102. Handmade candle set. Simple, attractive, easy to package.

103. Puzzle basket. A puzzle, snacks, and tea or cocoa.

104. Picnic basket. A blanket, snacks, reusable cups, and picnic supplies.

105. Plant basket. A houseplant, small pot, soil, and a care card.

106. Cleaning supplies basket. Practical and surprisingly popular with families.

107. Car care basket. Microfiber cloths, cleaner, air fresheners, and a car-wash card.

108. Stationery basket. Pens, cards, stamps, notebooks, and thank-you notes.

109. Snack-attack basket. Chips, candy, nuts, popcorn, and drinks.

110. Soup night basket. Soup mixes, crackers, bowls, spoons, and a grocery card.

111. Pancake breakfast basket. Pancake mix, syrup, coffee, jam, and a spatula.

112. Local coffee subscription (one month). A small, repeat-delight prize from a local roaster.

113. Mystery “lucky” box. Donated small items wrapped as a numbered surprise — frame it as a fun gamble.

114. Kids’ rainy day basket. Coloring books, crayons, stickers, small games, and snacks.

115. Book and blanket bundle. Simple, cozy, easy to build.

Premium and Grand-Prize Raffle Prizes

High-value prizes let you sell higher-priced tickets — ideal for galas, booster clubs, and major events. You usually need just one strong headline.

116. Weekend getaway. A hotel stay or cabin weekend — a classic grand prize. Why it sells: aspirational and easy to picture. Donation tip: ask hotels about an off-season comp night.

117. Vacation rental stay. A supporter’s property for a weekend or off-season week.

118. Large appliance. A grill, espresso machine, robot vacuum, or stand mixer.

119. Tablet or laptop. Broad interest, especially with students and families in the room.

120. Bicycle or e-bike. A family-friendly prize for schools, teams, and community events.

121. Premium fitness membership. A gym, yoga, or wellness membership attractive to adults.

122. Home cleaning package. A professional cleaning certificate — practical and highly wanted.

123. Landscaping package. Great for spring and summer fundraisers.

124. Private dinner experience. Partner with a local chef, restaurant, or caterer.

125. Big local prize package. Bundle restaurant cards, tickets, a hotel stay, and retail cards into one irresistible headline grand prize.

How to Get Raffle Prizes Donated

The best raffle prizes cost you nothing. Ask local businesses, board members, parents, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. Businesses say yes far more often when there’s recognition in it for them — offer their name on your event page, social posts, printed materials, prize display, and thank-you email.

Keep every request short and specific. State who you are, what the fundraiser supports, exactly what prize you’re asking for, the event date, how the donor will be recognized, and how you’ll pick up the item. Here are two templates you can copy and adapt.

Donation Request Email (copy & paste)

Donation Request Letter (for in-person or print)

Prize-Sourcing Timeline

Start earlier than you think — the best prizes get committed weeks ahead.

• 6–8 weeks out: list target businesses and the prizes you want; send your first round of requests.
• 4 weeks out: follow up with non-responders and confirm donated items in writing.
• 2 weeks out: collect items or schedule pickup; finalize your prize list and take photos.
• 1 week out: build baskets, print labels and donor recognition, and promote the prizes online.

Raffle Prize Display Tips

A strong display sells more tickets. Don’t pile items on a table — make each prize look like a win.

• Put each prize in a basket, box, or clean display area.
• Add a simple label with the prize name and value.
• Group related items so a bundle reads as one impressive prize.
• Use clear packaging or cellophane so everything is visible.
• Take good photos for online promotion before the event.
• Place your best prizes near the entrance and the ticket table.
• Show donor business names beside their items.
• Keep the display uncluttered — empty space makes prizes look more valuable.

How to Sell More Raffle Tickets

Great prizes only raise money if people actually buy tickets. A few proven tactics:

• Show the grand prize everywhere. Photograph it well and feature it in every post, email, and flyer — your headline prize is your best marketing.
• Sell online and in person. Combining both reaches supporters who can’t attend and captures impulse buys at the door.
• Use bundle pricing. “5 for the price of 4” lifts the average sale without raising the entry price.
• Set a visible goal and a deadline. A running total and a closing date create urgency to buy now instead of later.
• Recruit ticket sellers. Give each volunteer, parent, or team member a small stack — peer-to-peer selling beats a single table every time.
• Promote the cause, not just the prize. Remind buyers what their ticket supports; people give to a mission.
• Post the winners and thank donors publicly. It builds the trust that makes next year’s raffle easier to run.

Before You Run a Raffle: Rules and Taxes

Raffles are a form of gambling in the eyes of regulators, so a little homework protects your organization. This is general information, not legal or tax advice — confirm the current rules for your situation.

State rules and permits. Raffles are legal for nonprofits in most U.S. states, but the rules vary widely and many states require you to register or obtain a permit before selling tickets — sometimes at the county level. A few states restrict or prohibit them. The National Council of Nonprofits notes that whether a charitable nonprofit may conduct a raffle, and whether a license is required, depends on state law. Check your secretary of state or attorney general’s charitable-gaming page first. Online ticket sales and 50/50 or cash raffles often carry extra restrictions.

Federal tax reporting. The IRS treats raffle winnings as taxable gambling income for the winner. A nonprofit generally must file Form W-2G when a prize, minus the ticket price, is more than $600 and at least 300 times the ticket price — so a $20,000 car won on a $50 ticket triggers reporting, while a $300 basket on a $5 ticket does not. See the current IRS Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754.

Withholding. When a prize’s value minus the ticket price is more than $5,000, the organization generally withholds 24% federal tax — figured on the full amount, not just the part above $5,000 — and remits it to the IRS. For a non-cash prize, the organization either collects the 24% from the winner before handing it over, or pays the tax itself at a grossed-up rate of 31.58% of the prize value minus the ticket price. If a winner doesn’t provide a Social Security number, 24% backup withholding may apply instead.

Keep clean records. Track tickets sold, gross receipts, each winner’s details, prize values, and which forms you issued. It makes compliance simple and protects you if anyone asks. When in doubt, a quick call to a CPA or your state charity regulator is cheaper than a penalty.

Raffle Prize Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a prize only because it was easy to get.
• Offering items with unclear or low value.
• Using damaged, expired, or off-brand donations.
• Letting baskets look messy or thrown together.
• Forgetting to display donor names.
• Picking prizes that don’t fit your audience.
• Ignoring state raffle rules or skipping a required permit.
• Pricing tickets too high for the prize value.
• Offering only small prizes and no exciting grand prize.
• Waiting until the last minute to ask for donations.

Raffle Prize FAQ

What are the most popular raffle prizes?

The most popular raffle prizes are gift cards, themed baskets, local experiences, restaurant packages, family entertainment and sports tickets, self-care baskets, and practical household prizes. They sell because they appeal to many people and their value is easy to understand.

What raffle prizes sell the most tickets?

The strongest sellers combine high perceived value with broad appeal: a $100+ grocery card, a restaurant gift card bundle, a weekend getaway, a spa package, local sports tickets, a family movie or BBQ basket, a home cleaning service, and one big “grand prize” bundle. Lead with prizes most people can picture themselves using.

What are good raffle grand prize ideas?

Good grand prizes are aspirational and easy to picture: a weekend getaway or hotel stay, a tablet or laptop, an e-bike, a large appliance like a grill or robot vacuum, a premium fitness membership, or a “big local” package that bundles a hotel night, restaurant cards, and tickets. One strong grand prize lets you raise ticket prices and drives the most ticket sales.

What are good cheap raffle prize ideas?

Good cheap raffle prizes include coffee baskets, snack baskets, homemade baked goods, plant baskets, puzzle baskets, candle sets, pancake breakfast baskets, book-and-blanket bundles, and DIY movie-night baskets. Presentation matters more than price.

What are good online raffle prize ideas?

For online or virtual raffles, choose prizes that ship easily or redeem anywhere: digital and store gift cards, electronics and gadgets, subscriptions, e-gift experiences, and shippable themed boxes. Avoid bulky baskets and “local only” experiences when winners may live far away.

What are good raffle prizes for a school fundraiser?

Strong school raffle prizes include family movie-night baskets, pizza and ice cream parties, school spirit baskets, amusement park and zoo tickets, book and art baskets, reserved parking spots, a front-of-line pickup pass, and “principal for a day.”

What are good raffle prizes for adults?

Good adult raffle prizes include restaurant gift cards, spa packages, date-night baskets, home cleaning services, fitness memberships, cooking classes, weekend getaways, and premium coffee or BBQ baskets.

How should I price raffle tickets?

Match ticket price to prize value: roughly $1–$2 for prizes under $50, $2–$5 up to $150, $5–$10 up to $500, and $10–$25 or more above that. Add bundle pricing (such as “5 for the price of 4”) to lift revenue, and run your numbers through a raffle profit calculator to confirm break-even and margin.

How do you make a raffle prize look more valuable?

Bundle related items into a themed basket, package everything in clear wrap with a clean label showing the prize name and total value, group it on the table with space around it, and photograph it well for online promotion. A tidy, well-themed display can make a modest prize outsell a pricier random item.

How many raffle prizes should you have?

For a small fundraiser, 5 to 10 prizes is plenty. For a larger event, 15 to 30 works well. A few attractive prizes always beat dozens of weak ones.

Should a raffle have one big prize or many small prizes?

Both. One clear grand prize creates excitement and justifies higher ticket prices, while several smaller prizes make people feel they have more chances to win.

How do you ask businesses for raffle prize donations?

Send a short request that states your cause, event date, audience size, and the specific prize you want — and tell the business exactly how they’ll be recognized. Offer to pick the item up. Recognition in front of local customers is what earns a yes.

Do you have to pay taxes on raffle prizes?

Raffle winnings are taxable income to the winner. A nonprofit generally files IRS Form W-2G when a prize (minus the ticket cost) exceeds $600 and is at least 300 times the ticket price, and must withhold 24% federal tax on net prize values over $5,000. State rules vary, so confirm both federal and local requirements before your raffle.

Can you raffle cash prizes?

Cash and 50/50 raffles are allowed in many places but are more heavily regulated, and some states restrict them. Check your state’s charitable-gaming rules before offering cash, 50/50, or online ticket sales.

Related Fundraising Guides

Planning the rest of your campaign? These guides pair well with your raffle:

• The complete list of fundraising ideas — our main hub of proven fundraisers.
• School fundraising ideas
• Donor recognition ideas
• Charity event ideas
• Creative fundraising ideas
• Candy bar fundraiser guide

Final Thoughts

The best raffle prize ideas aren’t the most expensive — they’re the ones your audience actually wants. Start with gift cards, themed baskets, local-business prizes, family experiences, and one strong grand prize. Match your ticket price to the prize value, get as much donated as you can, present everything cleanly, and promote your prizes early.

If a guest looks at your table and thinks, “I’d genuinely love to win that,” your tickets will sell. Use the calculator above to lock in your pricing, copy the donation templates to fill your prize table for free, and you’ll be running a raffle that does more than break even — it raises real money.