35+ raffle ideas to boost sales at your next nonprofit fundraiser

Raffles are an excellent way to energize a fundraising event and drive revenue. The right raffle ideas help you generate a buzz, foster higher ticket sales, and appeal to a wide range of donors. But even if you’re an expert at event planning best practices, these ideas aren’t always easy to come up with.

You should choose prizes that connect with your audience and maximize participation and fundraising potential, whether attendees are in the room or participating virtually. There are options for every audience and budget, from gift cards to unique experiences, and we’ve rounded up over 35 creative raffle ideas to get you started.

Raffle idea overview

This quick reference raffle idea table gives you a glimpse of raffle prize categories, the type of event they’re best suited for, their typical cost range, and how well they work for virtual or hybrid events. 

Category	Best For	Cost	Virtual-Friendly?
Classic prizes	Any event	Low-Med	Yes
Themed baskets	Schools, nonprofits	Low-Med	Some
Experiences	VIP/high-value events	Med-High	No
Creative and unique	Social & online events	Low-Med	Yes
School and youth	PTAs, youth orgs	Low	Some
Virtual and tech-friendly	Online/hybrid events	Low	Yes
Luxury and high-end	Corporate/gala fundraisers	High	No

Classic prizes

Classic prizes work for nearly any type of event and audience. They’re things almost anyone can use and appreciate, and they’re generally easy to procure. Think gift cards, gadgets, and good times. 

1. Gift cards 

Gift cards have a ton of potential, letting the recipient get exactly what they want. Plus, most businesses offer some form of gift card, so you can offer one to nearly anywhere.

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Flexible spending choice

2. Dinner at a local restaurant

Providing a free dinner gives the recipient a night off from cooking and may introduce them to a local business. Restaurants looking for exposure are often happy to donate a gift certificate to a fundraiser. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Fun for special nights out

3. Tech gadgets

Tech-savvy folks who like to be on the cutting edge will love entering to win a fun new gadget. This could include headphones, tablets, smartphones, or even VR devices. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: High perceived value, trendy and exciting 

4. Grocery or gas cards

Grocery or gas cards are practical prizes that appeal to everyone. Who doesn’t want to save money on these necessary expenses? 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Useful necessity 

5. Entertainment tickets

Tickets to concerts, sporting events, or theater shows give winners an experience they won’t forget. You can raise even more money if the event is wildly popular or exclusive. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Memorable event or experience 

Themed raffle baskets

Themed baskets are another option with broad appeal. They’re typically not too difficult to put together, and they give you a chance to flex your creativity when finding donated or budget-friendly items to include. Take a look at these ideas for raffle baskets for fundraisers.

6. Movie night basket

Set raffle winners up with an at-home movie night. Fill a basket with popcorn, snacks, a cozy blanket, and a gift card to a streaming service. There’s a reason why this is such a common, well-loved raffle basket idea!

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Opportunity for low-key fun at home

7. Coffee lover’s basket

One of the most popular raffle basket ideas for fundraising events is a coffee lover’s basket. Caffeinate the coffee-loving donors with a java-themed basket, including items like mugs, locally roasted coffee beans, coffee shop gift cards, and syrups. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Specialty interest and indulgence  

8. Self-care basket

Gather pampering items like bath salts, candles, skincare, or other spa goodies for a relaxation-focused basket. You can even source gift cards from local spas or salons. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Universal appeal

9. Date night basket

Help your supporters enjoy a fun date night. Include wine, candles, snacks, restaurant gift cards, or board games for a night in. Consider designating a theme for the date night — like a particular cuisine or activity — for an even more unique package.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun and romantic experience 

10. Pet lover basket

Appeal to the fur parents with a pet lover’s basket full of toys, treats, and grooming certificates. You can even add gift cards for dog walking, pet sitting, or local doggie daycare.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Strong emotional connection and wide appeal 

11. Sports fan basket

Excite sports fanatics with a basket designed around a particular sport or team. Feature tickets to a game, team merchandise, and game day snacks.

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Ignites team spirit

12. Gardening kit basket

Sprout enthusiasm among green thumbs — they’ll love a garden basket packed with seeds, gardening tools, gloves, books, and home or garden decor. Consider adding a gift card for a local plant or garden store, too. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun for outdoor hobbyists 

Experience-based prizes

Experience prizes can drive higher ticket sales, especially for big events like galas or major auctions. These gifts are a hit with recipients because they create lasting memories and often seem more valuable than tangible items. Plus, they may be something your supporters wouldn’t buy themselves but would love to receive.

13. Weekend getaway or Airbnb credit

Offer a voucher, credit, or gift certificate for a nearby location or provide Airbnb credit the user can leverage as they wish. While an Airbnb credit may be an easier lift, make it special by including travel-related items or an itinerary.

• Fundraising potential: $$$-$$$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Opportunity for travel adventures 

14. Private chef dinner at home

With this prize, the winner receives a custom meal made just for them by a private chef. While this isn’t something many people would buy themselves, many would love a delicious meal prepared by a trained chef. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: High perceived value and appeal

15. Behind-the-scenes tour

Offer exclusive access to a local point of interest. Think about local businesses, stadiums, theaters, historical sites, or other attractions that pique interest among your supporter base.  

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Opportunity for insider access 

16. Hot air balloon ride

Send winners up, up, and away with a hot air balloon ride that gives them the experience of a lifetime. It’ll be a breathtaking adventure they won’t forget.

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Bucket list adventure 

17. Golf outing at a premium course

Give golf lovers the gift of a day on the green. Include green fees, cart rental, and maybe even a pro lesson. For added interest, throw in a gift certificate to the pro shop for gear. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Exclusive and fun recreation

18. VIP concert or event tickets

Give winners access to front-row seats or a meet-and-greet with their favorite artist or sports player. Supporters will be thrilled to win an exclusive experience like this. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: High
• Why it sells well: Exciting encounter with a star

Creative and unique ideas

Creative or unusual raffle prizes drum up excitement and engagement, possibly leading to higher ticket sales and more funds raised. These creative gift ideas often include something unexpected or interactive that generates buzz among attendees. 

19. Mystery box

The winner of this unique raffle basket idea gets… who knows? That’s right, a mystery box is just that: a surprise selection of goods. Make it totally random or set up a general theme (like outdoor gear or travel fun) to get folks even more interested. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Surprise and intrigue 

20. Winner picks from three prize options

Put the power into the hands of the winner and let them choose which prize they take home. Being able to choose their own adventure, so to speak, can increase attendees’ perception of prize value and lead to higher participation. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Personalized choices 

21. 50/50 cash raffle

In a 50/50 raffle, half of the pot goes to your cause, while the other half goes to the winner. It’s a simple way to motivate ticket sales and give attendees some skin in the game. And it’s a cheap raffle prize idea since all you need to procure are the tickets. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Potential big win

22. Spin-the-wheel for prize tiers

Gamify your raffle with a wheel-spinning game. Participants get a chance to spin a wheel and land on different prize levels, fostering excitement and enthusiasm. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun interaction and a game of chance

23. Social media share-to-enter raffle

Boost event promotion and raffle entries by awarding tickets to those who share the raffle on social media. Make it even more competitive (and grow your reach) by offering a ticket for every five shares. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Many chances to win 

24. Reverse raffle (last ticket wins)

Build suspense by awarding the prize to the final ticket called rather than the first. You’ll capture everyone’s attention as they wait to see if their name is called. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Dramatic excitement 

School and youth-friendly

Perfect for PTAs, school fundraisers, or youth organizations, these ideas appeal to students, parents, and educators. These fun, useful prizes will encourage community involvement from everyone impacted by your organization. 

25. Principal-for-a-day experience

Generate interest among students by offering the winner a chance to be the “principal” for a day. They’ll get a day of special privileges and leadership, and your organization will bring in needed funds. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Unique student experience

26. School supplies kit

Build out a practical supply kit that families can win, with items like notebooks, pencils, markers, scissors, glue, a lunch box, and more. Students will be better prepared for the school year with everything they need for school success. 

• Fundraising potential: $
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Useful and necessary 

27. Music lesson

Offer gift certificates for private or group music lessons. These can work well as raffle basket ideas for adults or kids, and can span vocals and multiple instruments, depending on what you’re able to procure. 

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Fun skill-building 

28. Classroom pizza party

The winning class can all take a slice of the prize with a class pizza party. This can foster teamwork and let everyone leave feeling like a winner. You may even be able to get pizzas donated from a local establishment. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Tasty and team-focused 

29. DIY baking kit

Cook up some fun with a home baking kit. Full of pre-measured ingredients, recipes, cookbooks, cookie cutters, and fun pastry decorations, this will surely ignite some family fun. 

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Family-friendly activity 

Virtual and tech-friendly

If you’re hosting a virtual or hybrid fundraising event, you may want to go beyond physical prizes and include virtual-friendly options. These virtual and technical prize ideas will appeal to anyone, regardless of location. 

30. Streaming subscription 

Gift a subscription to a streaming service like Netflix or Disney+ for shows and movies or Spotify for music. The winner will have endless entertainment options wherever they are.

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Entertainment that’s accessible anytime

31. Subscription box

Set the winner up with a monthly or quarterly delivery of snacks, beauty products, books, or hobby items. They’ll get ongoing surprise — and the convenience of doorstop delivery — with each box.

• Fundraising potential: $$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Ongoing fun

32. Online class or coaching session

Entice lifelong learners with the chance to learn something new or hone existing skills. Whether it’s business coaching, a yoga class, or virtual cooking lessons, this prize has broad appeal and isn’t location-dependent. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium 
• Why it sells well: Skill and wellness development 

33. Music gift card 

Let winners build up their music collection with credit for music platforms like iTunes or Amazon Music. They can choose the songs or albums they want and download them in seconds.

• Fundraising potential: $-$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Customizable and fast

Luxury and high-end

High-end prizes attract big spenders, appeal to VIP guests, and create buzz about your event and organization.  

34. Designer handbag or accessories 

Elevate the prestige of your raffle with a designer handbag or limited edition from an iconic or luxury brand. Include accessories, like jewelry or sunglasses, for an even bigger win. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$-$$$$
• Effort: Medium 
• Why it sells well: Status symbol

35. Premium wine or whiskey basket

If you need a fundraiser raffle basket idea for adults, curate a selection of wine or whiskey alongside tasting notes, glasses, and accessories. Take it even further by focusing on local wineries or distilleries. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Sophisticated indulgence 

36. Fine dining experience for two

Let winners indulge in a fine dining reservation with a specially curated menu. They’ll enjoy a night to remember. 

• Fundraising potential: $$$
• Effort: Medium
• Why it sells well: Exclusive night out 

37. Spa certificate 

Provide gift certificates or vouchers for a local spa. Winners will feel relaxed and rejuvenated with massage, nail and skincare, saunas, and other luxury treatments. 

• Fundraising potential: $$-$$$
• Effort: Low
• Why it sells well: Wellness and relaxation 

Tips to boost raffle success

Boosting the success of your fundraising event or raffle — and increasing ticket sales — requires an understanding of fundraising event management best practices. You need to capture attention and motivate supporters to purchase tickets; these tactics will set you on the path to success. 

Offer interesting prizes  

Raffle ideas for fundraising can make or break your event. Choose prizes that appeal to your audience and connect to their interests, hobbies, or lifestyles. Think about your target audience and what they might find unique or valuable, then cultivate prizes that will excite them. 

Create urgency with limited-time offers

Generate urgency by offering early-bird ticket discounts or bonus entries if supporters buy tickets within a certain timeframe. You’ll build momentum and drive more sales earlier. 

Market your event through multiple channels 

Promote your event through as many relevant channels as possible to maximize your reach. Remember to share on your website, email newsletter, social media pages, and live at in-person or virtual events. 

Leverage technology and fundraising tools 

Well-built fundraising software includes features that help you streamline ticket sales, track raffle entries, and engage participants both in person and virtually. Use this technology to boost your efficiency and increase funds raised. 

Make the cause personal and visible

Share stories, updates, and photos that show how the funds you raise impact your mission or clientele. These personal anecdotes will inspire donors’ generosity and help them feel like they’re part of something meaningful. 

Take your raffle to the next level with Bonterra

Good raffle ideas for fundraising events can transform your fundraiser from fine to amazing, boosting your ticket sales and engagement with the community. Bonterra offers powerful tools that help you effortlessly manage your nonprofit fundraising strategies, whether you’re hosting a raffle in person, virtually, or both. 

Bonterra Network for Good helps you simplify fundraising with tools for donations, raffles, and auctions in a single platform. If you’re in the market for a dedicated event management tool, Bonterra Network for Good can help you streamline planning, ticket distribution, and thank-you messaging.

Ready to make your next raffle the best one yet? See firsthand how Bonterra can elevate your fundraising efforts.

FAQ

What is the best thing to raffle? 

The best raffle ideas for fundraisers depend on your audience, but typically the best raffle prizes include gift cards to popular local establishments, unique experiences, or themed baskets with broad appeal. 

How can I make my raffle more interesting? 

To make your raffle more interesting, add interactive elements like mystery prizes, social media contests, or luxury and high-end prizes. 

What are good ideas for raffle baskets? 

Popular gift basket themes for raffles include movie night, coffee lovers, pet lovers, self-care, date night, and sports fan baskets. 

How do you make a good raffle?

For the best raffle, focus on offering desirable prizes, setting affordable ticket prices, promoting your raffle widely, and making the process easy from start to finish. The right software, like Bonterra Network for Good, can help.