Your Reverse Raffle Success Kit

Everything you need to plan and execute a successful reverse raffle is right here on this page. No downloads required – just bookmark this page and use these proven templates and tools to raise more money with less stress.

Excited crowd watching reverse raffle board display with rafflr software
A packed reverse raffle event with participants eagerly watching the digital display

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1. Planning Timeline & Checklist

This 90-day timeline ensures nothing falls through the cracks. Start here and work backwards from your event date.

90 Days Before (3 Months)

  • ☐ Form planning committee (3-5 people)
  • ☐ Set event date and secure venue
  • ☐ Determine grand prize (aim for $5,000-$10,000 value)
  • ☐ Set ticket price target ($100-$300 typically - see our pricing guide)
  • ☐ Create initial budget
  • ☐ Check state raffle laws and regulations

60 Days Before (2 Months)

  • ☐ Finalize ticket pricing (use calculator below)
  • ☐ Design and order tickets
  • ☐ Launch ticket sales to board/committee
  • ☐ Recruit volunteers (need 10-15)
  • ☐ Secure event sponsors
  • ☐ Plan food and beverage
  • ☐ Book MC/entertainment

30 Days Before (1 Month)

  • ☐ Public ticket sales launch
  • ☐ Social media campaign begins (see our promotion guide)
  • ☐ Send first email blast
  • ☐ Confirm all vendors
  • ☐ Order event supplies
  • ☐ Create event program
  • ☐ Plan additional games (50/50, heads/tails)

14 Days Before (2 Weeks)

  • ☐ Send reminder emails
  • ☐ Final sponsor confirmations
  • ☐ Prepare MC script
  • ☐ Assign volunteer roles
  • ☐ Test all equipment
  • ☐ Confirm final headcount
  • ☐ Prepare registration materials

7 Days Before (1 Week)

  • ☐ Final ticket sales push
  • ☐ Brief all volunteers
  • ☐ Confirm catering numbers
  • ☐ Prepare name tags/table assignments
  • ☐ Print all materials
  • ☐ Cash/change preparation
  • ☐ Final equipment check

Day of Event

  • ☐ Venue setup (3 hours before)
  • ☐ Volunteer briefing (2 hours before)
  • ☐ Registration table ready (1 hour before)
  • ☐ Sound check complete (45 min before)
  • ☐ Welcome guests!

2. Ticket Pricing Calculator

Use this simple formula to find your optimal ticket price (for detailed strategies, check our complete ticket pricing guide):

Reverse Raffle Pricing Formula

Step 1: Calculate Base Price

Grand Prize Value ÷ Number of Tickets = Base Price

Example: $10,000 prize ÷ 200 tickets = $50 base

Step 2: Add Profit Margin

Base Price × 2.5 = Recommended Ticket Price

Example: $50 × 2.5 = $125 per ticket

Step 3: Check Market Tolerance

  • Rural/Small Town: Cap at $100-150
  • Suburban: Cap at $150-250
  • Urban/Affluent: Cap at $200-500

Quick Reference Pricing:

  • 100 tickets × $100 = $10,000 (Prize: $3,000-4,000)
  • 200 tickets × $125 = $25,000 (Prize: $8,000-10,000)
  • 300 tickets × $150 = $45,000 (Prize: $15,000-18,000)

3. Sample Raffle Rules Template

Copy and customize this template for your event (see our complete rules guide for more details):

[YOUR ORGANIZATION] REVERSE RAFFLE RULES Event Date: [DATE] Location: [VENUE] Grand Prize: [PRIZE DESCRIPTION] TICKET INFORMATION: • Ticket Price: $[AMOUNT] • Maximum Tickets Available: [NUMBER] • Ticket includes: [LIST WHAT'S INCLUDED - dinner, drinks, etc.] HOW IT WORKS: 1. Each ticket is assigned a unique number 2. All numbers are entered into the drawing 3. Numbers are randomly drawn and ELIMINATED 4. The LAST number remaining wins the grand prize 5. Must be present to win (unless noted otherwise) ADDITIONAL RULES: • Participants must be 18 years or older • Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable • In case of tie, prize will be split equally • Organization reserves the right to verify eligibility • All applicable taxes are winner's responsibility DRAWING PROCESS: • Drawing begins at [TIME] • Numbers displayed on screen as eliminated • Final 10 tickets may negotiate prize split • Decision of raffle officials is final By purchasing a ticket, you agree to these rules. [YOUR ORGANIZATION] [CONTACT INFORMATION] State Raffle License #[IF REQUIRED]

See rafflr in Action

Watch a 2-minute demo of how easy it is to create and run a reverse raffle with rafflr

4. Sponsorship Pitch Template

Use this email template to secure event sponsors:

Subject: Sponsorship Opportunity - [EVENT NAME] on [DATE] Dear [SPONSOR NAME], I'm reaching out about an exciting opportunity to support [YOUR ORGANIZATION] while gaining valuable exposure for [COMPANY NAME] in our community. We're hosting our annual Reverse Raffle on [DATE] at [VENUE], expecting [NUMBER] attendees from throughout the area. This event raises critical funds for [YOUR MISSION/PROGRAMS]. SPONSORSHIP LEVELS: Presenting Sponsor - $[AMOUNT] • Company name in event title • Logo on all marketing materials • 10 complimentary raffle tickets • Recognition during program • Full-screen logo display during event Gold Sponsor - $[AMOUNT] • Premium logo placement • 5 complimentary raffle tickets • Recognition during program • Logo in rotation during event Silver Sponsor - $[AMOUNT] • Logo on print materials • 2 complimentary raffle tickets • Recognition during program Last year's event raised $[AMOUNT] with [NUMBER] attending. Your sponsorship directly supports [SPECIFIC PROGRAMS/BENEFITS]. Benefits to [COMPANY NAME]: • Visibility to [NUMBER]+ community members • Demonstration of community commitment • Networking with local leaders • Tax-deductible contribution We'd love to discuss how we can customize a sponsorship package that meets your marketing goals while supporting our mission. Could we schedule a brief call this week to discuss? Thank you for considering this partnership opportunity. Best regards, [YOUR NAME] [TITLE] [ORGANIZATION] [PHONE] [EMAIL] P.S. Early sponsors receive extra promotion in our pre-event marketing campaign starting [DATE].

5. Day-of-Event Run Sheet

Print this timeline and distribute to all key volunteers:

[EVENT NAME] - EVENT DAY TIMELINE 3:00 PM - SETUP BEGINS □ Tables and chairs arranged □ Registration table positioned at entrance □ Tech setup: projector, screen, sound system □ Raffle software loaded and tested □ Sponsor banners hung □ Centerpieces and decorations placed 4:00 PM - VENDOR ARRIVAL □ Catering setup in designated area □ Bar positioned and stocked □ DJ/Entertainment sound check 4:30 PM - VOLUNTEER BRIEFING □ Registration team (3 people) □ 50/50 sellers (4 people) □ Drink ticket sellers (2 people) □ General helpers (4 people) □ Tech operator (1 person) 5:00 PM - FINAL CHECKS □ All equipment tested □ Registration lists ready □ Cash boxes prepared with change □ Volunteer positions confirmed 5:30 PM - DOORS OPEN □ Registration begins □ Welcome music playing □ 50/50 sales begin □ Bar opens 6:00 PM - COCKTAIL HOUR □ Continue registration □ Mingle and greet guests □ Promote 50/50 and games 6:45 PM - DINNER SERVICE □ Welcome announcement □ Blessing/National Anthem (if applicable) □ Dinner served 7:30 PM - PROGRAM BEGINS □ Welcome and thank sponsors □ Explain reverse raffle rules □ Announce additional games 8:00 PM - REVERSE RAFFLE BEGINS □ All tickets in the drum/software □ Begin drawing numbers □ Build excitement with MC □ Pause at 50, 25, 10 remaining 9:00 PM - FINAL DRAWING □ Last 10 can negotiate □ Draw final winning number □ Celebrate winner! □ Photos with check 9:30 PM - WRAP UP □ Thank you announcements □ 50/50 drawing □ Cleanup begins KEY CONTACTS: Event Chair: [NAME] - [PHONE] Venue Contact: [NAME] - [PHONE] Tech Support: [NAME] - [PHONE] Catering: [NAME] - [PHONE] REMEMBER: • Keep energy HIGH • Take lots of photos • Thank sponsors often • Have FUN!

Bonus Tips for Success

🎯 The 80% Rule

Aim to sell 80% of tickets before event day. The remaining 20% create buzz and urgency in the final week.

💰 Additional Revenue Streams

  • 50/50 Raffle (adds $2,000-5,000)
  • Heads or Tails Game ($500-1,500)
  • Wine Pull ($500-1,000)
  • Silent Auction Corner (small items only)

🎪 Entertainment Ideas

  • Live drawing on big screen
  • DJ for energy between draws
  • Photo booth with props
  • Prize wheel for small giveaways

Ready to Take It to the Next Level?

These templates and tools will help you run a successful reverse raffle. But imagine how much easier it would be with professional software that:

  • Automatically draws and displays numbers
  • Tracks everything in real-time
  • Creates excitement with animations and sound
  • Manages your entire raffle in one place

If you're running a church fundraiser, check out our church reverse raffle guide for faith-based event ideas. Or learn about common mistakes to avoid when planning your event.

See how rafflr can transform your next fundraiser with our simple, powerful reverse raffle software. No downloads, no complexity – just professional results.

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