Fundraising is the backbone of many schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. One of the most effective yet simple fundraising ideas is a calendar raffle fundraiser. This engaging strategy combines the excitement of a raffle with the practicality of a calendar, keeping supporters involved every day or week throughout your campaign.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what a calendar raffle fundraiser is, how to set one up, creative calendar fundraiser ideas, success tips, templates, and real-life examples. If you’re ready to launch a profitable raffle campaign, you’ll also find free resources and links to tools from Raffles for Less, the trusted provider of custom raffle tickets and fundraising materials.
What Is a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser?
A calendar raffle (also called a raffle calendar or calendar drawing) is a fundraising event where participants purchase a calendar that doubles as a raffle ticket. Each day, week, or month has a prize assigned, and winners are drawn accordingly. The more days on the calendar, the more chances participants have to win.
This type of fundraiser stands out because it offers continuous engagement rather than a one-time drawing. Supporters remain excited as they anticipate prize announcements throughout the campaign.
Why Choose a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser?
Running a raffle calendar fundraiser comes with several benefits:
- Easy to Organize – With a clear template, you can set it up quickly without the heavy logistics of an event.
- Affordable – Printing costs are low, and digital versions cost next to nothing.
- High Engagement – Participants stay invested all month long.
- Scalable – Whether you’re a school, nonprofit, or local club, the format works for small or large groups.
- Flexible Prizes – You can use donated items, gift cards, services, or even cash.
If you’re new to raffle-style fundraising, you can find custom raffle ticket samples on our samples page, which will give you inspiration for layouts, styles, and themes.
How Does a Calendar Raffle Work?
Here’s a simple breakdown of calendar fundraiser instructions:
- Create a Calendar Raffle Template – Each date on the calendar corresponds to a prize.
- Set Ticket Prices – Usually between $10–$20 per calendar.
- Sell Calendars – Through schools, community groups, online, or at events.
- Draw Winners – Daily, weekly, or monthly draws keep momentum going.
- Announce Results – Via email, social media, or newsletters.
- Distributed Prizes – Prizes can be picked up, mailed, or delivered digitally.
The calendar fundraiser total is calculated by multiplying the number of calendars sold by the ticket price, minus printing and prize costs. For example:
- 500 calendars sold x $20 = $10,000 gross revenue
- Minus $1,000 for printing and prizes
- $9,000 net profit
This shows how profitable lottery fundraisers can be with relatively little effort.
Creative Calendar Fundraiser Ideas
To make your raffle calendar stand out, you need strong fundraising calendar ideas. Here are some popular themes and prize structures:
1. Daily Cash Prizes
Assign a cash prize to each day. For example, $25 on weekdays, $50 on weekends, and a $100 prize at month-end.
2. Gift Card Giveaways
Ask local businesses to donate gift cards in exchange for sponsor recognition on your calendar.
3. Themed Months
- School Calendar Raffle – Prizes include school spirit wear, free lunch passes, or event tickets.
- Holiday Raffle Calendar – December prizes like holiday baskets, ornaments, or gift wrapping.
- Pet Calendar Fundraiser – Pet-themed gifts, grooming vouchers, or photo submissions.
4. Experience Packages
Offer experiences such as dinner with the principal, VIP seating at an event, or family activity passes.
5. Community Sponsor Features
Feature a different local sponsor on each calendar page with small giveaways or discounts.
Need more inspiration? Browse through our curated list of fundraising calendar ideas to find a perfect theme that matches your community.
How to Set Up a Calendar Raffle Fundraiser (Step by Step)
Running a raffle calendar fundraiser can be broken into nine simple steps:
- Set a Goal – Decide how much you want to raise.
- Choose Dates – Monthly, weekly, or custom.
- Pick a Theme – Seasonal, school, pets, holidays, or community.
- Gather Prizes – Ask for donations from businesses and supporters.
- Design a Template – Use an editable free calendar raffle template to organize dates and prizes.
- Print or Share Digitally – Order professionally printed calendars for distribution or create digital versions.
- Sell & Promote – Use email, social media, flyers, and word of mouth.
- Hold Drawings – Publicize winners to keep excitement high.
- Thank Donors & Sponsors – Show appreciation to encourage repeat support.
If you need professionally designed templates, visit our order forms page to customize your calendars easily.
Calendar Raffle Template Options
To simplify the process, you can use an editable free calendar raffle template. These templates typically include:
- A monthly grid for prize listings
- Space for sponsor logos
- Numbered ticket stubs
- Drawing instructions
At Raffles for Less, we provide fully customizable templates so you can save time while creating professional raffle calendars.
Pricing & Profitability
The profitability of your fundraiser calendar depends on smart pricing. On average:
- Printing costs: $2–$5 per calendar (when ordered in bulk)
- Ticket price: $10–$20
- Profit margin: 70–80%
For example:
- 250 calendars sold at $15 = $3,750 gross revenue
- Minus $750 for printing
- $3,000 net profit
For bulk pricing options, check out our pricing page, where you can compare costs for different quantities and formats.
Promotion Tips for Maximum Sales
To ensure your calendar raffle fundraiser is a success, here are some proven strategies:
- Leverage Social Media – Post daily prize updates to keep supporters engaged.
- Email Marketing – Send weekly updates with winner highlights.
- Engage Sponsors – Encourage businesses to promote the raffle on their platforms.
- Student/Volunteer Sales – Motivate sellers with small incentives.
- Community Events – Sell calendars at sports games, fairs, or church gatherings.
Real-Life Example: Community Success Story
One local nonprofit used a raffle calendar fundraiser to raise $12,000 in just 30 days. They:
- Printed 600 calendars
- Sold them at $20 each
- Partnered with 30 local businesses for prizes
The key was strong promotion and a creative theme that resonated with their audience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much can you make with a calendar raffle?
Profits range from a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 depending on sales volume and prize structure.
Do you need a license for a calendar raffle fundraiser?
Most states require a raffle license. Check your local regulations before launching.
Can I get a free calendar raffle template?
Yes! Many organizations use editable templates. Raffles for Less provides customizable formats to fit your needs.
What kind of prizes work best?
Cash, gift cards, donated services, and community experiences are always popular.
How do I order raffle tickets?
Visit our home page to get started with your custom raffle ticket design.
Final Words on Calendar Raffle Fundraising
A calendar raffle fundraiser is a simple yet powerful way to raise money while keeping supporters excited for weeks at a time. By choosing the right theme, securing engaging prizes, and promoting effectively, your organization can enjoy impressive profits.
At Raffles for Less, we specialize in helping schools, nonprofits, and clubs succeed with high-quality raffle tickets and customizable templates. Whether you’re looking for editable free calendar raffle templates, affordable pricing, or design inspiration, we have everything you need to get started.
Ready to launch your fundraiser? Contact us today through our contact us page and let’s make your next calendar raffle a success!
