A well-planned raffle for school fundraiser events can do much more than just raise money. It brings parents, teachers, students, and the local community together around a shared goal.
In towns like Stroudsburg, PA, school raffles are especially effective because they rely on community trust, personal connections, and local support. When done right, raffles feel fun, not forced, and donors are happy to participate.
This in-depth guide explains how to use raffle tickets successfully for school fundraisers, shares practical raffle ideas for school fundraisers, and walks you through real-world strategies that actually work.
Why Raffles Are One of the Best School Fundraising Tools
Schools choose raffles because they are simple, flexible, and proven.
Unlike selling products that require inventory, shipping, and deadlines, raffles:
- Have low upfront costs
- Are easy to explain to parents and students
- Offer flexible prize options
- Create excitement and urgency
Most importantly, raffles for school fundraising don’t feel like selling. Supporters see them as entertainment combined with giving, which increases participation.
This is why many schools return to raffles year after year instead of one-time fundraising ideas.
Step 1: Set Clear Goals for Your School Raffle
Before printing tickets or choosing prizes, define why you are running the raffle.
Ask yourself:
- How much money do we need to raise?
- What will the funds support?
- How long will the raffle run?
- Who is our target audience?
Example Goals
| Fundraising Goal | Target Amount |
| Classroom supplies | $2,000 |
| Sports equipment | $5,000 |
| Field trips | $3,500 |
| PTA annual budget | $8,000 |
Clear goals help you choose the right raffle format, ticket price, and prize structure.
Step 2: Choose the Right Raffle Format for Your School
Not every raffle works equally well for schools. The format you choose should match your audience, timeline, and fundraising goal.
Popular Raffles for School Fundraising
1. Single-Prize Raffle
One high-value prize (TV, laptop, family vacation).
- Simple
- Easy to promote
- Higher prize cost
2. Multiple-Winner Raffle
Several smaller prizes instead of one big prize.
- Appeals to more people
- Easier to source prizes
3. 50/50 Raffle
Half the proceeds go to the school, half to the winner.
- Very low cost
- High participation
Learn more about profitability in what kind of raffle makes the most money.
4. Basket Raffle
Multiple themed baskets (family night, sports, self-care).
- Perfect for school events
- Encourages multiple ticket purchases
Get inspiration from raffle basket fundraiser ideas that actually raise more.
Step 3: Pick Prizes That Parents and Students Actually Want
Prize selection can double or cut your results in half.
Good raffle prizes:
- Feel valuable
- Appeal to families
- Are easy to explain
- Fit your audience
Proven Raffle Ideas for School Fundraisers
- Gift cards from Stroudsburg local businesses
- Family entertainment packages
- Electronics (tablets, headphones)
- Sports team merchandise
- No homework or front-row seating passes
If your budget is limited, this list of affordable raffle prize ideas for every budget is extremely helpful.
Step 4: Design Professional & Trust-Building Raffle Tickets
Your raffle ticket is more than just paper; it’s a trust signal.
Poorly designed tickets can raise doubts, while clean, professional tickets increase confidence and sales.
Information Every School Raffle Ticket Should Include
- School or PTA name
- Ticket number
- Prize description
- Drawing date & location
- Contact information
This checklist on information to include on a raffle ticket helps schools avoid common issues.
For best results, many schools choose custom-printed raffle tickets to ensure consistency and professionalism.
Step 5: Price Raffle Tickets to Maximize Revenue
Ticket pricing is where many school raffles struggle.
Too cheap = low revenue
Too expensive = low participation
Smart School Raffle Pricing Strategy
| Bundle | Price | Why It Works |
| 1 ticket | $5 | Entry-level option |
| 5 tickets | $20 | Best value |
| 10 tickets | $35 | Encourages bulk buying |
Bundle pricing nudges parents to spend more without pressure. For deeper insight, read how many raffle tickets cost.
Step 6: Decide How and Where to Sell Raffle Tickets
The best raffles for school fundraising use multiple sales channels.
Effective Ticket Selling Methods
- Students selling to family and neighbors
- PTA meetings and school events
- Local businesses displaying tickets
- Community festivals and games
Some schools also explore online sales. Before doing so, review how to sell raffle tickets online and ensure compliance with state laws.
Step 7: Promote Your School Raffle Like a Campaign
Even the best raffle fails without promotion.
High-Impact Promotion Ideas
- Weekly reminders in school newsletters
- Flyers sent home in backpacks
- Social media posts with countdowns
- Posters around Stroudsburg community locations
This guide on how to promote your raffle with posters and flyers provides actionable tips schools often miss.
Step 8: Stay Legal and Compliant
Schools must follow state regulations when running raffles.
Key considerations include:
- Eligibility requirements
- Prize value limits
- Where tickets can be sold
- Tax responsibilities
Always review the US raffle laws by state to stay compliant in Pennsylvania.
Common School Raffle Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Many school raffles underperform due to avoidable issues.
Mistakes to Watch Out For
- Choosing prizes parents don’t want
- Printing unclear or incomplete tickets
- Setting unrealistic sales goals
- Promoting too late
- Ignoring legal rules
This article on how to avoid a fundraising raffle fail explains these pitfalls in detail.
How Much Can a School Raffle Realistically Raise?
While results vary, well-executed school raffles often raise:
| School Size | Typical Revenue |
| Small school | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Medium school | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Large school | $8,000+ |
Schools that plan early, promote consistently, and choose strong prizes almost always outperform rushed efforts.
Final Thoughts: Making School Raffles Work Every Time
A successful raffle for school fundraiser events is not about luck; it’s about planning.
When schools:
- Choose the right raffle format
- Offer appealing prizes
- Price tickets strategically
- Promote consistently
- Follow legal guidelines
They turn simple raffle tickets into powerful fundraising tools.
For schools in Stroudsburg, PA, raffles remain one of the most reliable, community-driven ways to support education while keeping fundraising fun and engaging.
