The raffle is a staple of charity fundraising. Prizes encourage people to donate to charities when they might not otherwise. Unfortunately, you probably can’t afford to offer a car and a trip to Europe.

If your charity isn’t big enough to receive corporate sponsorship, the more money you invest in prizes, the less money goes to your charity; this means big, must-have prizes are usually out of the question. Instead, select gifts that are fun, attractive and inexpensive for your organization, and they’ll build brand awareness for your cause.

Customized Item Prize Box

Giving your charitable supporters something they’d love to use and something that also spreads the word about your causes practically guarantees free publicity for the work you do. Order a set of customized, useful items with your charity logo or information on it. For example:

Whenever the prize winner uses her winnings, people will take note of your organization. You could also offer these items with the prize winner’s message, business or logo of choice. You buy the custom car stickers and other items after the prize winner tells you what she’d like to see on the items. This prize pack will prove attractive to small business owners, hobbyists and people who simply enjoy customization.

Local Spa Certificates

You may not be able to afford to send winners abroad, but you can give them a relaxing “staycation” with a certificate for a local spa. Included in the day-long spa retreat might be massages, pedicures, manicures, soaks in a bath and facials. Local spa owners might be more willing to donate to local charities; you might get a discount on the certificate or the spa owner might even donate the prize to support your cause.

Handmade Artisan Jewelry

Unless a local jewelry store owner is willing to donate priceless gems, you’re not going to be able to afford fancy jewelry for a raffle. Instead, you can support local jewelry artists and showcase handmade artisan jewelry to use as prizes. They may not include priceless jewels, but they’re one of a kind. Many women prefer handmade jewelry because they’re conversation-starters, and they won’t run into someone else who’s wearing the same piece.

Gift Baskets

Gift baskets are attractive prizes for raffles because the winner gets an assortment of prizes for a small investment. A basket typically includes a wide variety of products, and items. Include several gift baskets in your raffle and design them by themes, such as:

  • Food (desserts, wine and cheese, savory snacks, etc.)
  • Sports Fan (items to play sports or fan gear to support local teams)
  • Pamper Yourself (beauty products)
  • Kids (toys and books)

Whenever possible, buy locally made or sold items to give back to the community. Business owners are likely to give you a discount if you’re raising money for a cause, or if you promise to promote their company name during the raffle.

Gift Cards

Raffle winners who spend just a few dollars for a gift card worth $25, $50 or even $100 feel like they’ve won the lottery. Since gift cards are such attractive prizes, you quickly recoup the investment you spent on the gift card as dozens or even hundreds of people enter for a chance to win. Shop locally and choose gift cards to local businesses venues like restaurants, malls or hair salons.

Of course, you can also buy gift cards for popular online purchases, such as iTunes, Amazon and Netflix, and chain stores in your area, like Wal-Mart and Target. Include a wide variety of gift cards to attract a wide variety of raffle ticket buyers.

The Washington Post reports raffles raise more money for charities than soliciting funds directly or even auctions. Your prizes don’t have to be costly to get everyone’s attention, especially if you charge $5 or even $1 per ticket. If you can get local business owners to donate prizes, or at least offer you a discount, you’ll be able to put more of the profits into your charity. If local businesses won’t participate, buying these affordable gifts won’t take up much of your budget.
Disclaimer:  This is a partnered post.