Question: Raffle for fund raiser

Has anyone held a raffle for a fall fund raiser?? We were looking at getting gifts donated and bought for prizes ex; t.v. gift cards, hotel stays etc. Is there any issuses anyone has come across running one of these raffels??

Asked by steve

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
If you haven't done this already, go to your local town clerk's office or city hall and ask about rules and permits for running a raffle. They should at least be able to steer you in the right direction. Rules vary widely from state to state and even from town to town. Don't try to run a raffle -- especially one of the size you're talking about -- without getting the proper permits. As far as donations, you'll have an easier time getting donations if your group is a 501c3 charity. If not, the donations must be given directly to the school in order to be tax deductible to the giver. You'll need to get permission from the school for that, however, and the proceeds from the raffle will have to go into the school account rather than the PTO account. If you're asking local businesses for donations, be prepared to tell them what they'll get in return. In other words, how you'll make sure that people know about their generosity. Will their business name be printed on raffle tickets? On flyers? In your newsletter? Will you be sending press releases to local media thanking them specifically? etc. Good luck!