Event of the Month: The Big Bucks Raffle

The benefits of music education are vast and varied, but sources for fine arts educational funding are, unfortunately, not. A commitment to music education is all too often a commitment to seeking out donations to music programs, and every school has its own solution.

Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy has made good on both those commitments.

Serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, the private Catholic school is located on multiple campuses in the Dorchester and Mattapan neighborhoods of the city of Boston. The faculty, administration, and staff, including M. L. Greenidge, the Director of Advancement, pride themselves on an “exciting and challenging curriculum based on high academic benchmarks,” including, the “largest fine arts music program in Boston for elementary schools.” Every week, six hundred fifty students at PJPIICA take music classes.

PJPIICA’s year-round fundraising campaign involves the sale of Bishop’s Blend Coffee, a premium coffee roasted exclusively for the Academy by Caffe Appasionato Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington. One half of the proceeds support overall student experience. More information on purchasing Bishop’s Blend Coffee can be found here on the school’s website.

But, as in most schools, there is always a need for more funding.

To help support this amazing music program, along with other student needs including scholarships and reading and writing literacy, the school runs their annual Big Bucks Raffle, a cash raffle. This year’s raffle will be held on March 30^th, with the students selling tickets beginning in March when they return from their vacation.

For the last two years, raffle ticket printing was done in-house, but this year the decision was made to outsource the job to a professional online ticket printer. Greenidge had never used such a service, and didn’t really know anyone who had, so she went to Google and came across TicketPrinting.com.

The website, she found, was “easy to use,” so she had no trouble designing the tickets just as she wanted them. She chose the Color Money Raffle Ticket, and when her order arrived a few days later, she was impressed with the product and the quality. “I didn’t know what I was buying,” she explained, and had never purchased raffle tickets online before, so she “just went based on the website, which was accurate.”

The turnaround, Greenidge says, was “faster than I expected.” Her tickets actually arrived before she thought they would, and she was very happy with the order, which exceeded her expectations but was still very affordable.

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The Right Choice for a Nonprofit: Sharing Ideas for Success

The tickets we purchased were reasonably priced and very professional looking, which was great for our small not-for-profit group. 

~ Britt C. Menchhofer, R.S., Northwest Ohio Environmental Health Association Planning Committee

The Ohio Environmental Health Association (OEHA) works as a state association, but has four district planning committees that provide education for environmental health professionals and advocates for the profession.  Each OEHA district plans its own events throughout the year.

The Northwest planning committee organizes an “education conference each fall that is offered to local sanitarians (specialists in sanitary science and public health) and other environmental health professionals and industry workers.” Attendees are able to network with other members in environmental health fields, and they are provided with opportunities to earn educational credits.

“In the past our district has had a raffle where prizes were available and tickets were purchased by attendees and placed into the buckets for the prizes. Prizes were usually items donated by individuals and businesses for the event. In the past few years, it has been harder to get businesses to donate prizes for the raffle,” Brad told me.

For that reason, the Northwest Planning Committee needed to rethink its fundraising strategy. It looked to the Northeast Planning Committee for advice.

A Reverse Raffle

“We decided this year to try a reverse raffle to raise more money and also be able to reach more people because the tickets could be sold prior to the event and to people other than attendees. Our Northeast district has a reverse raffle and gave us the details on their raffle.”

The Northwest district learned from the Northeast’s district’s success and adopted its fundraising strategy.

In the most common version of a reverse raffle, tickets are sold as they would be in a regular raffle, but the goal is to not have your ticket drawn. Instead, tickets are drawn in a reverse order. The losers are the ones that are drawn early, and the winners are the remaining tickets. For this raffle, the grand prize was $500, and $25 for every twenty-five tickets sold.

The money from this reverse raffle went to the George Eagle scholarship fund. “The scholarship fund aims to provide one graduate and one undergraduate scholarship each year for individuals studying a field of Environmental Health.”

Everyone is Responsible

In order for the reverse raffle to work, all the planning committee members needed to be on board. Each was asked to sell at least ten tickets each. “The tickets were marketed through email and mailings related to our conference. Asking people face to face is one of the best marketing strategies.” The organization employed both digital and physical mediums in order to reach its intended audience and did not downplay the importance of word of mouth sales.

Unfortunately, some of the tickets were not sold, and the fundraiser fell a little short of its goal, but, “[We] were still able to give a significant amount back to the scholarship fund,” Brad explained. And for that reason, “the event was a success.”

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State by State: Raffle Law in America

Six weeks, six posts: today we present the conclusion to our fifty-state guide to US raffle law.

Outside Assistance?

In some cases, the law specifically prohibits licenses based on past transgressions. Indiana, for instance, takes a stand against repeat offenders by denying the right to run a raffle if the “applicant is not of good moral character or reputation; or…. The organization has engaged in fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.” Kentucky warns fundraisers that, while the state “provides a regulatory framework allowing charitable gaming to thrive as a viable fundraising mechanism,” organizations must be wary of for-profit corporations offering to oversee raffle and boost profits.

Kentucky legislation, “prohibits any individuals from receiving financial gain from charitable gaming activities,” and groups employing such tactic may lose their licenses in addition to being fined. The same holds true in Massachusetts, where “a for-profit entity cannot hold a raffle for itself or a nonprofit; and an individual cannot hold a raffle.”

Our State, Our Rules

California also opposes gambling activities for personal or business gain, but provides for charitable fundraising conducted in this way. Interested organization must register their intent to hold a raffle with the state, and must ensure that “at least 90 percent of the gross receipts from these raffles go directly to beneficial or charitable purposes in California.” Pay attention to the language! The money raised in California, it seems, must stay in California. In Pennsylvania, registration is only the first step: the state requires twelve distinct pieces of information regarding the raffle, including “The maximum odds of the game,” which it then publishes in a periodical called the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Seriously, Don’t Worry

Some laws are not as tough as they could be. While Mississippi exempts raffles from its definition of gambling and allows “any nonprofit civic, educational, wildlife conservation or religious organization with all proceeds going to said organization” to run such an event, the punishment for violating this law is not too extreme: anyone violating the law for personal gain “shall, on conviction, be fined not more than Twenty Dollars ($20.00), or be imprisoned not more than one (1) month in the county jail.” Nevada, the home of legalized gambling, naturally allows raffles while reserving the right “to license, tax, regulate, prohibit and suppress all tippling houses, dramshops, public card tables, raffles, hawkers, peddlers, pawnbrokers, gambling houses, disorderly houses and houses of ill fame.”

Surprising Details

It’s important to do your own research of course, as each state has its own quirks when it comes to raffle ticket laws. In New Hampshire, for instance, it’s imperative to choose your raffle ticket printing company carefully, as the law requires that each ticket has sequential numbering printed on the body of the ticket and “the name of the charitable organization thereon, the date and place of the drawing, and the prize or prizes to be awarded and the amount of the donation.” New Hampshire is also noteworthy is allowing minors 16 years old and up to buy raffle tickets. New Mexico offers special exceptions for movie theaters, which may offer “prizes of cash or merchandise for advertising purposes…for the purpose of stimulating business” with little oversight.

More Surprises

In New York, raffle tickets can be sold for six months prior to the drawing, but no earlier. New York also specifically prohibits minors from selling tickets, as well as purchasing them. On the opposite end of the spectrum, in Washington State, however, minors are allowed to sell raffle ticket in service of a group whose “primary purpose is the development of youth.” That state also largely prohibits the awarding of any type of liquor as a prize, as well as canceling the raffle in the event that you don’t sell enough tickets. In Texas, many types of organization are allowed to hold their own raffles, but they cannot operate cash raffles, and they cannot run more than one raffle at any given time.

Of course, state lotteries are a type of cash raffle, but did you know that some states conduct their own raffles for other purposes? In South Dakota, licenses to hunt elk are distributed through a raffle. Only winners may purchase the license.

Running a raffle for cash or prizes, for personal or charitable gain can be fun and rewarding. Just make sure to do your research, fill out the right forms, and pay any fees and taxes required. Are you ready? Why not start printing your own raffle tickets online, right now?

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State by State: Raffle Law in America

Sweet and Simple

In our last installment, we discussed some of the harsher regulations regaring raffle law, but not every state takes such a minute interest in the particulars of your group’s fundraiser. In Maine, for instance, the laws are looser. For raffles with prizes in $10,000, many charitable organizations do not require licenses or oversight. In addition to those goodwill organization identified by most states, Maine includes “Any agricultural society eligible for the state stipend,” and “Any state agency that conducts or operates a raffle for a donated item to benefit fish and wildlife conservation projects” in their list of those exempt from requiring a license.

Many states require little oversight for smaller fundraising efforts. Nebraska limits profits of unregulated raffles to $5,000. Montana approves of “limited legal gambling” and includes raffles in its list of “legal live games.” While gambling is restricted to adults over the age of 18, in Montana, minors may participate in “raffles conducted by churches, schools, charitable and nonprofit organizations.”

No Big Deal

While there is oversight of raffle in South Carolina, law enforcement agencies are instructed to “not charge a charitable, religious, or eleemosynary organization conducting a raffle for the benefit of the organization where all the proceeds inure to the benefit of the organization,” but rather to issue those who run afoul of the law with written warnings. For small raffles being run in the state of Virginia, the law is fairly relaxed. In general an organization “that reasonably expects, based on prior charitable gaming annual results or any other quantifiable method, to realize gross receipts of $40,000 or less” in their raffle need not worry overmuch about the law. In addition, volunteer fire departments and other volunteer first responders are exempt from registration and auditing fees.

One state that enthusiastically supports the right of charitable organization to use raffles for fundraising purposes is Wisconsin. The state’s administrative website proudly states, “Raffles are Wisconsin s favorite and most profitable form of grassroots fund-raising.” According to this site,  “Well over 7,500 groups are licensed to conduct raffles and net profits from this activity have remained steady at nearly 60%.” In Wisconsin, a raffle license costs only $25 per year, which authorizes the holder to run up to 200 raffles every year.

Next: Wrap It Up

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State by State: Raffle Law in America

In the previous installment of our series on raffle law, we discussed taxes and eclectic rules. Today, what happens if you fail to follow those rules?

Crime and Punishment

Failure to comply with state law can result in fines and incarceration. In North Carolina, conducting an illegal raffle is a misdemeanor, and the punishment includes a prohibition: the guilty party “shall not conduct a raffle for a period of one year.” West Virginia provides for charitable gaming and fundraising, but calls for penalties and fines for any person involved in any sort of raffle for personal gain. In Ohio, a first offense against state raffle regulations is also a misdemeanor, but subsequent violations are considered felonies, while Rhode Island makes the first offense a felony, with penalties up to two years in prison and $2000 in fines!

How Long Have You Been Doing This?

Often, the right to hold a raffle is restricted only to certain charities. For instance, Minnesota allows raffles only for educational fundraising. Such raffles “may only be sold and the drawing conducted at a high school event sponsored by a school district” to adults over the age of 18, and all profits must remain in the school district. Arkansas outlawed raffles for many years, but recently amended its state constitution to allow, “non-profit tax-exempt religious, educations, veterans, fraternal, service, civic, medical, volunteer rescue service, volunteer firefights organization, or volunteer police organization…in continuing existence…for a period of not less than five years,” the right to raise money in this way.

Illinois has a similar law: “Licenses shall be issued only to bona fide religious, charitable, labor, business, fraternal, educational or veterans’ organizations that operate without profit to their members and which have been in existence continuously for a period of 5 years.”  Five years is also the minimum length of existence necessary to hold a raffle in Michigan.

Georgia is another state that specifically prohibits brand-new organizations from holding raffles. In Georgia, a charitable organization must be “in existence for 24 months immediately prior to the issuance of the license,” which costs no more than $100 and is good until the end of the calendar year. Applicants must register with the sheriff in the year prior to requiring the license. Louisiana also requires that groups wishing to run charitable games be “actively domiciled in Louisiana for two consecutive years immediately preceeding [sic] application.” Louisiana fundraisers are also required to attend state-sponsored training classes and purchase supplies from licensed suppliers. Plan ahead!

What Constitutes a Charity?

Connecticut also spells out the types of groups who may apply for a permit to conduct a raffle: “Educational or charitable, civic, service or social clubs, fraternal or fraternal benefit societies, veterans’, church or religious organizations, volunteer fire departments or political parties or town committees.” The price of the permit varies, depending on the type you may require. For instance, the state identifies “Cow-Chip” raffles, “Duck-Race” raffles, and “Frog-Race” raffles.

Maryland law specifies, “a bona fide charitable organization in this State may conduct a raffle for the exclusive benefit of the charitable organization if the prize awarded is real property,” but that real property raffles may only be held twice a year. Missouri, which heavily regulates any form of gambling, allows only “groups recognized under federal law as charitable or religious” to conduct raffles. This relatively new law was approved as recently as 1998 while New Jersey almost seems to brag that their Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission oversees “approximately 12,000 charitable, educational, religious, patriotic, public-spirited organizations and senior citizen associations and clubs organizations” in conducted legalized games of chance.

Next: Fun and Games

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State by State: Raffle Law in America

Taxes are Inevitable

In some states, most games of chance are completely condoned, but organizations and individuals running raffles need to be aware of their tax burden on local, state, and federal levels. In Alaska, qualified groups may purchase a permit that allows them to run many games of chance: “bingo, raffles and lotteries, pull-tab games, ice classics, rain classics, mushing sweepstakes, fish derbies,” but the more successful the group is in raising funds, the more expensive the permit is (between $20 to $100) and those earning more than $20,000 a year from gaming activities are taxed an additional 1% on their proceeds.

Iowa also levies taxes on raffle ticket sale income: local sales tax (typically 1%) along with state taxes “on the gross receipts (not net receipts) of all gambling activities.” The state helpfully recommends that these taxes be added to the price of the raffle ticket. Otherwise, the organization must calculate the taxes themselves and take them out of their profits.

Any organization running a raffle should keep strict records with as much information as possible. Recording not only the number of tickets sold and amount of money raised, but also keeping track of donors’ names and contact information can come in handy later on. This information may be necessary for tax purposes, and, in any event, can be useful later on, when you need to do further fundraising.

Details, Details

Colorado gaming rules spell out many details you might not have considered. For instance, “Tickets…shall be sold at a stated price, and each ticket constitutes a separate and equal chance to win.” With large prizes, there are more rules, and certain information must be printed on the body of the raffle ticket. There are special considerations if the prize is a car or a house. You can download a 41-page PDF file to learn every last detail. If you wish to hold a raffle in the state of Oregon, you should be aware that that the state offers two tiers of raffle licenses depending on the amount of the handle. Games exceeding $10,000 require a separate license. Application fees vary, but the license is good for an entire year.

Another state with many specific rules regarding running your own raffle is Idaho, which limits organizations to twelve a year (with exceptions for elementary and secondary schools) along with the maximum cash value of prizes in certain circumstances ($1000), and provides a hefty fine (up to $10,000) to “Any charitable or nonprofit organization who conducts a raffle in violation” of the rules. In Idaho, organizations earning more than $200,000 per annum from raffle ticket sales must also provide an audit to the state.

Twelve raffles a year is lenient compared to the law in Tennessee, which only allows charitable organizations to “conduct one event during an event period (July 1 – June 30).” On the other hand, Vermont outlaws all forms of professional gambling, but lays out very reasonable and lenient laws to allow, “nonprofit organizations [to] operate games of chance and to ensure that the proceeds from the games go to charity.” A complicated set of rules allows raffles and other games of chance to be held twice a week, and, in certain occasions, on three consecutive days. The maximum value of prizes also varies.

Next: When Raffle Laws are Broken

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State by State: Raffle Law in America

Raffle Law and State’s Rights

When our forefathers outlined our American rights in the US Constitution over two hundred years ago, they specifically stated that those topics not covered in that document were reserved for the individual states to decide: state’s rights. This term often brings to mind some of the most controversial issues in our culture.

Raffles and lotteries, technically a form of gambling, fall squarely into this category. Raffle laws vary from state to state, with prize draws of any kind being completely outlawed in some places, and generally embraced in others.

Fundraisers Beware: Illegal Raffles

In some states, games of chance featuring prizes and requiring purchase are strictly prohibited whether you are a private individual, incorporated business, or not-for-profit charitable organization. In Alabama, the state constitution includes language to “prohibit the sale…of…tickets in any scheme in the nature of a lottery.” According to the Attorney General, raffle tickets are a type of lottery, and therefore illegal. In the state of Utah, “The Legislature shall not authorize any game of chance, lottery or gift enterprise under any pretense or for any purpose,” including any kind of raffle or prize draw.

Hawaii also prohibits any type of raffle in which tickets are sold. However, it is legal to distribute tickets without charging for them, so you can still have the fun of a prize draw as long as you don’t earn any money from it. The same holds true in Kansas, where exchanging money for games of chance is strictly illegal, but the District Attorney’s office suggests that such rules can be circumventing by making the contribution voluntary. To comply with state regulations, make it clear that “Individuals are under no obligation to make a contribution and may not be barred from participation if they choose not to make any donation.”

Changing Nation, Changing Laws

In general, raffle law seems to be relaxing in America. As stated in part I of this article, many states that forbid any raffle ticket sales in the past have recently passed legislation allowing such games of chance. Oklahoma is one that state that previously banned any raffle-based fundraising, then relaxed restrictions in 2003, allowing charitable organizations to conduct raffles. Even Washington, DC has its own Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board, responsible for licensing Bingo, Monte Carlo/casino nights, and, of course, raffles.

The trend seems to be toward greater tolerance of raffle ticket sales, and printing raffle tickets is useful in the majority of the US. However, private individual should be aware that many states, such as Wyoming, strictly prohibit selling raffle tickets for personal gain: only bona fide charitable organizations are legally allowed to run raffles in many places. If you are unfamiliar with your local laws, it’s best to find a local expert who can provide up-to-date information.

Paperwork in Order

Registering with the state is often a requirement, and in some cases, the state must approve your proposal. In Arizona, raffles fall under the umbrella of “Amusement Gambling” and must be approved on a case-by-case basis. You can fill out a form to register. In the state of Delaware, the cost of applying for your raffle license is $15 (the same price to apply for a license to hold a Texas Hold’em tournament), which is non-refundable if your application is denied. Timing is important! Applications are considered at board meetings, and applicants are advised to submit, “no later than 4:30 PM ten full working days before the meeting date.”

Florida is another state where raffles are highly regulated. The state wishes to protect its citizens from fraudulent or illegal raffles, but, more importantly, to prevent competition with its state lottery, which is an educational one: that is to say, proceeds fund the state’s schools. North Dakota maintains a list of downloadable forms required for a legal prize draw to be held in that state. Interested parties should pay careful attention, for record-keeping is important, and these forms make it simpler to keep track of details.

Next: Taxes and Other Little Details

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Conducting a Local Raffle or Prize Draw in Full Compliance with State Regulations

Your organization wants to earn more money to support your cause, but you don’t want to run afoul of state ordinance regarding fundraising. That’s why it’s important to conduct your research in advance to ensure that you are running your business or charity raffle according to the rules. In addition, good planning up front will pay off in the long run. Keeping all your affairs in order will help you out later when you are preparing your taxes or planning another prize draw!

In addition, staying in touch with your legal responsibilities will come in handy when you’re ready to print your own raffle tickets and start selling them.

I. Are Raffles Legal in My State? Getting Started, Staying Safe

Raffles are effective ways organizations of all kinds can raise money, but raffles are not legal in some states. It is imperative to check on whether it is legal or not in your state, but also to be clear on the details of the raffle laws in those states where raffles are legal.

Just a few years ago, a web search would have revealed a number of states where any raffles were considered an illegal, unlicensed form of gambling, but in many cases these laws have been relaxed. Today, your search would reveal sources explaining that raffles are completely are complete illegal only the following states: Alabama and Hawaii. Be aware, though, that according to this source, there are states where raffles have only recently become legal. There are also states where there is little or no online information about laws regarding raffles. Other sources add Hawaii and Kansas to the list. It depends on what you consider a raffle, and how you organize.

• • Be thorough and clear. It may be a good idea to consult with a legal expert before beginning your organization’s raffle prize fundraiser. The bigger your organization or prize draw, the more important it will be that you ask a lawyer for advice, or make sure that you’ve followed all the necessary procedures.
• • The first step in this process is determining whether or not it is legal in your state. The second step is to familiarize yourself with your state’s law on raffles. The inability to do these things may result in your organization breaking the law and would result in legal ramifications.
• • States may also require a Raffle License Application for the raffle to take place. Again, be sure to study the laws and the steps necessary to operate your raffle legally in your state.

In the United States, many raffles only possess legality if the proceeds go to charitable causes. This is a fairly common element in United States raffle laws, and should be a major consideration in your business or organization’s raffle ticket event. Again, be sure to gain knowledge and seek legal counsel regarding your state’s rules and regulations.

If you can’t afford legal counsel, how can you become familiar with your state’s laws? TicketPrinting.com offers a complete page of references, state by state, so you can begin familiarizing yourself with the proper steps. You can also run your own Internet searches or contact a local governmental agency for more information. Remember, advice you receive online may not always be accurate or up-to-date! It’s a good idea to pick up the phone and call the state gaming commission whenever you’re in doubt.

Learning more about the local laws will pay off, so don’t hesitate to spend some time researching them. It’s a bit of an esoteric subject, and a little research will transform you into an expert on local law. You’ll become a helpful resource to any organization that requires fundraising help.

Next week: State by State: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Legally Printing and Selling Raffle Tickets

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TicketPrinting.com is please to announced our new, improved resource for local raffle laws.

While states’ rights may be hotly disputed when it comes to some controversial issues, they’re alive and well in the realm of prize draws. Every state in the union (along with Washington, D.C.) has its own particular laws governing the sale of raffle tickets and games of chance. Depending on where you live, selling raffle tickets may be a free-for-all, a carefully governed option for certain non-profit organizations under the strict auspices of the state gaming commission, or just downright illegal. (And even then, at least one DA has written up guidelines for circumventing these rules.)

We recognize that our customers are working hard to earn more money for their particular causes. The last thing you need is a legal hassle. That’s why we’ve compiled links to help direct you to the statutes for your area, and, in some cases, the downloadable PDF files that you’ll need to fill out to get your permit and start selling raffle tickets!

Printing raffle tickets is easy at TicketPrinting.com, and our state raffle law resource helps makes your job even easier.

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When local governments are falling far short of their desired budgets and school districts across the country are cutting once essential programs just to stay open, parents, students and affected communities are starting to get creative. Instead of waiting for new revenue to come in through tax hikes or ballot proposals, many groups are taking a proactive approach to fill the budget gaps.

While some communities are standing by traditional fundraising techniques, such as car washes and bake sales, other communities are going for the gold, participating in high stakes fundraising in hopes of high stakes returns.

One such group based in Orange County, California Irvine Public Schools Foundation, currently raffling a house worth $700,000!

While a traditional raffle might offer small value tickets to a large number of individuals for a mid-level prize, a high value raffle involves selling a limited number of high value tickets for a very coveted grand prize such as a house or large cash payoff. The tickets for the Irvine Public Schools Foundation raffle are $150 each.

While the tickets may be out of some buyer's budgets, the foundation has provided other opportunities so everyone in the community can contribute. In addition to the raffle, a fundraisng concert is also being held. Tickets to the event are between $12 – $15, and raffle ticket holders get in for free. The whole community gets to participate.

Other communities are also getting creative. In Cupertino, California  parents got together and raised $2 million dollars for their local school district in less than two months. Some of this was done through traditional fundraisers like garage sales and silent auctions. The parents also asked each member of the school community to donate a specific amount of money. Again, in this fundraiser, no one was left out. If one family couldn't donate, a family with more means stepped in and contributed on their behalf.

The money will go to save over 100 teachers jobs.

While times are especially tough on education, glimmers of hope can be found when teachers, parents and communities get creative with their fundraising efforts.

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