Run a giveaway for a charity group or nonprofit organization.
Raffles and Sweepstakes (also known as giveaways) are a great way to raise money for a cause, but come with some legal requirements that the beneficiary organization is responsible for. Because of this, the organization you’re raising money for will need to be registered with RallyUp so they can oversee the Campaign and receive the funds.
What should I know before running a charity giveaway as an individual?
- Online raffles are prohibited in Alabama, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. If the organization you’re fundraising for is located in one of these states, consider running a Sweepstakes instead.
- If the organization you’re fundraising for is domiciled in New Zealand, you won’t be able to run an online Raffle.
Step 1: How do I get permission from the organization to run a giveaway?
Start by reaching out to the organization you want to raise money for and let them know about the giveaway you would like to run on their behalf. (If you’ve already done this, skip to step 2).
Here are some details you’ll want to share with them:
- Your name and contact information
- The prize(s) you will give away and their value
- How you will conduct and promote the giveaway
If the organization approves your request to run a giveaway for them, you’re ready to move ahead to Step 2 below. If the organization does not approve your request, remember that the reason is likely due to the giveaway’s legal requirements. The organization may not be qualified to run an online giveaway, or they may only be allowed to run a certain number of giveaways per year.
Step 2: What steps does the organization need to take to add me as an advocate?
The organization will first need to register on RallyUp if they haven’t already. Then, they’ll invite you to set up the fundraiser. They can do this by adding you as one of their advocates. You’ll want to send them links to these instructions to help them get started:
How-to: Get Started by Creating an Account and Registering Your Organization
How-to: Allow Supporters to Run Raffles or Sweepstakes for Your Organization
What happens after the organization adds me as an advocate?
- You’ll receive an invitation via email when the organization has registered and added you as an advocate. Once you accept that invitation, you’ll be ready to start creating your giveaway, and the funds you raise will go directly to the organization.
- Keep in touch with your contact at the organization throughout the fundraiser. Remember that they need to be aware of any major changes to your Campaign’s details or your promotional strategy. While you are generously donating your time to set up and manage the fundraiser, they are ultimately responsible for the legal compliance and reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a Raffle or Sweepstakes for my personal cause as an individual?
No, you cannot run a Raffle or Sweepstakes for personal causes. These fundraisers must benefit a registered charitable organization that meets legal requirements. You can only run a giveaway on behalf of a qualified nonprofit organization.
Why does the organization need to approve my giveaway request?
The organization benefitting from the giveaway is legally responsible for compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. They must approve your request to ensure they can legally run the giveaway and meet any licensing or reporting requirements.
What if the organization I want to help isn’t registered with RallyUp yet?
The organization will need to register on RallyUp first before you can run a fundraiser for them. Send them instructions on how to create an account and add you as an advocate so you can set up the giveaway on their behalf.
Who receives the funds raised from my giveaway?
All funds raised go directly to the registered charitable organization, not to you as an individual. Once the organization adds you as an advocate, you can create and manage the Campaign, but they remain the legal beneficiary and recipient of the funds.
Do I need to stay in contact with the organization during my fundraiser?
Yes, you should keep in touch with your contact at the organization throughout the fundraiser. They need to be aware of any major changes to your Campaign details or promotional strategy, as they are ultimately responsible for legal compliance and reporting requirements.