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Home » Blog » How to Run an Online 50/50 Raffle: The Definitive Guide 
How to Run an Online 50/50 Raffle The Definitive Guide

Fundraising By Katie Jordan | 15 min read

How to Run an Online 50/50 Raffle: The Definitive Guide 

In this article

  • What is an online 50/50 Raffle?  
  • How Does an Online 50/50 Raffle Work?  
  • What Makes Virtual 50/50 Raffle so Great?  
  • How Can I Create an Online 50/50 Raffle? 
  • Why is 50/50 Online Raffle Perfect for Nonprofits? 
  • Best Practices for Selling 50/50 Online Raffle Entries 
  • How to Create 50/50 Raffle Entries
  • How to Decide on Entry Prices for a 50/50 online Raffle 
  • Why settle for less when RallyUp offers it all?  

A typical charity online 50/50 Raffle encourages donors to purchase entries for a chance to win a cash prize. While prize Raffles are crowd-pleasers and fundraisers, they can come with a bit of extra effort. Online 50/50 Raffles, on the other hand, are simple to set up, easy to run, and perfect for raising funds fast with minimal hassle. 

The big difference between a prize Raffle and a 50/50 Raffle? It’s all about the prize! Prize Raffles mean picking the perfect prize, paying for it or getting it donated, and handling the shipping logistics. With online 50/50 Raffles, it’s all cash—no prize to worry about. That makes them quicker and easier to set up. Both Raffles still need good planning and promotion to make them a success, but online 50/50 Raffles keep it user-friendly and stress-free! 

A digital 50/50 Raffle, which takes minimal planning and effort and has no upfront costs, can be an effective and simple fundraising solution for nonprofits of any size.    

Read on to find out more about what a 50/50 Raffle software is, how an online 50/50 Raffle works, what makes digital 50/50 Raffle so great, and how you can create a virtual 50/50 Raffle with ease using the RallyUp platform.

What is an online 50/50 Raffle?  

A 50/50 online Raffle  is much like other Raffles; donors buy an entry for a chance to win a prize if their name or entry is drawn. The primary difference between a traditional Raffle and a 50/50 Raffle is that the prize is simply half of the money that was raised by selling entries. For example, in a 50/50 Raffle in which 1000 entries were sold at $10 each, the organization sponsoring the Raffle would keep half of the money raised, $5000, and the winner of the drawing would take home the other half of the money that was generated by entry sales, $5000. 

How Does an Online 50/50 Raffle Work?  

Virtual 50/50 Raffle works in much the same way that traditional Raffles do; an organization sells entries to donors for a chance to win a prize. The main difference between a prize Raffle and a 50/50 Raffle is that the amount of the prize is unknown at the time the donor buys their entries since it will only be determined once all entries have been sold.   

Organizations that run digital 50/50 Raffles usually post a cut-off time for entry purchases and hold the drawing shortly after. Most organizations also keep a running tab of how many entries have been sold and how much money has been raised so they can publicize how much the prize pot has grown. In many 50/50 Raffles, entry sales multiply rapidly as the draw date approaches because the prize pot has grown substantially. Excitement about the amount of the prize to be won incentivizes rapid entry sales while, at the same time, these rapid entry sales send the total prize amount soaring.    

While the winner or winners of all 50/50 Raffles are determined with a drawing, organizations can choose whether they would like to have one winner or several. For example, in the scenario above, with a $5000 prize, organizations could choose to have one winner who takes home all $5000 or several who split the prize in multiple ways.    

Some organizations that run 50/50 Raffles utilize a grand prize structure, with three or more winners taking smaller and smaller prize amounts. For example, with a $5000 prize pot, the grand prize winner might take home $3000, the first prize winner might take home $1500, and the second prize winner might take home $500.  

Organizations might also choose to utilize a multi-winner model, with several winners splitting the prize pot equally. For example, with a $5000 prize pot, they might draw five winners who each take home $1000 or ten winners who each take home $500.  

Raffle organizers should think about the people they are hoping to sell entries to and consider which prize model may incentivize the most entry sales. The size of the nonprofit, how much money they hope to raise, and the total number of online 50/50 Raffle entries they hope to sell can also impact whether they would like to offer a single-winner drawing or how they might like to split the winnings between multiple winners. In general, organizations that anticipate a very large prize pot may choose to split the winnings among several donors to incentivize entry sales, while those with smaller prize pots may choose to have only one winner to increase the attractiveness of their prize.

How Does an Online 50 50 Raffle Work

What Makes Virtual 50/50 Raffle so Great?  

Online 50/50 Raffles have several distinct benefits that make them a good choice for nonprofits of any size who want to raise money.   

No Prize? No Problem! 

Organizations that run online 50/50 Raffles are often attracted to the method because it does not require them to have a Raffle prize before the beginning of the Raffle. Often, identifying and purchasing the kind of high-dollar prizes that incentivize entry sales is a major barrier to raising money through a Raffle. With a digital 50/50 Raffle, organizers are relying on the donors to supply the prize and don’t have to spend any money or time upfront finding difficult-to-secure prizes.  

Raise Funds in No Time 

Sometimes, financial needs can be urgent. 50/50 Raffles allow organizers to move quickly to create a fundraiser without a lot of advanced planning or preparation. 50/50 Raffles are a fast way to raise money without dedicating a lot of staff time or energy towards fundraising.   

Quick Funds, Zero Budget Required 

While Raffles are often the most cost-effective ways to raise money, holding an online 50/50 Raffle has almost no associated costs. Organizers won’t have to pay for Raffle prizes, and because they’re holding the drawing online, they also won’t need to budget for a venue or food and drinks for excited donors.  

Easily add to any fundraiser 

While organizations don’t need to do anything in person to host a fabulous virtual 50/50 Raffle, a 50/50 online Raffle is versatile and easy to incorporate into larger events or campaigns. It’s easy to add a virtual 50/50 Raffle to an online or in-person gala or Event, and organizations can even create hybrid draws in which they take both online and in-person entries. 

How Can I Create an Online 50/50 Raffle? 

Creating an online 50/50 Raffle is easy with RallyUp. After creating your account, you’ll follow the steps noted for creating a Raffle. You can create a stand-alone 50/50 Raffle or include a 50/50 Raffle in a multi-component fundraiser along with things like an Event or an A-Thon. 

To create an online 50/50 Raffle, you don’t need to do anything other than note that the prize will be a portion of the proceeds in cash and then add details about how the pot will be split if you choose to split it. 

After your campaign is approved and goes live, individuals will be able to purchase entries directly from your fundraising page. If you enable Text-to-Give, donors will be able to text a unique-to-your-campaign word to our number and receive a direct link to your fundraising page for easy purchase. As your campaign moves forward, you can provide updates about the prize amount by enabling a fundraising thermometer or otherwise updating and noting how much the prize pot has grown each day. You’ll also want to be sure to spread the word about your virtual 50/50 Raffle. You can spread the word by encouraging your stakeholders to share the campaign on social media and integrating your campaign with other tools to share promotional materials.   

When your campaign has ended, and it’s time to draw the winner, you won’t have to do anything at all! RallyUp will draw the winner automatically and, if you have selected automatic notification, reach out to let them know they’ve won. Donors who did not win may also be notified automatically if you have selected this option.

After the winner has been drawn and the campaign has closed, your organization will receive the total amount of funds raised. At this point, you can distribute prizes to your winner or winners in whatever way you specified in your campaign set-up. 

Creating and running a 50/50 Raffle online with RallyUp is a simple and effective way to raise money for your organization. Your donors will be thrilled to contribute and even more thrilled about the prospect of winning a large sum of cash as their prize. Check out examples of online 50/50 Raffles on the RallyUp app, and enjoy creating, prompting, and earning big money through your next online 50/50 Raffle! 

Why is 50/50 Online Raffle Perfect for Nonprofits? 

Online 50/50 Raffle is a fantastic way to supercharge your nonprofit fundraising!

This straightforward setup means no upfront costs, so you can hit the ground running and start reaching your fundraising goals faster. You don’t need to have a lot of meetings about what prize is best. You don’t need to wait for sponsors to decide if they’re willing to donate a prize. And let’s be honest—who doesn’t love the thrill of a cash prize? The chance to win big draws more people in, helping you raise more funds and acquire new donors.

With a 50/50 Raffle software platform like RallyUp, running a virtual 50/50 Raffle couldn’t be simpler. RallyUp handles everything from entry sales to tracking funds, so you can focus on what really matters—connecting with your supporters and advancing your mission. 

Why is 50 50 Online Raffle Perfect for Nonprofits

Best Practices for Selling 50/50 Online Raffle Entries 

Selling 50/50 online Raffle entries is as much about creativity as it is about strategy. Here are some hints to help you raise entry sales and keep your supporters engaged. 

1. Tap Into Your Network   

Your supporters, volunteers, and donors are your biggest advocates. Reach out to them first—they’re already connected to your mission and eager to help. Encourage them to share the Raffle with their own networks to create a ripple effect of engagement and amplify your reach.   

2. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising 

Make fundraising personal! Your supporters can be your best fundraisers. With RallyUp’s Peer-to-Peer tools, supporters can build their own custom pages, share with friends and networks, spread the word, and see their progress in real time. It’s all about expanding your reach and building a community that’s united for your cause. 

3. Take It Online   

Offering entries online is super convenient and easy for everyone. RallyUp 50/50 Raffle software makes creating a sleek and user-friendly entry system effortless. Spread the word about your Raffle by sharing the link in emails, on social media, and on your website. To amp up the excitement, try adding countdowns or progress bars—these little touches can motivate people to jump in and grab their entries before it’s too late! 

4. Offer Bundles and Bonuses   

Who can resist a great deal? Offer entry bundles like “15 entries for $10” or “35 for $20” to encourage supporters to buy more. You can also spice things up with early-bird specials or bonus entries for higher-priced bundles—it’s a quick technique to make your 50/50 online Raffle even more enticing and drive up sales. 

5. Use Social Media to Build Buzz   

Social media is your go-to tool for getting the word out about your 50/50 online Raffle! Share updates on the growing prize pool, post fun stories from past winners and use eye-catching visuals to grab attention. And don’t forget to include a direct link to buy entries—it makes it hassle-free for your followers to get involved! 

6. Show the Difference They’re Making   

Show your supporters the difference they’re making! Share a quick story, photo, or video about how their participation directly supports your mission. When people can see the real impact of their contribution, they’ll feel even more inspired to join in and support your cause. 

7. Keep It Easy   

Making it easy to buy Raffle entries is a safe bet! Confusing steps or tech hiccups can turn people away, so provide clear instructions to ensure everyone can join in without any hassle. 

By following these pointers, you’ll create an entertaining and thrilling experience that drives entry sales and helps you smash your fundraising goals. Selling 50/50 online Raffle entries is a chance to connect with your supporters and inspire them to rally behind your mission! 

How to Create 50/50 Raffle Entries

Creating Raffle entries with RallyUp 50/50 Raffle software is a straightforward process that allows you to manage event registrations successfully. Here’s how to make sure your entries check all the boxes:   

1. Entry solutions 

Access Your Experience: 
  • Log in to your RallyUp account. 
  • Navigate to the Experiences section in the left-hand menu. 
  • Select the Experience you want to edit by clicking on its title or image. 
experiences in menu
Edit the Experience: 
  • Click on Experience Setup to modify the Raffle details. 
experience setup
Set Up Entry Levels: 
  • In the top timeline, select Raffle. 
  • Scroll down to the  Set the number of entries for each donation amount section and select Create an entry. 
create an entry
Customize Your Entry Levels: 
  • Upload images to add visual appeal to your entry levels. 
  • Set a quantity limit if you have a cap on entry sales. 
  • Set time limits to offer early bird pricing or to control entry level availability periods. 
edit entry level
Save Your Entry Level: 
  • After customizing, click SAVE to finalize the entry level setup. 
save entry level

2. Cover the Basics 

Make sure your entry levels answer the “who, what, when, and where” of your 50/50 online Raffle. Include these key details:   

  • Your organization’s name so it’s clear who’s hosting.   
  • Entry price to avoid any confusion.   
  • Date and time of the drawing so everyone knows when to tune in.   
  • Contact information in case anyone has questions.   
  • Any important terms, like “Must be 18 or older to participate,” to keep everything above board.   

3. Add Unique Identifiers   

Give each entry a unique number or code to keep things fair and transparent. If you’re using RallyUp 50/50 Raffle software, this is done automatically.  

4. Design Like a Pro   

A great-looking entry level makes your fundraiser feel legit and professional! Use your nonprofit’s logo and colors to create something visually appealing and on-brand. Don’t worry if you’re not a designer—tools like Canva or RallyUp’s built-in options can help you create polished designs in no time.   

5. Highlight the Prize and Your Cause   

Your 50/50 online Raffle entry should shout out what’s at stake (the prize!) and how donors are making an impact. Try something like:  

“50% of proceeds go to [Your Cause]—win big while supporting [Your Mission]!”   

It’s a simple way to get people excited about both the prize and your purpose.   

6. Test Before You Launch   

Double-check every detail—no step is too small! Walk through the buying process to make sure it’s comprehensive and continuous.  

Great-looking, well-thought-out entry levels set the tone for your 50/50 online Raffle, encourage more people to join in, and help your nonprofit reach its fundraising milestones! 

How to Decide on Entry Prices for a 50/50 online Raffle 

Setting the right entry prices for your 50/50 online Raffle is a must-do to get as many people as possible to join in and help you reach your fundraising endeavors. Here’s how to find the perfect balance:   

1. Know Your Audience   

Think about your supporters—what’s a price they’d find affordable and worth it? Understanding their financial comfort levels and willingness to give will help you choose a price point that feels just right and encourages participation across the board.   

2. Offer Multiple Pricing Options  

Give your supporters choices! Creating multiple entry levels makes it easy for everyone to get involved, no matter their budget. Such as:   

  • 10 entries for $10   
  • 50 entries for $25   
  • 150 entries for $50   

This setup makes it more entertaining and encourages bigger contributions by offering BETTER VALUE at higher price points. More chances to win? Absolutely! 

3. Keep Entry Requirements in Mind   

If you’re using RallyUp’s Free Pricing option, remember there’s a minimum requirement of offering at least 10 entries per price level. This structure helps support the platform’s operational costs through optional donor tips, so it’s a win-win!   

Why settle for less when RallyUp offers it all?  

Raise more, stress less, and run a 50/50 online Raffle that delights and stuns your donors! 

RallyUp 50/50 Raffle software is easy to use, has customizable features, and has built-in transparency. Share your Raffle anywhere, reach more supporters, and enjoy flexible pricing—RallyUp is the supreme solution for making a social impact! 

Start fundraising today the perfect way.
Let’s go!

About the Author

Katie Jordan

Katie Jordan is a Fundraising Specialist at RallyUp. Katie has many years of experience working for and with nonprofit organizations. After her time working at a food bank in Dallas, Texas, Katie joined the team at RallyUp. As a Fundraising Specialist, Katie enjoys helping nonprofits maximize their fundraising efforts. Katie provides customers with personalized support to help them navigate the RallyUp platform and strategize their upcoming fundraisers.

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