As a nonprofit fundraiser organiser, your role in securing exciting prizes for your nonprofit organisation’s fundraising event is essential. A great prize is a significant factor in selling raffle tickets and raising funds for your cause. Though that may seem like a big challenge and a lot of pressure, it doesn’t have to be. You can successfully convince local businesses to donate those much-needed items with a strong raffle prize request letter and a basic strategy.
We’re here to guide you through the process to help ensure your raffle fundraiser succeeds. And if you need unique raffle prize ideas, we’ve got you covered!
Charity Raffle Prize Request Prep
Getting Your Raffle Prize Ducks in a Row
Making the Connection
Once you’ve got your list of potential donors, it’s time to research. Go online or call around to determine the specific person to whom you should send your request. Addressing your email or letter directly to this person increases the chances of it being seen.
Tip: Get on the phone and call potential prize donors. Yes, cold calling can be awkward! However, speaking directly with someone, especially the right person, creates a connection and opens the door to potential positive outcomes. You’ll be able to talk about your organisation’s cause and mission, increasing your chances of getting a positive response to your ask.
Our prize request letter template (linked below) offers an example you can use to ask for prize item donations. Remember, the more you can personalise your request, the better the response will likely be. This personal touch can make all the difference in securing the prizes you need for your event.
Sample Prize Request Letter
This example of a prize request letter will help get you started! As a bonus, it includes tips and best practices on elements to always include in your ask.
The Follow-Up
Keep track of when you send out raffle prize donation requests, who they’re to, and the responses you get. Pop this info into a spreadsheet to keep everything organised.
If you don’t hear back after a week, don’t assume it’s a ‘no.’ Your contact could be swamped or out of the office. In this case, send a friendly follow-up email. Use your spreadsheet to track who you’ve nudged a second time.
The Extra Mile
Now that you have the fundamentals, here are a few additional tips to help you secure excellent prize items for your organisation’s raffle:
- Research Potential Donors: Research the businesses you plan to contact before reaching out. Understand their values, target audience, and past philanthropic activities. This information will help you tailor your prize appeal to align with their interests.
- Cultivate Relationships: Don’t just reach out to businesses when you need something. Try to build ongoing relationships with potential donors. This could involve promoting them at your event, featuring them in your newsletter, or finding other ways to provide value.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Businesses are more likely to donate if they see the benefits. Offering sponsorships, such as featuring their logo on your printed flyers and postcards or acknowledging them at your event, can make your request more appealing and show them the value of their contribution.
Wrapping Up
Following these steps will help you secure fantastic prizes for your event and put you well on your way to reaching fundraising goals. It’s important to stay organised, persistent, and personal in your approach. With these qualities, you’ll be ready to make your charity raffle fundraising event a huge hit. Take the first step to organising a successful raffle and begin your prize quest today. You’ve got this, and remember, you have a whole team cheering you on every step of the way!
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