Before reaching out to people and businesses for raffle prize donations, develop a strategic plan. Begin by determining the number and variety of prizes you aim to have for your raffle draw. Remember, including significant, attention-grabbing items can ignite excitement and significantly boost your fundraising efforts for the cause you’re passionate about.

Next, compile a list of companies that could contribute fantastic raffle items. The more extensive your list, the better, as it allows you to reach out to a larger pool of potential donors. When creating your list, don’t just focus on national companies and brands—remember the power of local businesses in fostering community involvement.

Local restaurants and spas often receive donation requests for raffles, so in some cases they may not be as quick to donate a prize. Increase your chances of a prize donation by considering businesses that might receive fewer prize donation requests. Examples of this sort of business are tattoo parlours, tax service providers, local artists, dog grooming salons, personal trainers, cooking classes, and car repair businesses.

These hidden gems can offer unique services in the form of a gift certificate, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to your event. Moreover, they’re often more open to participating for the good vibes, community exposure, and potential for new customers.

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.

Whether you’re emailing or sending a printed letter, every strong raffle prize request hits the same handful of beats:

• A subject line that earns the open. Lead with the cause, not the ask — “Your Help Can Send Our Team to Nationals!” lands a lot better than “Donation Request.”
• A personal greeting. Address the letter to a specific person by name and title. “Dear [First Name]” beats “To Whom It May Concern” every time.
• Who you are and why you’re writing. Introduce yourself, your role, and your nonprofit right at the top — busy decision-makers will skim, so get to the point quickly.
• The cause and the event. Share your mission, what the fundraiser is, when it’s happening, and who’s expected to attend. Specifics make the ask feel real.
• Your specific ask. Don’t make the business guess. Name the prize you’d love them to donate (“a self-care package,” “a $50 gift card”) and the goal you’re working toward.
• Why their business is a great fit. A quick line connecting their products or services to your audience shows you’ve done your homework — and makes a “yes” easier.
• How you’ll thank them publicly. Logo placement on event signage, social media shoutouts, an emcee mention, a feature on your website — community visibility is the donor’s payoff.
• Your 501(c)(3) status and EIN. This lets the business claim the donation as a tax deduction, and it’s the detail that often closes the deal.
• A clear deadline and contact info. Let them know when you need to hear back, how the donation can be delivered, and the best way to reach you.

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.

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.