Christmas raffles — the seasonal fundraiser that fills your stocking

It depends on your size and structure. Many schools, PTAs and small community Christmas raffles run as free prize draws (with a genuine free-entry route) or as incidental non-commercial lotteries at a specific event. Larger raffles typically run as Small Society Lotteries, registered with your local council (£40 fee, ~3 weeks). Robin will recommend the right route based on your specifics.

Mid-November is the sweet spot. Long enough to build momentum through Advent, short enough that supporters feel the urgency. Most ticket sales come in the final 10 days.

A tiered ladder. One headline (cash, weekend break, premium hamper). A few mid-tier (smaller hampers, experience days, vouchers). 5–10 small prizes from local sponsors. Variety keeps everyone hopeful — and sponsor prizes mean no cost to your cause.

Each sponsor gets named on the raffle page, in winner emails and at the draw event. We supply a sponsor pack you can email to local businesses — most will donate a £20–£100 voucher in return for the visibility.

Tie it to a moment your community is already showing up for — the carol concert, end-of-term assembly, last home fixture before Christmas, or your festive social event. In-person or live-streamed both work.

Yes — supporters can buy tickets right up to the cut-off time on draw day. Most schools find about 40% of tickets sell in the final 48 hours.

Our standard fee is 15%, taken off the top — what remains splits 50/50 between winner and cause. Grassroots clubs can pay what they feel. No setup, no subscriptions, no hidden charges. Card processing applies at cost (1.5% + 20p).

Direct via Stripe Connect, usually within 2–3 working days of ticket sales settling. You’ll have the funds before the new term starts.