Running an organization is no simple feat. No organization can rely upon just an annual dinner as their sole fundraiser. Instead, we all must turn to various forms of fundraising. One of the most popular ways to raise funds in the Jewish world, is through a raffle. For some shuls or organizations, their annual raffle is the second biggest communal fundraiser (behind their banquet). Raffles are great in that even if a person is unable to give, they can spread the word and help your cause by selling tickets, sending emails around about it, posting information online encouraging people to buy a ticket, and calling people that they know and asking them to buy a ticket. Some of the other reasons that shuls and organizations run raffles are:
- It’s a way to excite people and develop a new fresh data base of donors.
- You can engage volunteers to sell raffle tickets. These people would otherwise be afraid of ‘fundraising’.
- In this down economy people are driven by the prizes; therefore, raffle sales are up.
When it comes to building a raffle, you can try and do it on your own. That said, organizing a successful raffle campaign is no simple feat. And so, we wanted to make you aware of the fact that many institutions partner with the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. For six years straight, they have been running a raffle and it has proven itself as a fantastic way to raise money. Their partners did amazing and you can do the same!
Here’s how it works: You purchase a block of tickets from The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation at a discounted price. You then sell each ticket for $100. Best of all, all of the prizes, graphic design, and even the printing, is provided by The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation!
Below are samples of two flyers from organizations that have partnered with The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. All in all, this is a great way to allow your shul or organization to offer big prizes, without much of a financial expenditure on your part. For additional options contact Rabbi Gavriel Jacknin, a Ner LeElef alumnus, at 832-971-3781.
