21 School Raffle Ideas (That Actually Raise Money)

A good raffle is simple to run, fun for families, and a reliable fundraiser for PTAs and schools.

Below are 21 tried-and-tested raffle ideas, grouped so you can pick the right fit for your school community. You’ll also find a quick guide on how to promote your raffle effectively with My Schools Events, so parents never miss deadlines.

Quick tips before you start

• Get clear on the goal: how much you want to raise and what it will fund.
• Keep it easy: one page for info, simple payment, and clear deadlines.
• Make it visible: posters on site, newsletter mentions, and calendar listings.
• Thank donors publicly to encourage repeat support next time.
• Always check local rules for raffles and lotteries. If in doubt, ask your school office or PTA for guidance.

Contents

21 School Raffle Ideas (That Actually Raise Money)

• Classic crowd pleasing rafflie ideas
• Raffle Experiences families love
• Local business partnerships
• School-made and pupil-powered raffle ideas
• Quick-win mini raffles

How to Communicate Your Raffle so no Parent Misses it

21 School Raffle Ideas (That Actually Raise Money)

Classic crowd pleasing rafflie ideas

1) Luxury Hamper Raffle

• How it works: Build a premium hamper (artisan food, hot chocolate set, candles, family board game). One headline prize keeps admin low.
• Setup tips: Ask local shops for small donations; keep colours cohesive; display the hamper in reception with a bold “Win Me!” sign.
• Cost & effort: Low–medium if donations are strong.

2) 50/50 Cash Raffle

• How it works: Half the pot to the winner, half to the school. Parents are encouraged to donate a set amount for the raffle. E.g £5
• Setup tips: Emphasise transparency; display a running total on a whiteboard or in event updates.
• Cost & effort: Very low; no prize sourcing.
• Promote with My Schools Events: Title that front-loads the action: “Buy Tickets By Thu 3pm – 50/50 Draw Fri.” Update the amount raised mid-week.

3) Seasonal Mega Bundle

• How it works: Theme to the term (Autumn, Winter, Summer). Include vouchers, treats, craft kits.
• Setup tips: One eye-catching hero item (e.g., scooter or tablet case + accessories) boosts perceived value.
• Cost & effort: Medium; several small donors.

4) Tech Treat Raffle

• How it works: One wow prize (tablet, headphones, e-reader) donated by a sponsor.
• Setup tips: Approach IT retailers and repair shops; offer shout-outs in calendar updates and winners’ posts.
• Cost & effort: Low if donated; high if purchased—set a minimum ticket target if buying.

Raffle Experiences families love

5) Headteacher for a Day

• How it works: Pupil shadows the Head, does safe, fun duties (announcing a school challenge, reading in assembly).
• Setup tips: Pre-agree a simple schedule and photo permission.
• Cost & effort: Very low; coordination with Senior Leadership Team.

6) Front-Row Seats at a School Show

• How it works: Reserve prime seats and a parking space.
• Setup tips: Confirm seating plan; add a “meet and greet” with the cast if appropriate.
• Cost & effort: Very low.

7) VIP Sports Day Package

• How it works: Shade tent, reserved viewing, cold drinks, a picnic blanket.
• Setup tips: Borrow a gazebo; coordinate with site staff.
• Cost & effort: Low–medium.

8) Teacher vs. Pupil Challenge

• How it works: Winner chooses a fun challenge (penalty shoot-out, times tables quiz).
• Setup tips: Keep it light; confirm teacher volunteers; set 10–15 minutes max.
• Cost & effort: Low.

Local business partnerships

9) Local Restaurant Date Night

• How it works: Meal for two from a nearby restaurant.
• Setup tips: Ask for off-peak vouchers; provide a donor thank-you line in comms.
• Cost & effort: Low if donated.

10) Family Day Out

• How it works: Museum, farm park, climbing centre or theme park tickets.
• Setup tips: Contact attractions’ community teams; request family bundle or off-peak tickets.
• Cost & effort: Low if donated; otherwise set a ticket target.

11) Haircut or Spa Voucher

• How it works: Salon/barbershop voucher; great pre-holiday.
• Setup tips: Offer socials or newsletter thanks; propose a small poster in reception crediting the donor.
• Cost & effort: Very low.

12) Weekly Coffee for a Month

• How it works: One free coffee each week (4–5 vouchers) at a local café.
• Setup tips: Use dated vouchers to keep it simple for the café.
• Cost & effort: Very low.

School-made and pupil-powered raffle ideas

13) Class Art Collage

• How it works: One framed piece made by the class (handprints, skyline, seasonal scene).
• Setup tips: Use quality paper and a decent frame; display it for a week where parents pass by.
• Cost & effort: Low–medium (teacher time).

14) Recipe Book Raffle

• How it works: Families submit recipes; produce a simple PDF and 10 printed copies as prizes.
• Setup tips: Use one template page; collect a photo for a few recipes to add charm.
• Cost & effort: Medium (collation + light design).

15) Student Greeting Cards

• How it works: Scan pupil artwork; print packs of 6–8 cards with envelopes.
• Setup tips: Use batch printing (A6) to keep costs down; sell surplus packs separately.
• Cost & effort: Medium (print run).

16) “Name the New Library Corner”

• How it works: Winner chooses a fun, appropriate name; unveil a small sign in assembly.
• Setup tips: Provide a few guiding themes; final approval by SLT.
• Cost & effort: Very low.

Quick-win mini raffles

17) Golden Ticket at the Gate

• How it works: One-week flash sale; draw at Friday pick-up.
• Setup tips: Use a bright box and visible sign at the gate; card reader if possible.
• Cost & effort: Low.

18) Mystery Box

• How it works: Sealed box of small prizes (book voucher, stationery, sweets).
• Setup tips: Display approximate value (“Over £40 of treats inside”).
• Cost & effort: Low–medium.

19) Guess the Sweets in the Jar

• How it works: Closest guess wins the jar (tie-break = earliest entry).
• Setup tips: Count sweets precisely; keep entry slips in a labelled container.
• Cost & effort: Very low.

20) Uniform Refresh Pack

• How it works: Voucher for school shop + laundry kit or name labels.
• Setup tips: Partner with the uniform supplier; include popular sizes/credit.
• Cost & effort: Low if donated/discounted.

21) After-School Treat Bundle

• How it works: Family cinema voucher + snacks hamper for a Friday evening.
• Setup tips: Include a reusable tote and popcorn bowls; secure voucher with no blackout for early evening.
• Cost & effort: Low–medium.

How to Communicate Your Raffle so no Parent Misses it

Clear, timely communication is what turns a good raffle into a great fundraiser.

With My Schools Events you can make sure parents know what to do, by when, without extra admin.

Set up your event once

• Create an event called “School Raffle: Tickets on Sale” in your school’s calendar.
• In the description, front-load the action: What, When, Where, Bring/Cost, Deadline.
• Add key dates as separate events if useful: “Last Day to Buy Tickets,” “Raffle Draw Live.”

Make timing work for busy families

• Parents receive a weekly round-up email on Sunday so they can plan the week ahead.
• The platform also sends automatic reminders one day before your raffle deadline or draw.
• If your raffle is for specific year groups, tag the event so only relevant parents get notified.

Keep details crystal clear

• Use short titles that start with the action:
• “Buy Raffle Tickets by Thursday – Draw on Friday 3.15pm”
• Put the most important info in the first two lines of the description:
• Action: Buy online via the school office or send cash in a named envelope
  • Deadline: Thursday, 3.00pm
  • Draw: Friday, 3.15pm, Main Hall
  • Prize Highlights: Luxury Hamper, VIP Sports Day, Local Restaurant Voucher

Embed and repeat

• Embed the My Schools Events calendar on your site so parents always see the latest info.
• Mention “Check the School Calendar” in newsletters and social posts for consistency.
• After the draw, create a quick “Winners Announced” event post to close the loop and thank supporters.

Not using My Schools Events yet?

It helps schools centralise event updates and automatically email parents relevant reminders, which reduces missed deadlines and improves attendance.

Learn more at myschoolsevents.com.