Verdict: Calendar raffles are one of the highest-margin fundraisers available to nonprofits — run yours on Zeffy to keep every dollar you raise with zero fees.
What works: Sourcing donated prizes from local businesses, daily or weekly social media winner announcements, and online ticket sales through a zero-fee platform.
What doesn't: Running a full 365-day raffle without enough volunteers, skipping state permit research, and pricing calendars below $10 without enough volume.
Best for: School PTAs, community nonprofits, social service organizations, and any group with an active local business community to tap for prizes.
Worth considering if: You want recurring supporter engagement rather than a one-time ask — every draw keeps your mission top of mind for months.
Table of contents
A calendar raffle is one of the simplest fundraisers a nonprofit can run — and one of the most profitable. Supporters buy a numbered calendar, and that number enters them into every single draw for the entire raffle period. Daily, weekly, or monthly — their number stays in the pool the whole time. One calendar can even win multiple times. It's recurring excitement for supporters and steady revenue for your organization. Whether you're raising money for a school PTA, a community center, or a social services nonprofit, calendar raffles consistently bring in $1,000 to $7,500+ with minimal overhead.
What is a calendar raffle?
A calendar raffle is a fundraiser where supporters purchase a numbered calendar that enters them into every draw during the raffle period. Unlike a traditional raffle where you buy tickets for a single drawing, a calendar raffle gives supporters multiple chances to win — daily, weekly, or monthly — all from one purchase.
Here's how it works:
- 1. Your nonprofit creates numbered calendars. Each calendar has a unique number printed on it.
- 2. Supporters buy a calendar. That number becomes their entry for the entire raffle period.
- 3. Drawings happen on a set schedule. You draw a winning number daily, weekly, or monthly — whatever you've chosen.
- 4. Winners go back in the pool. Winning doesn't remove someone from future draws. One calendar can win multiple times throughout the raffle.
This is what makes calendar raffles different from regular raffles. Supporters aren't buying a single shot at a single prize. They're buying ongoing excitement — a reason to check in every day or every week. That sustained engagement is invaluable for nonprofits building community. The calendar itself doubles as a physical reminder of your organization. It hangs on someone's wall or sits on their desk for weeks or months, keeping your mission visible.
Calendar raffle profit calculator
Calendar raffles have some of the best unit economics in fundraising. Before you launch, it's worth running the numbers so you know exactly what you're building toward.
Use the calculator below to estimate your profit based on your pricing, volume, and costs.
Estimated Net Profit
$2,900
58% profit margin
Quick Reference: Profit Scenarios
Assumes $1,000 prize budget, $2/calendar printing, and $100 in other costs.
| Calendars Sold |
@ $5 |
@ $10 |
@ $20 |
@ $50 |
| 100 calendars |
-$800 |
-$300 |
$700 |
$3,700 |
| 250 calendars |
-$350 |
$900 |
$3,400 |
$10,900 |
| 500 calendars |
$400 |
$2,900 |
$7,900 |
$22,900 |
| 1,000 calendars |
$1,900 |
$6,900 |
$16,900 |
$46,900 |
Quick reference: profit scenarios
The table below shows net profit across common ticket price points and sales volumes. Assumptions: $1,000 prize budget, $2 per calendar printing cost, and $100 in other costs (marketing, postage, supplies).
|
| 100 calendars | -$800 | -$300 | $700 | $3,700 |
| 250 calendars | -$350 | $900 | $3,400 | $10,900 |
| 500 calendars | $400 | $2,900 | $7,900 | $22,900 |
| 1,000 calendars | $1,900 | $6,900 | $16,900 | $46,900 |
Key takeaway: at $10 per calendar, you need at least 250 sold to clear a meaningful profit with a $1,000 prize budget. At $20 per calendar, 250 sales puts you at $3,400 net. Pricing matters more than volume at smaller scales.
Real-world scenario examples
Here's how the math plays out in practice across three common scenarios:
Scenario 1: Small community group, modest goals
- 250 calendars sold at $10 each
- Prize budget: $500 (mix of donated and purchased)
- Net profit: $1,700 (68% margin)
Scenario 2: Mid-size nonprofit, strong local business support
- 500 calendars sold at $10 each
- Prize budget: $0 (all prizes donated by local businesses)
- Net profit: $4,400 (88% margin)
Scenario 3: Active PTA or band booster group with large network
- 1,000 calendars sold at $10 each
- Net profit: $6,900 (69% margin)
The real power move is prize sourcing. Local businesses love donating prizes to calendar raffles because they get visibility on the calendar itself, in your social media posts, and at winner announcements. A restaurant donates a $50 gift card; you feature their logo on the calendar. Your prize budget could drop to $0 — and your margin could exceed 90%.
|
| Calendars sold | 200 | 500 | 1,000 |
| Price per calendar | $10 | $10 | $20 |
| Gross revenue | $2,000 | $5,000 | $20,000 |
| Prize costs | $300 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Printing costs | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| Net profit | $1,550 | $4,200 | $18,400 |
These estimates are based on typical calendar raffle structures. Actual results vary by organization size, location, and promotion effort. Always check your state's raffle regulations before launching.
How much can you make? Results by format and ticket price
Your raffle format — daily, weekly, or monthly draws — affects both your prize budget and your supporter engagement. Here's how each format compares.
|
| Daily (31-day) | Every day | 31 prizes | $10–$20 | Holiday months, high-energy communities | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Weekly (52-week) | Every week | 52 prizes | $15–$25 | Year-round community engagement | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Monthly (12-month) | Once per month | 12 prizes | $20–$50 | Larger prize budgets, premium campaigns | $5,000–$20,000+ |
| Hybrid (daily + monthly jackpot) | Daily + monthly | 31–52 small + 1 big | $20–$30 | PTAs, band boosters, civic groups | $5,000–$12,000 |
Weekly formats tend to hit the best balance: enough draws to maintain excitement, manageable prize sourcing, and a ticket price that's easy to justify. Monthly formats work well when you can land a few high-value prizes (think weekend getaways, electronics, or experience packages) that justify a $20–$50 calendar price.
Daily formats are high-energy but require more logistics. If you have an active social media presence and a team that can post winners every day, daily draws generate enormous engagement. The Mosier School PTA proved this — more on their results below.
6 creative calendar raffle ideas
Not all calendar raffles look the same. Here are six proven formats to match your community, your timeline, and your goals.
1. 365 Days of Giving
A full-year daily drawing — one winner every single day for 365 days. This is the marathon version. Keep daily prizes in the $10–$25 range and save larger prizes ($100+) for the first of each month. This keeps costs manageable while maintaining excitement.
2. 52 Weeks of Local Love
A weekly drawing for an entire year, with every prize sourced from local businesses. Each week highlights a different business — a bakery, a gym, a bookstore, a restaurant. It's part fundraiser, part community celebration. Approach businesses with a sponsorship deck showing how many calendars you plan to sell. The visibility angle sells itself — their name on 500+ calendars hanging in local homes.
3. Holiday Countdown
A 30-day December calendar with daily draws leading up to Christmas or New Year's. This taps into the natural excitement of the holiday season and makes a great gift. Prizes can be holiday-themed — gift baskets, tree ornaments, hot cocoa kits. Start selling in early November and position it as a "gift that gives back."
4. New Year, New You
A January wellness-themed raffle with weekly or daily prizes related to health and self-improvement. Think gym memberships, yoga class passes, healthy meal kits, wellness subscriptions, or fitness gear. January is when local gyms and health food stores are actively looking for new customers — they'll be happy to donate prizes in exchange for visibility.
5. Back-to-School Bonanza
An August calendar with daily or weekly draws featuring school supplies, family experiences, and kid-friendly prizes. Perfect for school PTAs and youth-focused nonprofits. Think backpack bundles, bookstore gift cards, and family movie passes. Sell at school registration events, back-to-school nights, and through parent email lists.
6. Foodie's Year
A 12-month calendar with one big monthly food-related prize. Restaurant gift cards, cooking class vouchers, gourmet food baskets, meal delivery subscriptions. Each month could have a culinary theme — BBQ in July, pumpkin spice in October, holiday feasts in December. Feature each month's restaurant prominently on the calendar design to attract higher-value prize donations.
How to run a calendar raffle: step-by-step guide
Step 1: Choose your format and theme
Decide on your timeline (daily, weekly, or monthly draws), duration (one month, a quarter, or a full year), and theme. Match it to your community. A school PTA might go with Back-to-School Bonanza. A community foundation might choose 52 Weeks of Local Love.
Consider your capacity honestly. A 365-day raffle means 365 drawings. If you're a small team, a monthly or weekly format is more sustainable.
Step 2: Set your pricing and prize structure
Most calendar raffles price between $10 and $25 per calendar. The sweet spot depends on your community and your prize value.
- $10/calendar — Accessible to everyone, high volume potential
- $15–$20/calendar — Good middle ground for quality prize packages
- $25/calendar — Works when prizes are substantial (electronics, experiences, larger gift cards)
Map out your full prize list before you start selling. Supporters want to know what they could win.
Step 3: Design and print your calendars
Your calendar needs to look good enough that people actually want to hang it up. Include:
- Your nonprofit's name, logo, and mission statement
- The unique raffle number (prominently displayed)
- Draw dates and prize descriptions
- Sponsor and business logos if you've sourced donated prizes
- Rules and contact information
Use tools like Canva for design and a local print shop for production. Budget $0.50–$1.50 per calendar depending on quantity and quality.
Step 4: Sell calendars
Five tips to maximize sales:
- 1. Set a goal and track it publicly. "We've sold 312 of our 500 calendars!" creates urgency.
- 2. Mobilize your volunteers. Give each board member or volunteer a pack of 20 calendars to sell through their networks. This is a natural fit for peer-to-peer fundraising.
- 3. Sell at events. Community gatherings, farmers markets, school events, church services — anywhere your supporters gather.
- 4. Use social media. Post countdown updates, feature prizes, highlight sponsors. Make it feel exciting.
- 5. Offer online purchasing. Use a platform like Zeffy to sell calendars online and reach supporters who can't buy in person.
Step 5: Run the draws and announce winners
Make each drawing an event. Even a 30-second Facebook Live video of you pulling a number from a hat builds excitement. Tag winners (with their permission), congratulate them publicly, and remind everyone that their number is still in the pool for next time.
Keep a public log of winners — on social media, your website, or a shared Google Doc. Transparency builds trust and keeps people engaged. You can pair Zeffy with any online raffle generator to run your draws.
Step 6: Thank supporters and share results
When the raffle ends, close the loop. Share your total raised, what the funds will support, and a genuine thank-you to every participant, sponsor, and volunteer. This is also your setup for next year. A strong close makes the next one easier to launch.
Calendar raffle rules and legal requirements
This is the section most organizers skip — and the one that can shut your raffle down before it starts. Raffle laws vary significantly by state, and the rules for calendar raffles are no different from standard raffle requirements.
What you need to check before launching
Permits and registration: Many states require nonprofits to register their raffle with a state or county agency before selling tickets. Some states charge a permit fee; others require you to file results after the raffle ends.
Who can hold a raffle: Most states restrict raffle fundraisers to registered 501(c)(3) or qualified nonprofit organizations. For-profit entities generally cannot run charitable raffles.
Age restrictions: Most states prohibit the sale of raffle tickets to minors (under 18). A few states set the age at 21. Check your specific state's rules.
Online raffle sales: This is where rules get complicated. Some states explicitly permit online raffle sales. Others prohibit them or leave the question unresolved. Before selling online, verify your state's position on digital raffle ticket sales.
Prize value limits: Some states cap the total value of prizes in a single raffle or require that no single prize exceed a specific dollar amount. Others have no cap. Knowing this before you set your prize structure saves you from having to redesign it later.
Reporting requirements: Several states require nonprofits to file post-raffle reports showing gross receipts, expenses, and how proceeds were used. Keep detailed records from day one.
Disclosure requirements: Many states require specific language on the raffle ticket itself — your organization's name, registration number, ticket price, draw date, and odds of winning.
Key rule: winners stay in the pool
One thing to confirm with your state's rules: calendar raffles typically allow winners to remain eligible for future draws. This is a core feature of the format. Make sure your state's raffle statutes don't require winner removal, and disclose your policy clearly on every calendar.
For a full breakdown by state, review the raffle rules by state guide before you start planning. If you need a broader overview of the entire raffle process, the how to do a raffle guide covers the full picture.
Sample prize list by budget
Prize sourcing is the single biggest lever for profitability. Here's what a realistic prize list looks like at three budget levels — with specific examples your team can use as a starting point.
Budget-friendly: under $500 total prize budget
These prizes work well for 31-day daily draws or 12-week weekly draws with smaller communities.
- $25–$50 restaurant gift cards (approach 10–15 local restaurants)
- Coffee shop bundles ($20–$30 value — bag of beans, travel mug, gift card)
- Bookstore or craft store gift cards ($25–$50)
- Movie tickets (2-pack, approximately $30)
- Nail salon or barbershop gift cards ($30–$50)
- Car wash packages ($20–$40)
- Branded nonprofit merchandise (T-shirts, tote bags, mugs — zero cash cost if you have inventory)
- Grocery store gift cards ($25–$50)
Total budget tip: With 12 donated prizes averaging $30 each, your cash prize cost is $360. Approach 12–15 local businesses and aim for 80–100% donation coverage.
Mid-range: $500–$2,000 total prize budget
This tier works well for 52-week raffles or monthly draws with more established communities.
- Spa day packages ($100–$150)
- Weekend hotel stays (donated or purchased, $150–$300)
- Sports or concert tickets (2-pack, $75–$200)
- Local experience packages (cooking class, wine tasting, axe throwing — $80–$150)
- Electronics accessories (wireless earbuds, phone chargers, $50–$100)
- Fitness class memberships (1–3 months, $60–$150)
- Pet grooming packages ($50–$75)
- Grocery or meal delivery subscription (1–3 months, $60–$150)
Total budget tip: Mix 3–4 purchased anchor prizes with 8–10 donated items. A $200 spa package combined with 10 donated restaurant and experience prizes keeps your cash outlay under $500 while delivering a strong prize list.
Premium: $2,000+ total prize budget
This tier supports monthly draws with high-value prizes or a 12-month calendar with big monthly anchor prizes.
- Weekend getaway packages ($300–$600)
- Airline gift cards or travel vouchers ($200–$500)
- iPad, tablet, or laptop ($400–$800)
- Smart home devices (Amazon Echo, Google Nest hub — $100–$200)
- Season tickets to local sports teams ($200–$600)
- Golf foursomes at premium courses ($200–$400)
- Home improvement gift cards — Home Depot, Lowe's ($100–$300)
- High-end restaurant tasting menus or chef's table experiences ($200–$500)
Total budget tip: At this tier, one or two anchor prizes drive the calendar's perceived value. A $500 weekend getaway as the monthly January prize justifies a $25–$50 calendar price and can push total revenue well past $10,000 for 500 calendars sold.
Real results: calendar raffle case studies
These are real nonprofits that ran calendar raffles on Zeffy. No hypotheticals — actual results from organizations like yours.
|
| Mosier School PTA | 31 Days of Amazing Prizes | $10 | $7,571 | Daily Facebook winner announcements |
| North Ridgeville Band Boosters | Calendar raffle | Not specified | $5,543 | School community network |
| Elizabeth Seton Center | Two calendar raffles (combined) | Not specified | $4,182 combined | Scaled second raffle ~4x first |
| Billerica Holiday Festival | Calendar raffle | Not specified | $3,858 | Holiday season timing |
Elizabeth Seton Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
The Elizabeth Seton Center ran two calendar raffles on Zeffy and raised a combined $4,182. What's remarkable is the growth: their second raffle brought in roughly 4x the revenue of their first. They learned what worked — pricing, promotion, prize selection — and scaled it.
Key takeaway: Your first calendar raffle is a learning experience. The second one is where the real money comes in. Keep detailed notes after your first run.
Mosier School PTA
The Mosier School PTA ran a "31 Days of Amazing Prizes" calendar raffle and raised $7,571. They sold calendars at $10 each, sourced all prizes from local businesses, and announced winners daily on Facebook.
Key takeaway: Daily Facebook announcements turned each draw into a mini-event. The social media engagement drove more calendar sales mid-raffle — people saw friends winning and wanted in.
North Ridgeville Band Boosters
The North Ridgeville Band Boosters raised $5,543 through their calendar raffle. School band programs are a natural fit for this format — a tight-knit parent community, strong local business ties, and clear mission visibility.
Key takeaway: Organizations with well-defined local networks and active parent communities consistently outperform average benchmarks. Your existing supporters are your best sales force.
Billerica Holiday Festival
The Billerica Holiday Festival raised $3,858 with their calendar raffle. Holiday-season timing gave them a natural sales hook — the calendar doubled as a seasonal gift for family and friends.
Key takeaway: Timing your calendar raffle around a holiday or community event dramatically reduces the selling effort. The season does the marketing for you.
Free calendar raffle template
Planning your calendar raffle from scratch takes time. A ready-to-use template means you can skip the blank-page problem and start selling faster.
The free Google Sheets calendar raffle template below includes:
- Numbered calendar grid (customizable for any month or year)
- Participant tracking (name, number, payment status)
- Winner log with draw dates
- Revenue and cost tracker with automatic profit calculation
If you want a designed printable version to hand out at events or mail to supporters, a PDF calendar raffle template is a useful addition. Use Canva's free nonprofit plan to customize a calendar layout, add your raffle numbers, and export as a print-ready PDF. Include your nonprofit's logo, draw dates, prize descriptions, and sponsor logos — the more complete it looks, the easier it is to sell.
Calendar raffle best practices
1. Be transparent about everything
Post your rules, prize list, draw schedule, and how funds will be used. Transparency isn't just ethical — it drives sales. People give more when they trust where the money goes.
2. Source prizes from local businesses
This is the single biggest lever for profitability. Donated prizes mean higher margins and stronger community ties. Approach businesses with a clear value proposition: "Your logo on 500 calendars in local homes, plus social media shoutouts at every drawing."
3. Use social media as your engine
Post before, during, and after. Countdown to launch. Daily or weekly winner announcements. Behind-the-scenes of the draw. Supporter testimonials. Tag winners and sponsors. Make it a running story, not a one-time announcement.
4. Check legal requirements first
Review raffle rules by state before you start planning. Some states require permits. Some restrict online sales. Some have reporting requirements. Don't skip this step.
5. Follow up with every buyer
After the raffle, email every calendar holder with results, impact, and a genuine thank-you. Include a link to donate further or sign up for your next event. Your raffle buyers are now warm leads for future fundraising.
6. Plan for next year on day one
Keep detailed notes on what worked and what didn't. Track which prizes got the most excitement, which sales channels performed best, and what your actual costs were. The second raffle is always easier — and more profitable.
How to start your calendar raffle on Zeffy
Zeffy is used by 100K+ nonprofits that have raised $2B+ combined — with $0 in platform fees, transaction fees, or credit card fees. Your organization keeps every dollar you raise. Supporters can add an optional tip to Zeffy at checkout, but that's entirely their choice. Zeffy is 100% free for nonprofits.
Here's what you get with Zeffy's raffle tools:
- Built-in raffle setup — custom ticket types, pricing tiers, and descriptions
- Online and in-person sales — share a link for online purchases or use Zeffy at live events
- Automatic tax receipts — sent to every buyer instantly, no manual work
- Donor management — track who bought calendars, follow up easily, and build your supporter list for future fundraisers
Getting started takes about 10 minutes. Create your free account, set up your raffle, and start selling.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to run a calendar raffle?
It depends on your state. Most states require nonprofits to register their raffle with a state or county agency before selling tickets. Some require post-raffle reporting as well. Always check your state's specific raffle laws before launching. The raffle rules by state guide breaks this down state by state.
Can winners win more than once in a calendar raffle?
Yes — that's one of the defining features of a calendar raffle. Once a number wins a draw, it goes back into the pool for future draws. One calendar can win multiple times throughout the raffle period. Just make sure your state's raffle rules don't prohibit this, and disclose it clearly on every calendar.
How many calendars should I print for my first raffle?
Start with a number your team can realistically sell. For a small organization, 100–250 calendars is a safe first run. Larger groups with active volunteer networks can aim for 500. It's better to sell out and create urgency than to have 200 unsold calendars at the end.
How do I get local businesses to donate prizes?
Approach them with a specific value proposition: X calendars sold, their logo visible in local homes for the duration of the raffle, social media shoutouts at each drawing, and a mention in your post-raffle wrap-up email. Most businesses respond better to a written one-page sponsorship overview than a cold verbal ask.
What if I don't sell all my calendars?
Adjust your prize count proportionally if you fall significantly short. If you printed 500 calendars and sold 300, recalibrate your prize budget accordingly. Never cancel draws that were promised — it damages trust. Consider extending your sale period before the first draw date to maximize sales.
Can I run a calendar raffle online only, without a physical calendar?
Yes, but check your state's rules on digital raffle ticket sales first. Some states permit fully online raffles; others require physical tickets or have restrictions on electronic sales. A digital calendar graphic can serve the same purpose as a printed one — numbered, downloadable, and emailed to buyers.
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