What is a 50:50 and How to Run One

Posted by Jordan Morris on 1 August 2025

If you’re hosting a larger fundraising event or looking to add a quick-win element to an existing campaign, a 50/50 Prize Raffle is a brilliant way to raise extra money with minimal effort. It’s simple, flexible, and engaging—everything a great fundraiser should be.

Let’s break down what a 50/50 Prize Raffle is, how it works, and how to make the most of it both in-person and online.

What is a 50/50 Prize Raffle?

A 50/50 Prize Raffle is a game of chance where the prize is cold, hard cash. Supporters buy tickets, and at the end of the draw, 50% of the proceeds go to the winning ticket holder, while the other 50% goes directly to your cause.

It’s easy to set up and has instant appeal—supporters are motivated by the chance to win money while helping a good cause. That’s a win-win!

How to Run a 50/50 Prize Raffle

1. Set Your Ticket Price Wisely

Most organisations choose an accessible price point, like £5 or £10 per ticket. Consider your audience—if you’re fundraising at a gala dinner or corporate event, you may be able to set higher ticket prices.

2. Sell Tickets Efficiently

Whether it’s in-person using physical tickets or via an online prize draw platform like Givergy, your sales process should be seamless. Offering ticket bundles (e.g., 3 for £20) can also help increase sales.

3. Track Ticket Numbers

Each ticket sold corresponds to a unique number. If you’re running the Prize Raffle manually, make sure records are accurate. If you’re using Givergy, all entries are tracked automatically.

4. Draw the Winner

Once ticket sales are closed, draw a winner at random. Make it a moment! Announce it during a key event, livestream it online, or follow up by email—just make sure participants know when and how the draw will happen.

5. Split the Pot

One half of the total raised goes to the lucky winner. The other half goes straight to your fundraising pot.

Why 50/50 Prize Raffles Work So Well

Low Effort, High Engagement – They’re incredibly easy to run and fun for participants.

Fast Fundraising – No need for elaborate planning. A 50/50 Prize Raffle can be set up and completed in a short timeframe.

Flexible Format – Run them at events, sports matches, galas, or completely online.

Immediate Incentive – Donors love the chance to win cash—it’s a straightforward motivator.

No Prize Sourcing Required – No need to chase sponsors or gather donations. The prize pool builds itself.

Online vs In-Person: What’s Better?

Both formats work well—it depends on your audience and event.

In-Person Prize Raffles:

• Great for galas, festivals, school events, or sports games.
• Leverages the energy of a live audience.
• Works best with visible ticket sellers and signage.

Online Prize Raffles:

• Reach a wider audience—participants can enter from anywhere.
• Extend the Prize Raffle duration beyond a single event.
• Minimise admin—platforms like Givergy handle tracking, payments, and notifications.

Bonus: Online Prize Raffles allow late entries—even after the event wraps up. That’s more time to raise!

Pro Tip: Split the Pot Creatively

You don’t have to give the full 50% prize to a single winner. Some fundraisers opt to split it into multiple cash prizes (e.g., 1st place = 30%, 2nd place = 15%, 3rd place = 5%).

More winners = more excitement, and more ticket sales.

Run Your 50/50 Prize Raffle with Givergy

At Givergy, we make Prize Raffle fundraising simple, secure, and successful. Our Prize Draw tool lets you:

• Sell tickets online with ease
• Track entries automatically
• Draw winners at random and notify them instantly
• Accept additional donations during entry

You also get built-in promotion tools, mobile optimisation, and real-time reporting—all in one platform.

Whether you’re bolting a 50/50 Prize Raffle onto an existing event or launching a standalone online draw, Givergy has everything you need to make it a success.

Ready to create a free 50:50 Prize Raffle? Create your campaign in just a few clicks here!

*Givergy licensed Prize Raffles available in BC, ON, AB.*

Jordan Morris

Givergy

Jordan joined Givergy after studying Politics with International Relations at the University of York. He has over two years experience within the charity sector working as a face-to-face fundraiser and as a constituency campaigner. After experiencing the sector from within and knowing first-hand the impact digital solutions can make to fundraising strategies, Jordan is now dedicated to innovating the way charities fundraise to ensure they maximise returns from every fundraising campaign.