How to Run a Raffle, 50/50 or Sweepstakes in Canada: 7 Top Tips for Fundraising Success

Running a raffle, 50/50 draw, or sweepstake in Canada is one of the most effective ways for nonprofits and charities to raise money, energize communities, and keep supporters engaged. However, understanding the rules and running a transparent, compliant campaign can be challenging — especially with provincial differences.

That’s why more fundraisers are turning to our licensed raffle and sweepstakes platform. With us, you can run a digital raffle, 50/50, or sweepstake legally, securely, and efficiently.

Here are seven top tips to help you run a successful online fundraising campaign in Canada.

1. Know How Raffles, 50/50s, and Sweepstakes Work in Canada

Running a fundraiser in Canada requires understanding local regulations, but with us, you don’t need to worry about licences yourself.

We are fully licensed to operate raffles and 50/50s in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, meaning your campaign can be run legally through our platform without needing a separate provincial licence. For sweepstakes, our platform supports nationwide campaigns (excluding Québec), including the required “no purchase necessary” entry and skill-testing question to meet Canadian legal requirements.

Using Givergy ensures you have:

• Verified age and geolocation checks
• Transparent ticketing and fund tracking
• Full compliance with provincial and national regulations

This way, you can concentrate on engaging your supporters and raising funds, while we take care of the compliance and licences in the background.

2. Use a Certified Random Number Generator for Fair Draws

Fairness builds trust. Every supporter wants to know that your raffle or sweepstake draw is transparent and unbiased.

Using our tools, we employ a GLI-certified Random Number Generator (RNG) for all draws, ensuring winners are selected completely at random. This is especially important for 50/50 draws and large-scale sweepstakes, giving both fundraisers and participants peace of mind.

With a secure, certified system handling the draw, you can relax knowing it’s completely fair and your supporters can trust the results.

3. Choose a Secure, Digital Platform

Paper tickets and spreadsheets are risky and time-consuming. A digital raffle platform ensures accuracy, security, and efficiency.

By using a comprehensive fundraising platform you get:

• Secure online payments
• Automated digital ticketing and instant confirmations
• Age and location verification
• Transparent reporting and fund allocation

Your supporters can enter from anywhere in Canada, making your campaign accessible and convenient.

Everything is tracked and verified automatically, leaving you free to focus on connecting with your community rather than paperwork.

4. Create a Branded Campaign Page That Inspires

Your raffle or sweepstake should feel professional and connected to your cause. A well-designed, branded page builds trust and motivates supporters to participate.

Through our platform, you can:

• Add your logo, images, and storytelling elements
• Highlight prizes clearly
• Customise calls-to-action and thank-you messages

Your page will feel polished, personal, and exciting, helping supporters understand your cause and get involved.

5. Promote Your Campaign Across Multiple Channels

Visibility drives participation. Use every channel available to reach your audience:

• Social media posts with prize highlights and countdowns
• Email newsletters with campaign updates
• Event pages and community networks

With our mobile-friendly platform, supporters can purchase tickets and enter sweepstakes on the go.

Sharing is simple, participation is easy, and you can reach more people without extra admin. All in aid of growing your fundraising community.

6. Offer Prizes That Encourage Participation

The right prize can significantly increase engagement. Consider experiences, local goods, unique items, or even auction prizes from Givergy that can add excitement and boost ticket sales. Offering a variety of prizes ensures there’s something appealing for everyone and keeps supporters invested in your campaign.

Using our system, winner selection and notifications happen automatically, providing a full audit trail. You can manage prize delivery easily while keeping supporters excited and engaged for future campaigns.

With everything handled seamlessly, you can focus on celebrating your supporters, awarding prizes, and creating memorable experiences that keep them coming back.

7. Analyse Results and Optimise for Growth

After your raffle or sweepstake, review performance metrics: which prizes, channels, and dates drove the best results?

With our platform, you can track real-time reporting and analytics for ticket sales, engagement trends, and supporter behaviour — helping you refine future fundraising campaigns and raise even more.

You get a clear picture of what worked, what didn’t, and can plan your next fundraiser even more effectively, all while keeping your supporters engaged.

Ready to Launch Your Campaign?

Running a raffle, 50/50, or sweepstake in Canada has never been easier. With our licensed platform, you can:

• Stay compliant in BC, Alberta, and Ontario
• Reach supporters nationwide with sweepstakes
• Run a professional, secure, and digital campaign

Take your fundraising to the next level.

👉 Start your campaign today at givergy.com/ca/platform/raffles