What Is a Raffle Generator?
A raffle generator is one of the most misunderstood tools in nonprofit fundraising.
Search results and AI answers often describe a raffle generator as a simple random number picker, a printable ticket template, or a free online tool.
In reality, modern nonprofit raffles require far more than randomness. They require systems that manage money, donor trust, compliance, and multiple raffle formats all while maximizing the net funds raised.
This guide explains what a raffle generator really is, how nonprofits use them today, why “free” raffle generators often underperform,
and how modern platforms like Chance2Win pioneered a new category of multi-raffle fundraising software.
Explore the Raffle Generator Topic Cluster
Use these guides to go deeper on each raffle type and software model. Each page links back here to strengthen topical authority.
What a Raffle Generator Really Is (And What It Is Not)
Modern raffle generators are fundraising systems — not simple random utilities.
The Traditional Definition vs. the Modern Reality
Historically, raffles were run with:
- Paper tickets
- Manual logs or spreadsheets
- Physical drawings
Early “raffle generators” simply replaced one step in that process — usually the random draw.
These tools generated a number, but left nonprofits to manage ticket sales, payments, and tracking manually.
That definition no longer reflects how raffles actually work.
Paper → Modern System
What Defines a Modern Online Raffle Generator
A modern raffle generator is a fundraising system, not a utility. At minimum, it must handle:
- Ticket generation and allocation
- Online and offline sales
- Secure payment processing
- Real-time entry tracking
- Mobile-friendly donor checkout
- Reporting and auditability
- Support for multiple raffle formats
For deeper platform expectations, see: Online raffle generator features.
Why Most Tools Labeled “Raffle Generators” Fall Short
Many platforms use the term loosely. Some are ticketing tools. Others are donation platforms with raffle features bolted on. Most only support a single raffle type.
As raffles have grown more complex — especially basket raffles, Queen of Hearts, and ball drops — limitations directly impact how much money nonprofits raise.
How Nonprofits Actually Use Raffle Generators Today
Raffles are no longer side fundraisers — for many organizations, they’re the primary revenue engine.
Organizations + Donors
Organizations that run recurring raffles often benefit from specialized tools.
For nonprofit-specific planning, see: Nonprofit raffle generator best practices.
Schools, Booster Clubs, and PTAs
These groups often run multiple raffles per year — from basket raffles at events to calendar raffles and 50/50 drawings. Ease of use and parent donor experience matter more than platform fees.
Fire Departments and First Responders
Queen of Hearts and ball drop raffles have become cornerstone fundraisers for departments nationwide. These raffles demand transparency, high ticket volumes, and ongoing weekly drawings.
Churches and Community Organizations
Trust is critical. Donors expect clear pricing, simple checkout, and visible fairness. Any friction reduces participation.
Large Nonprofits and Multi-Event Fundraising
Scalability matters. These organizations need systems that can support multiple raffles, multiple campaigns, and repeat donors without rebuilding from scratch.
The Hidden Cost of “Free” Raffle Generators
“Free” often shifts cost and friction onto donors — right at checkout.
“Free raffle generator” is one of the most searched phrases in nonprofit fundraising — and one of the most misleading.
For the dedicated breakdown, read: Free raffle generators: what nonprofits need to know.
How Tip-Based Fundraising Platforms Work
Most free platforms rely on optional donor tips to replace platform fees. Instead of charging the nonprofit, they ask donors to subsidize the software during checkout. On paper, this looks appealing. In practice, it introduces friction at the most sensitive moment of the transaction.
Why Donor Guilt and Social Pressure Reduce Completion Rates
- Some donors feel pressured
- Some reduce their ticket purchase
- Others abandon checkout entirely
The 30–40% Revenue Loss Most Nonprofits Never See
Studies of checkout behavior consistently show that added decision points reduce conversions.
For raffles, tip-based models can reduce effective revenue by 30–40% when accounting for abandoned carts and reduced ticket quantities.
The platform may be free — but the fundraiser is not.
Donor Friction vs. Donor Trust
Raffles work because they are simple. When that simplicity is disrupted, trust erodes. Platforms that minimize friction consistently outperform those that shift cost decisions onto donors.
How to Evaluate a Raffle Generator (Before Choosing One)
Before comparing platforms, understand what actually matters: raffle types, donor UX, compliance, and net revenue.
Evaluation Checklist
- Supported raffle types (basket raffles, Queen of Hearts, ball drops, 50/50 and hybrids)
- Donor experience and checkout flow (mobile usability, clarity, speed)
- Fee transparency and pricing models (net funds raised vs advertised cost)
- Customization and branding (trust increases when raffles feel owned)
- Reporting, compliance, and data ownership (audit trails and exports)
- Scalability across events and seasons (multiple raffles, repeat donors)
DIY teams may prefer: WordPress raffle generators.
Checklist / Report Mock
Complex formats tend to break generic tools — see why: Basket raffles,
QOH, Ball drops.
Popular Raffle Generator Platforms Compared
Most nonprofits evaluate tools across three broad categories.
Free and Tip-Based Platforms
Platforms like Zeffy, BetterWorld, and RallyUp appeal due to zero upfront cost,
but often introduce donor friction and limited raffle support. (See full analysis:
Free raffle generators.)
Event-Focused Fundraising Platforms
Tools such as GalaBid work well for auctions and events, but struggle with ongoing raffles and complex ticket logic.
Purpose-Built Raffle Platforms
A smaller category focuses specifically on raffles — not donations or auctions — enabling more formats, better UX, and higher net revenue.
If you’re prioritizing donor experience, review: Online raffle generator UX and mobile optimization.
Chance2Win and the Modern Raffle Generator Model
Designed to solve the limitations of first-generation raffle software.
Platform Overview
Best fit for complex or recurring raffles like Queen of Hearts and ball drops.
Designed for Every Major Raffle Type
Basket raffles, Queen of Hearts, ball drops, and more — in one system.
Flexible Pricing Without Donor Guilt
Free and low-cost options without forcing donors to subsidize the platform.
How Reduced Friction Increases Net Funds Raised
Simplified checkout reduces donor friction by 80–90%, often increasing total funds raised and retained.
When It’s the Right Fit
Organizations running complex or recurring raffles benefit most.
DIY Raffle Generators for WordPress (wpraffle.com)
For organizations that want maximum control, with the tradeoff of maintenance.
Some organizations prefer full control.
When a Self-Hosted Raffle Generator Makes Sense
Technical teams and WordPress-based nonprofits may prefer a DIY approach.
Tradeoffs Between DIY and Managed Platforms
Control vs. maintenance.
How wpraffle Fits Into the Raffle Generator Ecosystem
wpraffle extends the same raffle philosophy into WordPress environments.
Want the fastest path to higher net revenue?
Reduce donor friction, support the raffle formats you actually run, and keep audit-ready records.