A Prize Draw for Good: How You Can Make a Difference with Just £10
by Tom Wood | Feb 27, 2025 | Stories
Imagine donating £10 and finding out you’ve won tickets to Glastonbury Festival—the event that sells out in mere seconds. Or getting the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see Coldplay perform in an intimate London church. Sounds like a dream, right? But for thousands of music fans, this has become a reality—thanks to War Child’s incredible prize draws, powered by Crowdfunder.
In the latest episode of Podcast on Purpose with Philippa Forrester, we dive into how War Child is using crowdfunding to create life-changing opportunities—not just for lucky winners, but for children in conflict zones worldwide. War Child’s Rich Clarke and Crowdfunder’s Simon Deverell share the stories behind these record-breaking campaigns and reveal just how powerful prize draws can be.
What is War Child?
War Child is the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict. For over 30 years they have worked with children in 13 countries with the aim of ensuring a safe future for every child living through war. Their work spans from emergency response when violence breaks out, to long-term psychological support and education. Their mission? To ensure children not only survive but thrive, even in the most difficult circumstances.
“At the end of 2023, 1 in 5 children worldwide were living within 50km of an active warzone. That’s the highest number in history—even more than during the two World Wars.” – Rich Clarke, War Child
The Power of Prize Draws: How Glastonbury and Coldplay Raised Millions
War Child has taken fundraising to a new level by partnering with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. With Crowdfunder’s help, they’ve used prize draws as a way to make giving more inclusive.
Instead of an auction—where only the highest bidder wins—prize draws allow anyone to enter for as little as £5, making life-changing experiences accessible to everyone.
Take the Glastonbury Prize Draw, for example. Glastonbury Festival, known for its impossible-to-get tickets, teamed up with War Child, British Red Cross, and Oxfam to offer lucky donors a chance to win tickets. The campaign raised over £1.2 million, proving the power of a prize-based approach.
“Glastonbury is such an amazing force for good… they generate so much money for charity every year. We have helped them the last couple of years by putting up a prize draw for Glastonbury tickets… The proceeds go to these causes, and they raised in excess of £1.2 million. Extraordinary.” – Simon Deverell, Crowdfunder
Music as Therapy: War Child’s Unique Approach
War Child doesn’t just use music for fundraising—it also plays a vital role in their recovery programs. Many children affected by war suffer extreme trauma, sometimes even losing the ability to speak. Music has been one of the most effective ways to help them heal.
“Music is often the first thing that brings them back. A child who won’t talk, eat, or sleep might start tapping their foot to the beat. It’s the first step in their recovery.” – Rich Clarke, War Child
This approach dates back to War Child’s origins in the 1990s Bosnian War, when they launched a music therapy program in Sarajevo. Since then, they’ve worked closely with artists like Blur, Radiohead, and Kate Bush, who have donated time, signed memorabilia, and helped raise millions for children in crisis.
Thinking of Running Your Own Prize Draw? Here’s How to Get Started
Prize draws aren’t just for big-name charities—anyone can use them to raise funds for a cause they care about. Whether you’re an individual, a local business, or a grassroots charity, a well-planned prize draw can boost engagement and generate serious donations.
“It’s all about having a unique kind of prize… something a lot of people would want. If you can offer a ‘money-can’t-buy’ experience, a prize draw could be your best fundraising tool.” – Simon Deverell, Crowdfunder
Top Tips for a Successful Prize Draw:
✅ Pick an exciting, exclusive prize – The best prizes are things people can’t normally buy. It could be a VIP experience, a meet-and-greet, or a unique item. Think: What would my audience love?
✅ Set an accessible entry price – Prize draws work best when everyone can enter. £5 or £10 per entry keeps it affordable while allowing donations to add up quickly.
✅ Make it easy to enter – Crowdfunding platforms like Crowdfunder handle all the logistics, including payment processing and winner selection.
✅ Tell your story – Why are you fundraising? Where will the money go? People donate when they connect with the cause.
✅ Promote, promote, promote! – Use social media, emails, and partnerships to get the word out. Collaborate with influencers or businesses who can help spread the message. Crowdfunder has helped organizations like War Child raise millions, but anyone can launch a prize draw and make a difference. Ready to give it a go? Head to Crowdfunder and start planning your campaign today.
Crowdfunding isn’t just about raising money—it’s about funding positivity. Whether you’re a donor, a fundraiser, or just someone who wants to make the world a better place, War Child’s success proves that small actions can lead to big change.
Would you take a chance on a small donation if it meant winning Glastonbury tickets or meeting your music idol? More importantly—would you take a chance if it meant changing a child’s life forever?
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Podcast on Purpose now and get inspired.