Make Christmas Count: Raise Funds with a Prize Draw on Crowdfunder
by Tom Wood | Sep 18, 2024 | Stories
Running a prize draw through Crowdfunder is a straightforward, powerful way to fundraise, whether you’re a small community group or a larger charity. We know that prize draws work particularly well ahead of the Christmas season when people are in the giving spirit, making it the perfect time to raise both awareness and funds.
Why not create some festive fun and be inspired to start a new prize draw. Here are four superb examples of successful campaigns that have raised incredible amounts for their causes through Crowdfunder.
Empowering Women and Families in Devon
Patchwork The Store, a gift and lifestyle shop in Paignton, Devon, ran a highly successful prize draw in November 2023. Connected to Patchwork House Women’s Centre, a safe space providing essential services to women and children in Torbay, the funds raised go towards running these vital services, including 1:1 support, trauma courses, a community fridge, and the newly opened Patchwork Pantry.
With the help of its founder, Rachaele – a Sunday Times bestselling author and social media influencer with over 800,000 followers – the draw raised an impressive £13,726 from 1,643 supporters. Prizes included a £1,000 cash reward, luxury beauty advent calendars, and a Dyson V11 vacuum, with the total value of prizes worth over £3400!
The proceeds will help Patchwork House continue to provide much-needed support to families in the local community.
Fauna & Flora: Saving Mountain Gorillas with a Prize Draw
In December 2023, Fauna & Flora raised £31,590 from 1,301 supporters in their prize draw, offering the chance to win a trip to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The winner and a friend would stay for three nights at a luxury lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, with £2,000 towards international flights included, courtesy of Volcanoes Safaris.
The funds directly support Fauna & Flora’s ongoing conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas. With just over 1,000 left in the wild, these animals face threats from poaching and habitat loss. Fauna & Flora has been involved in gorilla conservation since 1978, when Sir David Attenborough urged the charity to take action after his famous encounter with them. Their efforts include anti-poaching patrols, population monitoring, and engaging local communities.
Fauna & Flora, an international wildlife conservation charity, has been protecting biodiversity for nearly 120 years in over 40 countries, focusing on habitat restoration, species conservation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Protecting and Promoting the Spirit of Wild Swimming
In December 2023, The Outdoor Swimming Society (OSS) ran a prize draw that raised £17,409 from 1,252 supporters over 47 days. OSS is a vibrant international community dedicated to protecting the freedom of outdoor swimming and increasing access to wild waters in the UK.
The draw offered a range of exciting prizes, including a Greek swimming holiday, an ice bath with accessories, and a snorkelling experience day. The £5 entry point allowed broad participation, and the funds raised will help support OSS in its efforts to safeguard the rights of swimmers, run water safety campaigns, and continue advocating for greater access to outdoor swimming spaces across the UK.
Supporting Families Affected by Cancer in the Western Isles
The Hebridean Men’s Cancer Support Group held their annual Christmas Prize Draw in December 2023, raising an impressive £22,398 from 1,154 supporters over 44 days. The group provides vital support to men and their families affected by cancer in the Western Isles.
Entries for the draw cost just £2, with participants having the chance to win over 120 prizes. Some standout prizes included a trip to the Shiant Isles, a family voucher for an alpaca meet and greet, and a Scottish Islands magazine subscription. The draw has become a much-anticipated annual event, with local businesses and individuals contributing generously to make it a success each year.
Raising Funds for Scottish Charities
Artist Hope Blamire, celebrated for her beautiful paintings of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, hosted her annual Christmas prize draw in 2023, raising an astounding £138,514 from 7,958 supporters in just 13 days. The draw featured over 100 prizes, including Hope’s artwork, jewellery, home decor, and a variety of stays across Scotland, creating a truly exciting opportunity for supporters.
With entry starting at £2 and multiple ticket options available, the draw raised funds for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, Calum’s Cabin, Beautiful Inside & Out, and Eilidh’s Trust. This annual event has become a staple in the community, and to date, Hope has raised a total of £408,000 through Crowdfunder.
Start Your Prize Draw Today!
If you’re looking for a festive and impactful way to raise funds for your charity or organisation this Christmas, a prize draw could be the perfect solution. Whether you offer a luxury getaway or a simple hamper of goodies, Crowdfunder makes it easy to set up and manage a prize draw that captures the imagination of your supporters.
Ready to make a difference this Christmas? Start your prize draw today and help your cause grow!