Juneteenth festivals are about community, history, and joy. They also cost money to run. You may need funds for permits, stages, sound, tents, restrooms, security, clean-up, kids’ areas, and paying artists fairly. Many festivals use small, fun fundraising ideas that feel natural at an event: raffles, game booths, and community game nights. Done right, these tools can bring in real support without making people feel pressured.

This guide explains common options, simple ways to keep them fair, and “responsible rules” that protect your festival and your guests. It is written for organizers, volunteers, and small teams who want a clear plan.

Why these fundraisers work at community festivals

Raffles and games can work well because they are easy to understand. People like to give a small amount when they know it supports something good. They also like the fun moment: picking a ticket, spinning a wheel, or playing a quick game with friends.

But the goal is not “big wins.” The goal is community support. The best fundraisers feel like a donation with a fun extra. That is why clear rules, simple pricing, and honest prizes matter so much. When guests trust you, they come back next year, and they tell others to come too.

Raffles and prize draws

A raffle is usually simple: people buy tickets, you draw a winner, and the winner gets a prize. It sounds easy, but it can raise legal and trust issues if it is not handled with care. Your job is to keep it clear, fair, and well-documented.

Common raffle formats

• Classic ticket raffle: Sell tickets at a set price. Draw one or more winners at a stated time.
• Basket raffle: Many prizes (gift baskets). Guests put tickets in the basket they want. Each basket has its own draw.
• 50/50 raffle: The pot is split. Part goes to the winner, part supports the festival. (Some places have strict rules for this.)
• Silent “ticket drop” draw: Similar to a basket raffle, but prizes can be items, services, or sponsor gifts.

What a “responsible” raffle looks like

A responsible raffle is not complicated. It just needs visible basics:

• Clear prize list: What the prizes are, who donated them (if you want to share), and any limits (size, pick-up rules, etc.).
• Clear draw time: The exact time and place of the draw, and what happens if the winner is not present.
• Clear eligibility rules: Age limits, location limits (if any), and who cannot enter (for example, staff handling cash).
• Receipts and simple records: A count of tickets sold, total raised, and the winners list.
• A fair drawing method: Mix tickets well, draw in public, and have at least two people present.

If you do only one thing: make your raffle rules short, readable, and easy to find. Most drama comes from confusion.

Compliance basics to check before you print tickets

Because rules vary by location, you should confirm a few points early. This is not about fear. It is about avoiding last-minute problems.

• Permits or licenses: Some places require a permit for raffles or bingo-style events.
• Who can run it: Some places limit raffles to charities or certain organizations.
• Age rules: Some places set a minimum age to enter or to claim prizes.
• Online ticket sales: Selling tickets online can add extra rules, especially across state lines.
• Taxes and reporting: Some prizes can trigger tax reporting steps, depending on where you are and the prize value.

Simple tip: Put one person in charge of “rules and paperwork.” Give them a small checklist and a folder (digital or paper). That one role can save your whole team stress.

Game booths that raise money

Festival games can be a great fit because they look like normal fair fun. The key is to keep the game light, the cost low, and the rules clear. People should feel safe and comfortable bringing kids and grandparents to the booth.

Skill vs chance (and why it matters)

Some games are mostly skill (like a quick challenge). Some are mostly chance (like a mystery pull). In many places, the difference matters for rules. You do not need to become a legal expert, but you should be careful with games that look like “pure luck for money.”

A safer approach is to frame the payment as a donation to play, and keep prizes modest and clear. Also, avoid wording that sounds like “guaranteed winnings.”

Low-risk booth ideas (simple, family-friendly)

• Ring toss / bottle ring: Simple rules, low cost, easy to run with volunteers.
• Trivia spin: Spin a wheel, answer a Juneteenth or community question, win a small prize.
• Mini skill challenge: One-minute jump-rope, bean-bag toss, or “stack the cups.”
• Duck pond: Pick a duck, match a color/number, win a small prize.
• Photo donation contest: People donate to vote for the best themed photo. Winner gets a sponsor gift.

How to keep games fair and calm

• Post the rules at eye level: One sign with price, number of tries, and prize options.
• Keep prizes simple: Small prizes reduce conflict. Big prizes can create bigger disputes.
• Train volunteers in one minute: “Here is the price, here are the rules, here is how to handle a tie.”
• Separate cash handling: One cash box, one person logging, and a clear hand-off at shift changes.
• Use tokens or tickets: This reduces cash confusion and helps with counting later.

When the booth is simple, guests feel relaxed. When guests feel relaxed, they donate more often.

Community game nights (bingo-style nights and more)

Some festivals also run a separate fundraising night before the main event, like a “community game night.” This can help you raise funds early and build excitement.

Bingo-style nights are popular because they bring people together. They are also structured, which can make them easier to manage than many small booths. But they can have extra rules in some places, so you should check local requirements before planning.

If bingo-style events feel complex in your area, you can still run a “game night” without it:

• Trivia night: Teams pay an entry fee (donation) and play for sponsor prizes.
• Board game night: Small entry donation, snacks, and a few prize drawings.
• Talent showcase: Entry donations and a “people’s choice” vote with small donations.

Best practice: Tell people exactly what their support funds (for example: “kids’ zone supplies,” “stage sound,” or “artist honorariums”). Clear purpose builds trust.

Responsible rules that protect your festival

When a fundraiser uses chance-based elements, your festival has two jobs at once: raise money and protect the community. Responsible rules are not about shame. They are about safety, honesty, and respect.

1) Make rules easy to find

Have a short rules sign at the booth and a longer rules page online (even a simple page works). Your rules should cover:

• Price (or donation amount)
• Draw time or game time
• Prize list and how to claim
• Age rules
• Refund policy (often “no refunds”)
• Contact info for questions

2) Add basic “play safe” messages

Keep it simple and kind. Examples:

• “Set a small fun budget.”
• “Play for community support, not for profit.”
• “If it stops being fun, take a break.”

Some teams also share a short explainer on how to spot unfair promos and confusing terms. If your volunteers want a plain-language resource with simple ratings and basic red-flag notes, include it as an optional link in your volunteer packet (not as a big sales pitch). Keep it quiet and practical.

3) Handle money like a “trust job”

Many festival problems are not about the game. They are about cash handling. Use simple controls:

• Two-person closeout: Two people count cash together at the end of a shift.
• Written totals: Write down starting cash, ending cash, and ticket/token counts.
• Locked cash box: Keep it out of open reach.
• Clear roles: One person runs the game, one person handles money, when possible.

4) Avoid “too good to be true” prize talk

Do not over-promise. Do not use language that sounds like a guarantee. Keep it honest: “support the festival, and you may win a prize.” That tone fits a community event.

Budgeting, pricing, and transparency

Pricing can be simple. Most guests decide in two seconds. If the price is confusing, they walk away.

Simple pricing ideas

• Raffle tickets: $1 each, 6 for $5, or 15 for $10 (easy bundles).
• Game booth: $2–$5 donation per play, with 1–3 tries.
• Game night entry: A single entry donation, plus optional add-ons (snacks, extra voting tickets).

Pick numbers that are easy to count. Volunteers will thank you. Guests will also feel more confident when money handling looks smooth.

Transparency that builds long-term support

After the event, share a short update:

• Total raised (even a rounded number is fine)
• What it funded (stage costs, youth programs, community grants, etc.)
• Thank you list (sponsors, volunteers, donors)

When people see impact, they come back. They also trust future raffles and booths more.

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Mistake: No posted rules.
  Fix: One simple sign + a longer rules page online.
• Mistake: One person doing everything (cash + game).
  Fix: Split roles or add a second person for closeout.
• Mistake: Big prizes with vague terms.
  Fix: Clear prize list and clear claim steps.
• Mistake: Online sales without checking limits.
  Fix: Confirm local rules first, especially across regions.
• Mistake: “Win big!” style marketing.
  Fix: Use a community-first tone: “Support the festival and have fun.”

FAQ

Are raffles the same as gambling?

They can be treated in similar ways in some places because chance and prizes are involved. That is why you should check local rules, keep clear terms, and run everything openly.

Do we need a permit to run a raffle or a bingo-style event?

Maybe. It depends on where you are and who runs the event. Some areas require permits or limit who can host these fundraisers.

Can we sell raffle tickets online?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes only with limits. Online sales can add extra rules, especially if buyers are in different places. If you want online sales, confirm the rules first.

What if the winner is not present?

Write this in the rules. Many events say: “You do not need to be present to win,” then contact the winner using the info they provided. Or they require presence and draw again if needed. Pick one method and state it clearly.

How do we prevent scams and confusion?

Use clear signs, official festival contact info, and simple steps. Also remind guests: real prize events do not ask winners to pay extra “fees” to claim a prize. If something sounds strange, guests should check with official festival staff.

How can we include responsible messages without killing the fun?

Keep it short and friendly. One line like “Set a fun budget” is enough. The goal is a safe, happy event.

Helpful official and trusted resources (for rule checks and safety)

• Council of Nonprofits: Games of chance, raffles, and charity auctions
• FTC: Fake prize, sweepstakes, and lottery scams
• IRS (PDF): Tax-Exempt Organizations and Gaming
• IRS (PDF): Raffle prizes reporting and withholding (Notice 1340)
• National Council on Problem Gambling (resources and help)
• UK Gambling Commission: Free draws and prize competitions (definitions and guidance)

Conclusion

Raffles, booths, and game nights can help Juneteenth festivals raise funds in a way that feels joyful and community-first. The best results come from simple systems: clear rules, fair play, careful cash handling, and a respectful tone. Start with one or two fundraiser ideas, run them well, and share a short impact update after the event. When your community trusts the process, support grows year after year.