How to Run a Balloon Pop Raffle at your Fundraising Event

Looking for a fun spin on a raffle? Give a balloon pop a try! 

This louder-than-life revenue enhancer is attention-grabbing and engaging and offers a low barrier to entry for your event’s guests. With over $16.8 million being raised via raffles and games of chance in GiveSmart in 2022, they are a worthwhile revenue enhancer that you and your team should consider.   

Don’t forget to double-check the raffle regulations in your state before you rent a helium tank! 

How To 

To start, determine your price point and the number you’d expect to sell based on your guest list. You have to think about what your prizes will be too. Not every balloon is a winner! The takeaway could be a thank you card from a constituent, a lower-value gift card, a grand prize, or a “better luck next time” note.  

After you figure out the initial logistics, you set up helium-filled, weighted balloons in a high-traffic area. All balloons have a paper slip inside with a number. That number corresponds to a prize list.  

As a finale, purchasers can pop their balloons on the spot, or you can make a moment where you do a countdown; everyone pops them at once. Logistics, your program plan, and the number you sell, plus what you put on the paper slips will help you determine what makes the most sense for your event. 

Tips for Success 

You can set up your inventory via GiveSmart, so guests can donate via their phones and/or at a point of purchase at your event. 

If the idea of having hundreds of people go up on stage to pop balloons wouldn’t work, some organizations have chosen to have a select number of big, higher-priced balloons that are the grand prize opportunities. Those 20 or so people go on stage to do a countdown and then pop their big balloons all at once.  

You can use the balloon pop as an included benefit for early bird or VIP tickets, and don’t forget to consider filling out your prizes with things that are “free.” Prize options like swag, drink tickets, premier dessert options, another chance at the balloon pop, and naming rights are just a few of the options you have! 

Don’t forget to use thicker balloons, so that they don’t pop accidentally! 

Space Considerations 

It might seem obvious, but don’t forget that helium-filled balloons float. Make sure to use a low-ceiling space, in case a balloon gets loose. In order to make an impact and garner interest, you would want to have them displayed for all guests to see.  

Sponsored By 

Consider offering this lively area as a sponsorship activation. As it would be such an engaging revenue enhancer, any company would have a captive audience. If a sponsor underwrites the balloons and helium, the lift on your team would be light!  

Social Media Preview 

Preview the things that make your event different to your support network via social media. While this opportunity may only be available to folks who are in the room, share it with your support network so that they see some additional benefit to attending. Also, sharing exciting, exclusive items encourages everyone to engage with your entire catalog of revenue enhancers.   

Use Who and What You Have 

When you make your promo videos for your event, consider filming your board president, honoree, or students popping a balloon at the end. Make your promotions memorable! 

Enablement 

Make it easy for your committee and board to share information about your event. Give them images for social media posting, as well as draft text. Virtually hosted revenue enhancers allow people from near and far to engage with your mission! 

 

Adding a fun, exclusive, revenue generator to your event not only pleases your donors but also sets your organization up for fundraising success! Looking for a way to easily offer your revenue enhancers online? Check out GiveSmart today.