Fundraisers know — the holiday season is always looming, whether it’s a few months away or just behind us. 

That’s because December, anchored by GivingTuesday, Christmas, and New Year’s, is when charity fundraising efforts go into overdrive, generating up to one-third of annual fundraising revenue for many non-profits. 

So no matter when you’re landing on this article, consider this your inspiration (or bookmark it for later). Take these non-profit fundraising ideas from charity raffle programs that truly popped off before the end of last year and launch a raffle growth strategy now that positions you for a major boost next holiday season. 

Raffle programs that rocked end-of-year charity fundraising 

The Kinsmen Club of Red Deer’s Lucky Bucks Lottery

Raffle format: Cash prize raffle + bonus 50/50 draw 

Total raised: $1.2 million 

Running from August through New Year’s Day, the Lucky Bucks Lottery is a masterclass in long-term fundraising momentum. Early Bird draws, Loyalty Prizes, and a highly anticipated Grand Prize kept ticket buyers engaged right through the holidays. 

What really set this charity fundraising campaign apart? A strong offline + online strategy. The Kinsmen took ticket sales to farmers’ markets and community events while staying consistent on social media throughout the campaign. 

The result: over $1 million raised through a single raffle. Proof that strategic planning and community presence pay off. 

Nova Scotia Firefighters’ 50/50 

Raffle format: Weekly 50/50 + Early Bird draw + bonus cash prizes 

Biggest jackpot of 2025: Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) at $4,653,215 

As Canada’s largest weekly 50/50, the Nova Scotia Firefighters’ 50/50 is already a charity fundraising powerhouse. The holidays just take it to even higher rooftops. 

By beefing up bonus prizing and expanding digital advertising (including this fun partnership with Halifax-based influencer Alicia McCarville), the program cut through the noise of holiday advertising and reached new audiences, finding new support and even re-engaging people after months off from playing.

The payoff? Media recognition from major outlets like CTV News, record-breaking jackpots, and, of course, a couple of new millionaires in Nova Scotia. 

Leduc Santa's Helpers + the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc's 

Raffle format: 50/50 draw

Total raised: $18,560 

Collaboration can be the difference-maker for smaller non-profits seeking new, creative fundraising ideas. 

Without the resources or licensing to run a raffle independently, Leduc Santa’s Helpers partnered with the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc to deliver a simple but effective holiday raffle that raised critical funds while keeping overhead low. A perfect example of smart, collaborative charity fundraising. 

PEI Firefighters’ Association 50/50

Raffle format: Weekly 50/50 draw + bonus prize draw 

Total raised: $6,585 during the week of the bonus draw

Weekly jackpots usually hover around $1,000 — until this year, when their December bonus draw rolled in. 

To boost holiday fundraising, the PEI Firefighters sweetened (or salted?) the pot with a bonus prize Islanders couldn’t ignore: 10 lbs. of PEI lobster for the jackpot winner. 

The result? During the bonus prize week alone, the raffle raised over $6,500, showing how localized, relevant incentives can lift charity fundraising results. 

Hope for Wildlife's 50/50 Draw

Raffle format: Bi-monthly 50/50 draw

Total raised: $261,860 

Hope for Wildlife runs raffles every second month, with jackpots often climbing past $150,000.  

They hit their biggest jackpot ever this past holiday season, a whopping $261,000 for their wildlife rescue efforts. After seeing their average jackpot grow by roughly $40,000 year over year, this major milestone will propel that growth even further. 

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County’s Hockey for Hospice 50/50

Raffle format: Hybrid 50/50 draw

Total raised: $108,185 

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County’s Hockey for Hospice tournament is a holiday standout, with more than 2,000 participating youth taking pledges for the end of December event. 

Adding a hybrid 50/50 draw to the tournament meant people could buy raffle tickets on-site or support the charity fundraiser from home, helping them generate over $108,000 in raffle ticket sales — and contributing to their outstanding overall fundraising results of $611,237 raised. 

It’s never too early for holiday fundraising prep  

But first, let’s get solid on your annual raffle growth strategy and set you up for a year of growing, sustainable results. 

This year’s State of Raffling Report is live and full of data to guide your decisions about your raffle program’s structure, marketing strategy, and other growth tactics. Bookmark your copy: