What is a 50/50 and How to Run One

Posted on by AFGI

If you’re hosting a fundraising event or want to add a high-impact, low-effort feature to an existing campaign, a 50/50 Prize Raffle is a proven way to raise more money. It’s simple, flexible, and engaging—everything a fundraiser should be.

Let’s look at what a 50/50 Prize Raffle is, how it works, and how to maximize it with the right support from AFGI.ca.

What is a 50/50 Prize Raffle?

A 50/50 Prize Raffle is one of the easiest fundraisers to run. Participants buy tickets, and when the draw is made:

  • 50% of the total ticket sales go to the winner

  • 50% goes directly to your cause

Supporters love the chance to win cash, while knowing the other half supports a worthy organization. That’s why 50/50s are often the most popular fundraiser at community events, galas, and sports matches.

How to Run a 50/50 Prize Raffle

1. Set a Smart Ticket Price

Keep tickets affordable (e.g., $5–$10) or offer bundles (such as 3 for $20) to boost sales. If you’re at a corporate gala or higher-end event, you can confidently raise the price point.

2. Sell Tickets with Ease

You can sell tickets in person with traditional paper tickets, but using AFGI.ca’s online platform ensures a seamless experience:

  • Fast digital payments

  • Mobile-friendly access

  • Options for single or bundled ticket sales

3. Track Tickets Accurately

Each entry needs a unique number. With AFGI.ca, all entries are automatically tracked, removing the manual admin work and reducing errors.

4. Draw the Winner Publicly

When ticket sales close, make the draw a highlight of your event. Announce it live, stream it online, or email participants. AFGI.ca’s system ensures the draw is fair, transparent, and instantly shareable.

5. Split the Pot

Award half the total to the winner, and keep the other half for your cause. Some organizations also divide the prize among multiple winners (e.g., 1st place 30%, 2nd place 15%, 3rd place 5%) to drive even more participation.

Why 50/50s Work So Well

  • Fast & Flexible – can be set up quickly and run anywhere.

  • High Engagement – simple rules make it easy for everyone to join in.

  • Low Effort – no need for sourcing or chasing prizes.

  • Immediate Motivation – participants love the excitement of a cash prize.

Online vs In-Person

Both formats are powerful—it depends on your audience.

In-Person:

  • Perfect for galas, schools, festivals, and sporting events.

  • Benefits from live crowd energy and visible ticket sellers.

Online with AFGI.ca:

  • Expand your reach—anyone can enter from anywhere.

  • Keep the raffle open longer, even after your event ends.

  • Automated entry tracking, payment processing, and winner notifications.

  • Real-time reporting and built-in promotional tools.

Make Your 50/50 Simple with AFGI.ca

At AFGI.ca, we provide everything you need to run a successful 50/50 Raffle—whether as a standalone campaign or as part of a larger fundraising event.

With AFGI.ca you can:

  • Sell tickets online in minutes

  • Track entries automatically

  • Run secure, random draws

  • Instantly notify winners

  • Accept additional donations during entry

Our 45+ years of experience in fundraising ensures your raffle is smooth, secure, and maximizes revenue for your cause.