Looking for fundraising ideas for nonprofits that can generate substantial returns? We've discovered the Queen of Hearts raffle is rapidly becoming the most effective option in 2025. Starting with just a $5,000 jackpot, this progressive raffle can grow significantly based on ticket sales, with 50% of proceeds directly feeding the prize pool.
What makes this unique fundraising idea for nonprofits so powerful is its accessibility. Participants can purchase tickets for just $5 each or $20 for five tickets, while the impact extends far beyond the winner. In fact, 40% of proceeds support worthy causes - like Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota, which has served over 19,000 families throughout its 40-year history. Additionally, the Queen of Hearts raffle can run for up to 52 weeks if the Queen remains hidden, creating sustained engagement and excitement.
For organizations seeking effective fundraising ideas for nonprofits, the online potential is particularly impressive. Virtual versions of this raffle expand participation dramatically, making it one of the most successful fundraising ideas for nonprofits in today's digital landscape. Not only does this format foster community involvement, but it also offers multiple winning opportunities beyond the jackpot, with smaller payouts ranging from $50 to $200 for other drawn cards.
The Queen of Hearts raffle stands out among nonprofit fundraising ideas as a captivating game of chance that creates mounting excitement week after week. Unlike conventional fundraisers, this progressive raffle combines sustained donor engagement with the thrill of a growing jackpot that can reach impressive sums.
At its core, the Queen of Hearts raffle uses a deck of playing cards (52 cards plus two jokers) sealed in numbered envelopes mounted on a display board. Here's the process:
When the Queen of Hearts isn't found, the game continues to the next week with the remaining cards, and the jackpot grows larger. This progressive structure explains why some jackpots have reached staggering amounts - one notable example reached over $7 million before being claimed.
Furthermore, smaller prizes are typically awarded for drawing other cards. According to several documented rulebooks, common payouts include $25-100 for number cards, $50-200 for face cards and aces, and $100-500 for jokers. The specific prize structure varies between organizations, making each Queen of Hearts raffle slightly unique.
The Queen of Hearts format offers several advantages that make it one of the most effective fundraising ideas for nonprofits. First, its progressive nature creates increasing excitement as the jackpot grows week after week. A traditional raffle has a fixed endpoint, whereas the Queen of Hearts can potentially continue for up to 54 weeks if the Queen remains hidden.
Essentially, this format generates sustained engagement that standard raffles cannot match. Participants return weekly to purchase new tickets, creating a reliable revenue stream for the nonprofit organization. As the jackpot grows, so does community interest, often attracting media coverage that provides free publicity.
Another distinctive feature is the game's transparency. The sealed card board remains visible throughout the process, and drawings happen publicly - often livestreamed for virtual participants. This openness builds trust and excitement as participants can literally watch the remaining card count decrease.
The split-pot structure additionally ensures that both winners and nonprofits benefit substantially. Most Queen of Hearts raffles divide proceeds 50/50 between the jackpot winner and the organizing charity, though some variations exist. In contrast to traditional fundraising ideas for nonprofits that might yield one-time donations, this model incentivizes ongoing participation through the growing prize pool.
For organizations seeking unique fundraising ideas for nonprofits, the Queen of Hearts raffle provides an accessible entry point. With minimal overhead costs and straightforward setup, it offers an excellent return on investment compared to elaborate fundraising events that require significant planning and resources.
In 2025, nonprofits nationwide are rapidly adopting the Queen of Hearts raffle as their go-to fundraising strategy. This innovative approach has quickly risen to become the number one choice among fundraising ideas for nonprofits, thanks to its unique combination of benefits that traditional methods simply cannot match.
The Queen of Hearts raffle fundamentally transforms how donors interact with nonprofit organizations. Rather than one-time donations, this model creates sustained participation that can last for months. As players eagerly search for the queen card, suspense builds for up to 54 weeks, creating a consistent touchpoint between your organization and supporters.
Most importantly, this fundraising approach taps into human psychology by offering both excitement and anticipation. Weekly drawings become community events that participants look forward to, especially when organizations livestream the selections. This transparency builds trust while simultaneously fostering a sense of shared experience among participants.
The engagement extends beyond mere ticket purchases. Players often follow your organization's social media accounts, visit your website regularly to check jackpot updates, and become more familiar with your mission in the process. Eventually, many occasional supporters transform into devoted advocates who promote your cause to friends and family, effectively expanding your reach through word-of-mouth marketing.
Perhaps the most compelling reason nonprofits are flocking to this fundraising model is its progressive structure. Unlike traditional raffles with fixed prizes, the Queen of Hearts jackpot continues growing until someone finds that elusive queen card.
The numbers speak volumes: some organizations cap their jackpots at an astounding $4,000,000, with winners typically receiving 50% of the accumulated funds. This potential for life-changing prizes drives participation to levels unattainable through conventional fundraising methods.
The psychological effect of a visibly growing jackpot cannot be overstated. As the prize pool increases week after week, participants purchase more tickets, creating a virtuous cycle of increased fundraising. Organizations frequently display the current jackpot amount prominently, further stimulating interest and participation.
From a financial perspective, the Queen of Hearts raffle represents an exceptionally efficient fundraising idea for nonprofits. The startup costs remain minimal, especially compared to elaborate fundraising galas or events requiring significant planning and resources.
Consider the economics: running a digital Queen of Hearts raffle through platforms like Events.org costs just $100 per week for the first ten weeks, plus a 3.5% + $1 payment processing fee per transaction. After ten weeks, only the payment processing fees continue, regardless of how long the raffle runs.
The revenue split typically follows a 50/50 model, with half going to the organization. Some variations allocate funds differently—for instance, 30% to the jackpot, 20% to weekly winners, and 50% directly to the nonprofit. Either way, organizations maintain a steady income stream throughout the raffle's duration.
Ticket pricing remains accessible to participants at various economic levels, commonly ranging from $1-$10 per ticket, with popular bundle options including 3 for $5 or 10 for $20. This affordability encourages wider participation while still generating substantial proceeds as the community rallies around finding that elusive Queen of Hearts.
Ready to launch your own Queen of Hearts raffle? This step-by-step guide will help your nonprofit implement this powerful fundraising idea that's captivating donors nationwide.
First, verify your organization's eligibility. The Charitable Raffle Enabling Act (CREA) permits only "qualified organizations" to hold raffles. These typically include:
Notably, individuals and for-profit businesses cannot legally hold raffles. Moreover, most states limit organizations to four raffles per calendar year, although professional sports team charitable foundations may have different allowances.
Consequently, you'll need to obtain proper licensing from local authorities. Many jurisdictions require a raffle license or charitable gaming permit to ensure compliance with regulations.
Initially, establish clear, written rules for your Queen of Hearts raffle. Your rulebook should specify:
Afterward, determine your prize structure for non-jackpot cards. Common payouts include:
Remember that under CREA, five elements must appear on each ticket: organization name, address, ticket price, prize description (for items over $10), and drawing date.
Successfully marketed raffles utilize every available channel. Use social media posts, email outreach, and printed materials with QR codes connecting people to your fundraising site.
Make purchasing tickets convenient by offering both online and in-person options. Platforms like Events.org or Chance2Win specifically support Queen of Hearts raffles, providing digital card displays and automated ticket sales.
Display your progressive jackpot prominently, updating the amount weekly to generate excitement. Subsequently, consider offering bundle deals (like 3 tickets for $5 or 6 for $10) to encourage larger purchases.
Establish a consistent schedule for drawings (commonly Thursday evenings). Throughout the process, maintain transparency by conducting drawings publicly, ideally livestreamed for virtual participants.
For each drawing:
Meanwhile, maintain proper record-keeping for tax purposes. Winnings over $600 require IRS Form W-2G[52], and federal law mandates 28% withholding on prizes exceeding $5,000.
By following these steps, your nonprofit can implement one of the most effective fundraising ideas available today.
The digital revolution has created powerful online tools for Queen of Hearts raffles, making this one of the most accessible fundraising ideas for nonprofits in 2025.
Several specialized platforms have emerged to support digital Queen of Hearts raffles. Events.org offers a comprehensive solution with a dedicated Queen of Hearts page displaying all 54 cards digitally. Once cards are picked, they're automatically flipped over on the display. The platform enables automatic weekly entries and features unbiased random drawing capabilities.
Similarly, Givebutter provides real-time raffle management with customizable ticket options and secure payment processing. For organizations seeking complete digital solutions, OnlineQueenofHearts.com offers custom URLs and encrypted digital boards.
Going digital dramatically expands your audience beyond geographical limitations. Online raffles enable supporters nationwide to contribute, significantly increasing fundraising potential.
Digital tickets eliminate the hassle of paper tickets and cash handling, reducing administrative workload. Participants appreciate the convenience of purchasing tickets from home, which typically increases overall sales volume.
Furthermore, digital platforms provide secure, transparent transactions that build trust with participants. Many systems offer bundle pricing options (like 3 for $5) that encourage larger purchases.
Digital platforms display real-time updates of remaining cards and jackpot totals. This transparency creates excitement as participants can instantly see the growing prize pool and countdown to the next drawing.
Most systems automatically update the digital board once a card is revealed. This immediate feedback maintains engagement and anticipation throughout the fundraising period.
Weekly drawings become community events when livestreamed. Platforms like Givebutter integrate live streaming directly into their services. This transparency builds trust while creating shared experiences among participants.
Live broadcasts typically include countdown timers showing exactly when drawings will occur. After drawings, automated email notifications can inform ticket holders about revealed cards.
Throughout the country, Queen of Hearts raffles are proving to be among the most successful fundraising ideas for nonprofits. These real-world examples demonstrate why this fundraising model has skyrocketed in popularity.
Carroll Catholic School exemplifies how educational institutions can harness this effective fundraising approach. Their Queen of Hearts raffle began with a modest jackpot exceeding $1,000, yet demonstrates impressive growth potential. The school implements a 60/40 split structure—winners receive 60% of the jackpot while the school retains 40% for educational initiatives.
What makes their implementation particularly noteworthy is their digital adaptation. The school conducts virtual drawings every Friday at 3:30 pm, livestreaming the results on their Facebook page. Namely, they've embraced online ticket sales through Givebutter, allowing supporters to purchase tickets using credit/debit cards, Venmo, or PayPal. This hybrid approach enables them to reach supporters beyond their immediate community.
JJ's Wine & Spirits demonstrates how businesses can partner with nonprofits through Queen of Hearts raffles. In this case, their game started with 54 covered cards and continued growing for over eight months. Their ticket structure offers excellent value—one ticket for $5 or five for $20.
The business split proceeds evenly between two worthy causes: Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota and Dakota Dachshund Rescue. Even before finding the Queen of Hearts, they raised over $20,000 for each organization. Their weekly drawings, held precisely at 7:11 pm each Tuesday, create anticipation and consistent engagement.
The tangible effects on beneficiary organizations highlight why this ranks among the most effective fundraising ideas for nonprofits. For instance, Ronald McDonald House Charities celebrated its 40th anniversary while receiving funds that directly supported their mission of housing families during medical treatment. The $20,000+ raised translated to over 400 nights of family stays at their two Sioux Falls locations.
Likewise, Dakota Dachshund Rescue used proceeds to cover hundreds of veterinary bills for rescued dogs awaiting adoption. Beyond financial benefits, the weekly drawings provided visibility for both organizations, with Dakota Dachshund Rescue bringing adoptable dogs wearing heart-themed bandanas to drawing events.
Indeed, these case studies illustrate that Queen of Hearts raffles deliver both substantial funding and community engagement, making them a standout option among fundraising ideas for nonprofits.
The Queen of Hearts raffle stands apart from traditional fundraising methods for good reason. Throughout this article, we've seen how this innovative approach creates sustained donor engagement while generating substantial funds for worthy causes. The progressive jackpot structure certainly drives participation to unprecedented levels, with some prizes reaching millions of dollars before being claimed.
What makes this fundraising idea particularly attractive? First and foremost, the accessibility factor cannot be overstated. Participants can join with just $5 per ticket, making it inclusive for supporters at all economic levels. Additionally, the weekly drawing format creates regular touchpoints with your community, transforming one-time donors into engaged advocates.
The digital revolution has undoubtedly amplified the potential of Queen of Hearts raffles. Online platforms now handle everything from ticket sales to card tracking, expanding your reach far beyond geographical limitations. Livestreamed drawings further build excitement and transparency, creating shared experiences that strengthen community bonds.
Perhaps most compelling are the real-world results we've examined. Organizations like Carroll Catholic School and charities supported by JJ's Wine & Spirits demonstrate how effectively this model works in practice. The impact extends beyond mere fundraising numbers—though these are impressive—to create lasting connections with supporters.
Therefore, if your nonprofit seeks a fundraising approach that combines excitement, accessibility, and sustainable revenue, the Queen of Hearts raffle deserves serious consideration. The minimal startup costs coupled with potentially substantial returns make this an exceptionally efficient fundraising model. After all, the ultimate goal remains supporting your mission while building a community of engaged supporters—and the Queen of Hearts raffle accomplishes both brilliantly.
