How it works

Step 1

supporters text one word to enter

Step 2

winning number is picked at random

Step 3

winner is called or texted by host

"The DONATE text raffle worked fantastically for our event and was extremely easy to set up and use. The team are really helpful and always on-hand to sort out any queries you may have. Being able to ring the winner on stage added a great bit of drama to the evening! We highly recommend it" Family Holiday Association

Text raffles enable your supporters to enter into a raffle using their mobile phone. Mobile phone numbers act as the entry tickets with the winning number being called and/or texted by you.

Read or download our two handy guides on How to Set Up a Text Raffle and our Text Raffle Tips. We’ve also answered your frequently asked questions below.

FAQs

Can any organisation use DONATE's text raffle service?

DONATE’S™ text raffle service is available to any charitable organisation that is registered with DONATE™. If you are not yet registered with DONATE™ you can do so for free here.

What are the Gambling and Lottery requirements?

Raffles held in a single location on a specific occassion (ie charity fundraising) may be classed as an Incidental Lottery in which case no licence is required. Please read the specific rules regarding Incidental Lotteries on the Gambling Commission website to ensure you comply.

Should your raffle fall outside the rules of an Incidental Lottery you may still be able to use DONATE™ but you will need the appropriate licence. Please note that in all circumstances DONATE™ operates as a payment provider and not as an External Lottery Manager (ELM) and it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct authority/licence to run a lottery/raffle.

The rules for your lottery will be hosted on the DONATE platform on the webpage provided to you. The link to this page should be made available in your promotional material and the thank-you text response. For example rules please see here. Please note that the creation of your rules is your legal responsibility and we cannot provide specific advice or guidance.

How long does it take to set-up a text raffle?

Once an organisation is set up with DONATE™ your text raffle should be available within one-two working days. You can see how to set-up a raffle here.

Can we choose our own keyword entry word and change it as required?

Yes. For each campaign you may rent,without charge, a memorable keyword (up to 8 characters) for entry ie WORKSHOP. Please note that some keywords may already be in use or not acceptable and you may therefore be asked to alter your chosen word or identify an alternative.

Please note that we reserve the right to recall a keyword at any time.

Can we change the response message sent to the participant

Yes. You may change the default thank-you message. Any changes are sent to us for confirmation before being accepted.

Can we track and manage our campaigns?

Yes, once signed up you have access to your self-serve portal. This gives you 24/7 access to donation reports and GDPR compliant donor opted-in data. The portal also enable you to add/enable/disable campaigns, download signage templates, amend thank-you emails and texts and much much more. Login is here: https://platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/portal/login

How should we promote the text raffle to our supporters?

You can promote a lottery across social media, email and other channels but you will probably need a local authority licence. This page from the Gambling Commission may be helpful.

However, if you are able to run the lottery/raffle at a physical event then this may be classed as an “incidental lottery” in which case a licence may not be required. This page from the Gambling Commission may be helpful.

DONATE’s™ web page totalisers can be edited to show supporters how to participate.

Can we set a start-date to our raffle?

You should only promote your raffle when you are ready to accept entries.

Can we combine a text raffle with sales of other raffle tickets (eg cash)?

Yes, this is possible. Entries made by cash can be added to DONATE’s™ text raffle entries using our cash entry screen. This enables your team to enter the number of tickets bought and a reference for the buyer (name, telephone number etc.).

What are the text raffle ticket prices?

We provide £1, £3, £5 and £10 ticket prices without any set-up or monthly charge. There is a one off £50 charge for £20 and £30 ticket prices.

Please note that a £20 one-time cap and £30 daily cap is set by the premium text regulator Phone-paid Services Authority. Additional entry tickets above this cap can be bought by cash and entered into the draw.

Does the ticket price identify a single entry into the raffle at that price?

Yes, the £1, £3, £5, £10, £20 or £30 ticket price conforms to a single entry at that price.

It is not possible for a £3 ticket to relate to 3 entries etc.

Can an entrant participate more than once in a raffle?

Subject to the £30 daily spending cap, multiple entries can be made. For example, a single user could buy 6x£5 tickets per day.

How and when is the draw made and winner notified?

We provide a web page from which a winning number (and numbered list of all runners up) are provided from the database of entries. You may make the draw from 30minutes after the last ticket entry. Winners can be notified by ringing or texting the winning number (or reading out the winning mobile number).

30 winning, randomised, entries are shown. A second raffle should be set up if more than 30 prizes are available.

Do we have access to the donor's mobile numbers for future marketing purposes?

By default a donor is not giving permission for their data being made available for marketing purposes. Should the donor give their permission (ie through responding to a specific request) then we will make such opted-in data available to you.

What are DONATE's charges for the text raffle service?

DONATE™ does not charge for running the text raffle service but we charge our normal transaction fees for each text donation made (4.5% for charities, 5% for non-charities). More information about our fees is available here.

Do all mobile networks / contracts accept entries

Yes, our service is compatible across all the UK networks (EE, O2, Vodafone, Three. Sky and Virgin). However, some mobile contracts preclude premium text billing and those users will not be able to participate. This is outside our control; the individual should contact their provider to request access to premium text billing.

Please note though that those with an overseas SIM cannot use UK premium text services. Our mobile web channel (PayPal, credit and debit cards) provides a giving route for these supporters.

Find out more

Please read the FAQs above before proceeding.