If your charity or community organisation is considering running a raffle, prize draw or lottery, trustees need to understand one crucial point:
This is regulated gambling activity.
Even small, well-intentioned fundraising draws fall under legal frameworks across the UK. While lotteries can be effective income generators, they also carry governance, financial and reputational risks that sit squarely with the board.
At a time when we’re all being asked to consider the legacy we leave behind, whether through our work, our relationships, or our communities, it’s worth revisiting one of the oldest and most enduring forms of giving: the charitable trust.
But transforming good intentions into impactful, sustainable services takes more than passion. It takes planning.
Whether you’re setting up a new community group or refreshing a long-standing charity, one of the most powerful things you can do is articulate your vision and mission. These statements are the beating heart of your organisation. They provide clarity, purpose and direction, helping to unite everyone around a shared ambition.