LLL in the USA WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK CELEBRATION
FUNDRAISING IDEAS
Drawings
Before You Plan a Drawing: Rules and Regulations You Need to Know
How Much IS that Drawing Ticket?
by Jane Tuttle, Outgoing Treasurer, Kansas LLL
Some Kansas LLL Groups are looking to a drawing for a prize as an effective fundraising technique. Some people refer to the opportunity to win a prize through buying a ticket as a raffle or a lottery. Raffles are illegal in the state of Kansas according to the Attorney General. The Kansas law defines a lottery or “raffle,” except those run by the state lottery, as “an enterprise in which a prize is awarded on the basis of chance for which consideration is given.” Thus, we cannot sell tickets for a drawing for a prize.
However, we may draw for a prize if the element of consideration is eliminated. We may request a donation, even suggest an amount of donation; however, we cannot require a donation for a person to participate in the drawing. If a person requests a ticket but does not wish to make a donation, the person must be given a free ticket. The tickets and any advertising for the drawing should state: “Donations requested, but no donation or purchase is necessary to participate.”
Drawings can be an effective fundraiser because the prize can be an item that appeals to a wider audience than breastfeeding mothers. The prize can often be obtained as a donation itself or at a greatly reduced cost. The tickets can be printed at a reasonable cost and again, sometimes the printing will be donated. No wonder creative Leaders are looking to drawings as effective fundraisers. It is equally important that the fundraiser be within (your) state law. If you follow the information provided by the Attorney General’s office, you should be within the law. The drawing ticket is free but we can suggest a donation.
If you have any questions about the legality of your drawing, you may wish to contact the district attorney for your community, as he or she would make the determination as to whether it appears a particular fundraiser violates the law. The Area Finance Coordinator is also available.
