Tombolas are one of the most traditional methods of fundraising there is and one of the most popular. From a fundraising point of view, there's a very simple reason for their enduring appeal - tombolas are extremely effective at making money.
Unlike a raffle, where you need to attract at least one high-value quality prize, sell tickets in advance and build an element of suspense, the lure of the tombola is instant.
What's more, the prizes can be as modest as you like, as long as you have them in bulk. Jars of jam, packets of biscuits and tins of beans are all common (and perfectly acceptable) tombola prizes. This makes tombolas perfect for events held in schools, churches or larger workplaces, where there are lots of people who can each be persuaded to donate one or two small items.
Nobody is likely to come to your event just because of a tombola, but very few people are able to walk past one without taking a turn either. If your tombola is part of a larger fete or fair, there's no need to apply for a licence, and there's no age restriction on who can play (as long as your prizes don't include alcohol.)
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