What are Tricky Tray Fundraisers? Your Guide

June 30, 2026

What is a Tricky Tray Auction?

Tricky Trays are a unique fundraising event that combines elements of raffles and silent auctions. Also known as basket raffles, penny socials, brown bag auctions, Chinese auctions, or basket socials, this raffle-like fundraiser involves purchasing tricky tray tickets for a chance to win prizes displayed at the event.

Why is it Called a Tricky Tray?

Participants need to develop a strategy for distributing their tickets to increase their chances of winning their favorite items. This strategic element is what makes this fundraiser a “Tricky Tray.” It is more complicated to win than simply purchasing a raffle ticket and waiting for the prize to be drawn!

Is There a Difference Between a Tricky Tray and a Raffle?

In a traditional raffle, all entries are placed into the same container, from which the winner is drawn. In a tricky tray, each prize has a separate ticket bucket. This system breaks up the entrants for each prize, potentially increasing the odds of winning.

When you buy a regular raffle ticket, your entry is dropped into a container. As more tickets are sold, the odds of winning decrease since the winner is drawn from that single container. In a tricky tray, there are a variety of prizes, each with its own entry bucket. As a result, participants can break up their tricky tray tickets among different prizes and increase their odds of winning.

How Does a Tricky Tray Auction Work?

During a tricky tray fundraiser, organizers display a variety of prizes, each placed in a container such as a jar, basket, or ticket bucket. Participants can purchase a sheet of tickets and drop individual tickets into the container for the prize they wish to win. Each sheet includes a detachable stub printed with the same number — when a ticket is drawn, the stub identifies the winner instantly. At the end of the event, a winner is drawn from each tricky tray raffle bucket for its respective prize.

How Do You Run a Tricky Tray Fundraiser?

Typically, fundraiser attendees receive tickets as part of the event admission fee. For example, you might charge $20 for entry, which would include a sheet of tricky tray tickets. Then you can sell additional tickets at the tricky tray in person. Another option is to add on an online component by pre-selling tricky tray tickets through your nonprofit fundraising platform.

Most tricky tray prizes are solicited as donations from local businesses and community members in the weeks before the event. A formal raffle prize request letter makes the ask easier and gives potential donors something to reference.

Keep in mind that some states — including New Jersey — require a games of chance permit to legally run a basket raffle. Check with your local municipality before selling tickets to make sure basket raffles are permitted in your area and, if so, whether a games of chance permit is required.

How to Run a Tricky Tray Fundraiser Online?

Choose a fundraising platform through which you can manage online auctions and raffle ticket sales. Then, follow these steps:

1. Set Up Your Raffle Website: Create an online raffle page where you can showcase prizes, sell tickets, and explain the tricky tray process to virtual participants.
2. List Your Prizes: Add detailed descriptions and photos of each prize to entice participants. Include virtual-only prizes to appeal to online attendees.
3. Offer Ticket Bundles: Encourage larger ticket purchases by creating different options, such as single tickets and discounted ticket bundles.
4. Promote Your Event: Use social sharing tools to spread the word on social media and email, but don’t forget to market your event IRL. Print fundraiser flyers, yard signs, and postcards with QR codes directing people instantly to your fundraising site.
5. Monitor Progress: Use your platform’s data tools to track what items are accumulating the most bids and the total amount raised.
6. Draw Winners: Use the platform’s automated tools or announce winners manually during a live-streamed event.

4 Tips to Raise More with Tricky Tray events

As soon as attendees see your fantastic raffle prizes, they’ll use up their penny auction tickets in a flash. To make the most of this excitement, follow these steps:

1. Offer Extra Tickets for Purchase Onsite: Ensure you have plenty of tricky tray tickets available for purchase during the event. Attendees will want more chances to win their favorite prizes!
2. Introduce Colored Sheet Tickets for Prize Tiers: Consider using colored tickets to differentiate prize values. For example:
   • White tickets for items valued at $50 or less
   • Pink tickets for higher-value prizes worth $200–$300
   • Sell sheets of pink tickets at a higher price point (e.g., $15 instead of $5) to reflect the increased prize value. 
3. Include an Online Component: Expand your reach by adding a virtual element to your tricky tray. Set up an online raffle platform where remote participants can purchase tickets and bid on prizes. Offer virtual-only prizes or ticket bundles at discounted rates to drive additional engagement and revenue.
4. Promote Prize Variety: Ensure your tricky tray features prizes across different categories and price points to appeal to a broad audience.

What Sort of Fundraisers are Ideal for Tricky Trays?

Tricky tray events are ideal for churches, schools, sports teams, or any organization that wants to encourage participation from everyone!  The reason for this is that tickets offer more bang for the buck and, as far as winning goes, provide better odds.

Here’s why—a standard tricky tray raffle ticket sheet has 25 individual tickets. Thus, participants have 25 opportunities to win one item or multiple prizes. By offering more chances to win at various prices, you’re making your fundraiser more accessible. Plus, like most games of chance, tricky trays are fun. They keep the excitement high and level the playing field for winning prizes. After all, entering to win multiple prizes increases the chances of having a winning number! Hold drawings, use the bonus door prize ticket included on each sheet to run a separate door prize draw, and introduce new items throughout the event to keep the energy high.

What Makes a Good Tricky Tray Basket?

The best tricky tray tables offer something for everyone. Popular basket themes include spa and self-care, foodie and gourmet, sports fan, date night, kids’ fun, and pet lover. Varying price points matters too — a mix of smaller baskets (worth $25–$50) and aspirational grand prizes keeps bidding active across the whole room. For more inspiration, check out our raffle prize ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Ready to Add a Tricky Tray to Your Fundraiser? 

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