How did TapKat become the sweepstakes experts?

We’re nonprofit people, just like you!

TapKat was founded by a group of volunteers running a nonprofit museum.

One of our founders is the Executive Director of a nonprofit automobile museum, The Shelby American Collection. Several years ago, the museum was looking for a effective and sustainable way of raising significant funds. He decided to run an online sweepstakes for a Shelby GT350 Mustang sport car.

Long story short, the first Shelby sweepstakes raised hundred of thousands of dollars. Donors loved it and the sweepstakes brought in significantly more money than all their other fundraisers combined. Because the sweepstakes was online and promoted on social media, the museum was growing their donor base by leaps and bounds. You can read more about this on our blog here. And, big bonus – they also saw a big increase in visitors to the museum. 

Pretty soon, nonprofits were calling and asking if the museum team would help them run online sweepstakes fundraisers.

The founders wanted to help other nonprofits with this new, exciting and highly effective fundraising tool. TapKat was born! A few short years later, TapKat’s online sweepstakes platform has helped hundreds of U.S. nonprofits raise millions of dollars and grow their donor bases. Here at TapKat, we are passionate about sweepstakes fundraising and we’d love to help your nonprofit benefit from our sweepstakes expertise!

FAQs

TapKat’s sweepstakes platform is for nonprofits only. Which nonprofits can use TapKat?

TapKat serves U.S. based nonprofit organizations. Here are the basic requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. nonprofit organization with a valid EIN, in good standing with the IRS

  • Your nonprofit tax exempt status must have been granted for at least 1 year (Ruling Year)

Is a TapKat sweepstakes the same as a raffle?

TapKat drawing campaigns are sweepstakes. There’s a big difference between sweepstakes and raffles. Raffles are considered gaming and as such, are subject to state regulations and often licensing. Raffles are illegal in several U.S. states. All that makes it tricky to run a raffle online. Sweepstakes are not considered gaming and that means U.S. nonprofit organizations can run them online. Citizens and residents of the U.S. and any other country in which sweepstakes are legal, may enter a sweepstakes. TapKat Sweepstakes Rules have been structured and vetted for U.S.nonprofits to be able to run, promote and take donations online. You can read more about the differences between raffles and sweepstakes on our blog here.

How can I get a really great prize?

Your choice of a prize is a key component for your sweepstakes fundraiser and we’re here to help. TapKat has partnered with companies that can supply a prize that’s just right for your TapKat sweepstakes fundraiser. Check out our Find a Prize page for some quick and easy TapKat prize partners. And read more about choosing a prize on our blog here.

Do we need to purchase the prize upfront?

TapKat has structured our sweepstakes fundraisers to keep upfront costs to a minimum. We recommend that you purchase an prize on consignment (you pay for the prize once you’ve raised enough money). You can read more about consignment prizes on our blog here. And check out our Find a Prize page – these partners offer prizes on consignment for nonprofits.

Do I need a web developer to create my online TapKat sweepstakes site?

Nope! We host your TapKat sweepstakes fundraiser on the TapKat platform. You can quickly and easily create your TapKat sweepstakes in your TapKat dashboard. Simply drag and drop some images and text about the prize and our software automatically creates your sweepstakes site. Your easy-to-use (really!) TapKat dashboard gives you all the tools you need to track and manage your sweepstakes. That leaves you free to promote your sweepstakes with links and graphics on your website, social media posts and email campaigns.

What happens once my TapKat sweepstakes fundraiser is activated?

TapKat goes to work! We automate and manage all the logistics of your sweepstakes fundraiser —

  • Taking donation/entry payments

  • Issuing entry ticket numbers

  • Emailing donation receipts and

  • Keeping your donor/entry records stored in a database that you can download any time

  • Insights (metrics) on how your fundraising campaign is doing

  • A random number generator feature to draw your winner

Plus, your TapKat dashboard gives you access to the data and tools to promote your sweepstakes. That leaves you free to go out and tell the world about your fun and exciting TapKat fundraiser!

How do I get started and what are the costs?

Sign up for a free TapKat account here. There are no upfront costs or monthly subscription fees. TapKat charges a small percentage of every donation made when people enter your sweepstakes. Our credit card processor automatically deducts their fees and TapKat fees from each transaction, and the balance of every donation is deposited directly in your nonprofit’s back account. 

Got more questions about TapKat?

We’re standing by to help you start fundraising with your first TapKat sweepstakes. The quickest way to get started is to click the Sign Up Free button on this page. It really is free - no upfront costs or subscription fees! Schedule a Demo to see TapKat in action.

You can also click the chat box to message us. Or give us a call: 720-442-8141 ext 1.