Given the significant legal and tax issues inherent in conducting a raffle and/or other games of chance, all parishes, clubs or subsidiary organizations, departments or groups advertising themselves as benefiting a parish, school, or other diocesan entity are required to obtain approval from the Office of Development and Planning Giving prior to conducting the raffle/game of chance. The Office of Development and Planned Giving will provide specific and immediate assistance to all groups planning to conduct a raffle or other games of chance.

Purpose

The laws and tax considerations relevant to the operations of raffles and other games of chance are, at times, confusing and perplexing. They are easy to overlook or downplay in the excitement of the cause for which we are involved with at the time. It is not the intention or desire of the Diocese to determine the need for or operations of every fundraising event held in a diocesan entity. These decisions are best arrived at within the parish and/or organization by committed parishioners, guided by the pastor.

Yet, given the significant consequences that could result from not conducting raffles or other games of chance within the confines of the law, there is adequate reason for the diocese to ensure that these games are conducted within with legal parameters and applicable tax law.