---
title: Group social fund / raffle
description: "Many groups run a small 'members raffle' to raise funds to cover variable costs such as refreshments, taster evenings and award prizes. These are classed as \"incidental lotteries\" and do not require a licence. As this is a private arrangement,…"
url: "https://malgrabooks.co.uk/docs/group-social-fund-raffle/"
updated: "2026-02-18"
category: Expenses
---

# Group social fund / raffle

Many groups run a small 'members raffle' to raise funds to cover variable costs such as refreshments, taster evenings and award prizes.

These are classed as "incidental lotteries" and do not require a licence.

As this is a private arrangement, the monies received (income) or paid out (expenses) do not appear within your business accounts as it's not the business which is handling this, but instead a separate entity.

However, on occasion where your business - you as the self employed individual - incurs costs replenishing refreshments or awards (for example, if there are not enough member funds to cover these), these can be claimed as eligible expenses.