Fundraising makes it possible for the Missouri Council of the Blind to keep every one of its programs running — free or low-cost — for blind and visually impaired Missourians.
Throughout the year MCB runs a variety of fundraisers, from our popular seasonal 50/50 raffles to community events organized by local affiliates across the state. Whether you enter a raffle, attend a local event, or help your affiliate connect with a business sponsor, every dollar raised stays in Missouri — funding scholarships, adaptive technology grants, white canes, summer camp, and emergency aid.
Why It Matters
- Adaptive technology grants that restore independence
- Youth scholarships sending students to college
- White canes provided at no cost to members
- Summer camp experiences for children who are blind
- Emergency financial assistance for members in crisis
Ways MCB Raises Funds for Blind Missourians
50/50 Raffles
Seasonal drawings held throughout the year. You could win half the pot — and help fund MCB programs with the other half.
Business Partnerships
Local affiliates partner with Missouri businesses for sponsorships, in-kind donations, and community giving programs.
Community Events
Affiliate chapters host local fundraising events — dinners, auctions, and awareness activities — that strengthen ties with their community.
Direct Donations
Prefer a straightforward gift? Tax-deductible donations are accepted online, by phone, or by mail year-round.
MCB's Seasonal 50/50 Raffle
One of our most popular ongoing fundraisers — enter to win, and support blind Missourians at the same time.
Raffle Entry Pricing
Purchase as many chances as you like. The more chances you hold, the better your odds.
How the Raffle Works
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Choose Your Tier & Enter
Pick a ticket tier above and contact the MCB office by phone to purchase your chances. Staff will log your name and contact information into the drawing spreadsheet. Online entry via PayPal, debit, or credit card may be available during select seasonal raffles — watch for announcements.
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Your Chances Are Logged
Each purchased chance is assigned a numbered line in the raffle spreadsheet. If you purchase 15 chances, you hold 15 numbered entries — all linked to your name and contact information.
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The Drawing
At the close of each raffle period, one winning number is randomly selected from all entries in the spreadsheet. The person whose name is on that line wins the 50% prize pool.
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Winner Announced
The winner is announced during the MCB convention or a community call, and the winner's name is posted on the MCB website. MCB contacts the winner directly using the information provided at entry.
Ready to Enter?
Call the MCB office to purchase your raffle chances. Have your preferred ticket tier ready when you call.
(314) 832-7172Or email moblind@moblind.org to ask about the current raffle schedule.
Raffle Schedule
MCB runs raffles on a seasonal schedule. A new raffle typically opens each season, so there are multiple opportunities to enter throughout the year.
Spring Raffle
Typically opens in early spring and closes before summer.
Summer Raffle
Runs through the summer months. Winner drawn at or near convention time.
Fall Raffle
Autumn drawing to carry momentum from convention season into year's end.
Winter Raffle
Holiday-season drawing — a great time to enter and share with family and friends.
Affiliate Fundraising — Your Local Community, Your Impact
MCB's affiliate chapters are the heart of the organization in every corner of Missouri. Local affiliates have a unique opportunity to build fundraising relationships in their own communities.
Reach Out to Local Businesses
Businesses in your region are often eager to support disability-focused nonprofits — but they may not know how to find you. As an MCB affiliate, you are the best ambassador for blind Missourians in your area.
Consider approaching local businesses about:
- Event sponsorships — supporting a local affiliate dinner, auction, or awareness event
- Percentage-of-sales nights — restaurants and retailers donate a portion of one night's revenue
- In-kind donations — goods, services, or gift cards for raffles and auctions
- Workplace giving — asking employers to feature MCB in their employee giving campaigns
- Raffle ticket sales — businesses can sell or promote MCB raffle entries to their customers
Tips for Affiliate Fundraising Success
Tell MCB's Story
Share specific program impacts — "Your donation helped fund a screen reader for a student who is blind" resonates far more than a general funding ask.
Emphasize Local Impact
Funds raised by your affiliate chapter support blind Missourians right in your region. Local businesses care about local results.
Offer Tax-Deductibility
As donations to a 501(c)(3), business contributions to MCB are tax-deductible. This is a meaningful benefit for local sponsors.
Promote Their Support
Publicly thank business sponsors in your chapter newsletter, at events, and on social media. Recognition motivates continued partnership.
Build Long-Term Relationships
The best fundraising relationships grow over years. Follow up, share impact reports, and keep business partners connected to your affiliate's work.
Is Your Affiliate Running a Fundraiser?
Let us know! MCB can help promote your affiliate's fundraising events through our website, newsletter, and member communications. Reach out to the MCB office to coordinate.
Other Ways to Support MCB
Make a Direct Donation
A direct, tax-deductible gift to MCB goes straight to programs serving blind Missourians — no raffle entry required.
Donate NowBecome a Member
MCB membership dues directly fund our programs and advocacy. Members also receive advance notice of raffles and events.
Join MCBPlanned Giving
Leave a lasting legacy for blind Missourians by including MCB in your estate plan, will, or charitable trust.
Learn More