Quiz Night Fundraiser NZ

A quiz night is one of the best value fundraisers a school or club can run. One evening, low costs, and $2,000-$5,000 raised from tickets, a raffle and an auction. Here is how to run one.

How to run a quiz night, step by step

Pick a date and venue

Choose a Friday or Saturday evening six to eight weeks out. A school hall or local club works well and keeps costs down. Aim for eight to a table.

Set ticket prices and sell tables

Charge per person or per table of eight. A table is an easy unit to sell to parents and workplaces. Selling tickets online means you collect the money up front and know your numbers.

Plan the rounds and a quizmaster

Six to eight rounds of ten questions is about right for two hours. Mix general knowledge, music, sport and a picture round. A confident quizmaster keeps the night moving.

Add a raffle, auction and games

This is where the real money is made. Run a raffle with donated prizes, a silent auction, and quick between-round games like heads-or-tails for a gold coin.

Promote it

Push it through the school newsletter, class group chats, social media and posters. Encourage teams to enter early so you can plan catering and prizes.

Run the night

Set up tables, test the sound, brief your helpers, and have a float ready for the bar and raffle. Announce the total raised at the end to thank everyone.

Sell tickets and collect money online

Selling tables online means you take payment up front, know your numbers early, and skip chasing cash on the night. Raised lets you set up a page and collect payments in minutes.

See how Raised works

Quiz night fundraiser: common questions

How much can a quiz night fundraiser raise?

A school quiz night commonly raises $2,000-$5,000 in one evening. Ticket sales cover the event, and most of the profit comes from the raffle, silent auction and between-round games.

How much should we charge for a quiz night?

In New Zealand, $15-$25 per person or $120-$200 per table of eight is typical. Set the price to cover the venue and a light supper, then make your profit from the extras on the night.

Do we need a licence to run a raffle or auction at a quiz night?

A small raffle is usually fine, but if total ticket sales go over $500 you need a Class 1 society licence from the Department of Internal Affairs. Check the DIA rules before the night if your raffle will be large.

How far ahead should we plan a quiz night?

Allow six to eight weeks. That gives you time to book the venue, line up a quizmaster, gather raffle and auction prizes from local businesses, and sell enough tables.

More event fundraising ideas

A quiz night pairs well with other events across the year. Browse event ideas or find your highest-earning option.

Colour run fundraiser Most profitable fundraisers

Last updated: July 2026