Georgia Law Limits Who Can Legally Conduct Raffles

Organizations planning to use raffles as fundraisers should be aware that Georgia law allows only qualified nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations to conduct them legally.

Under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-22.1, only qualified nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations—including charities, churches and schools—may operate raffles in Georgia. Individuals and for-profit businesses are prohibited from conducting raffles, and unauthorized raffles may constitute illegal commercial gambling, which is a felony under Georgia law.

To qualify, an organization must have maintained valid IRS 501(c) tax-exempt status for at least 24 months and obtain an annual raffle license from the sheriff’s office in the county where the organization is based. The application fee may be up to $100.

Georgia law also requires raffles to be conducted only on property owned by the nonprofit, property leased by the organization for purposes other than conducting raffles, or property leased from another qualified nonprofit organization. Participants must be at least 18 years old, unless accompanied by an adult.

Organizations holding four or more raffles each year must submit an annual report of raffle receipts and expenditures, signed by a certified public accountant, to the sheriff by April 15.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader makes raffle license applications and related forms available online through the Sheriff’s Office website at https://chattooga-ga-sheriff.org/.

Dreamers Outreach Planning Student Trip To Obama Presidential Library

A local nonprofit organization is inviting students and families to learn more about a unique educational opportunity planned for 2027.

Dreamers Outreach, Inc. announced plans for an educational and inspirational trip to the Obama Presidential Library in June 2027. The organization says the trip is designed to expose young people to leadership, history, education, and service while encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams.

According to the organization, 10 students in grades 8 through 12 will be selected to participate in the experience.

An informational meeting for interested students and parents is scheduled for August 8 at 2 p.m. at Kuzzins, located at 105 Hemlock Street in Summerville. Organizers will discuss trip details, expectations, and future planning efforts.

Dreamers Outreach is also seeking community support for the project. The organization is encouraging parents and volunteers interested in serving as chaperones, sponsors who would like to support a student, and community members willing to assist through donations and fundraising efforts to get involved.

Organization leaders say community support will be essential in making the educational trip a reality and creating a meaningful experience for participating students.

Shorter University Launches Nationwide Search for Next President

Shorter University in Rome has announced a nationwide search for its next president, following the tenure of President Don Dowless. The university is seeking a Christ-centered, visionary leader to guide the school forward, noting the search as a chance to reaffirm its mission to “Transform Lives through Christ.”

Read more

Sarah Husser Named Director of Atrium Health FloydSpirit Foundation

Atrium Health Floyd has selected Sarah Husser to lead the FloydSpirit Foundation, the newly rebranded name for Atrium Health Floyd’s former Floyd Healthcare Foundation. The foundation serves as the system’s fundraising and “friend-raising” arm, supporting programs and resources that strengthen care and expand community health initiatives tied to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and its affiliates.

Read more