Raffle & Bazaar Permits

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 271 Section 7A all organizations holding a raffle or bazaar as a fundraiser must obtain a permit to conduct a raffle and/or bazaar from the City of Westfield. 

The application fee is $20.00. Checks should be payable to the City of Westfield. The Clerk's Office also accepts cash or credit card (up to a $3.95 service charge fee).

Qualifications of Organization

1. Types of Organization

• Veteran's organization
• Church or religious organization
• Fraternal organization
• Educational or charitable organization (including Public School Departments and Parent Teacher Organizations)
• Civic or service organizations
• Clubs organized and operated exclusively for pleasure, reaction, or other purposes

2. Organized and actively functioning as nonprofit organization in Westfield

3. Two years or more in existence

How to Apply
Please Note: Once submitted, applications take approximately 1 week to process. Please plan accordingly. 

Step 1: Before completing your application for a permit to hold a raffle or bazaar, please take a few minutes to read the Massachusetts Attorney General's Guidance on Raffles. 

Step 2: Complete the Application Form. All fields must be completed, including social security numbers.

Step 3: Bring your completed application to the City Clerk's Office. You will complete the Notice of Issuance of Raffle and/or Bazaar License City. This form can only be obtained in the Clerk's Office and will be forwarded to the Mass Lottery/Charitable Gaming Department.

Step 4: The Police Chief will sign off, endorsing the permit. It will be returned to the Clerk's Office for an official Permit. Permit's are good for one year. 

Before your Raffle Permit expires: 

Permits are valid for one year from the date of issue.
Please complete an Annual Report and submit 2 copies to the City Clerk's Office thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of your permit. Failure to submit this report is sufficient grounds to deny future permits.