The easiest fundraisers for schools are ones that compel community members to purchase something that they already intend to buy—like dinner. Hey, everyone eats! Raising money while eating a delicious lunch or dinner is a win-win for everyone in your school community. Some restaurants go above and beyond when it comes to supporting their local schools by offering easy-to-manage fundraisers that bring in big proceeds. Here are some of our favorite restaurants that do school fundraisers.
1. Chipotle
Chipotle helps public and private K–12 schools by hosting in-restaurant fundraisers, making for a fun night out with the fam that also supports your school. Best of all, your school will receive 33% of the proceeds brought in by your supporters (pre-tax), meaning if your supporters bring in $300, they’ll send you a check for $100! The application for your event or donation request can be filled out completely online too, making it easier than ever to set up your fundraising festivity. Be sure to allow at least three weeks for a response to your request. Chipotle fundraisers are now online too: Every fundraiser gets a unique code, and when your supporters enter the code online for pickup at your local Chipotle, 33% of event sales will be donated directly to your school!
2. Bertucci’s
Dining for Dollars is Bertucci’s program for giving back to schools and nonprofits. On the night of your event—typically a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday evening—guests present the Dining for Dollars flyer, and 15% of the check goes to your school. Contact your local Bertucci’s manager to get planning.
3. Chevys Fresh Mex
It always feels like a party is happening at Chevys Fresh Mex, with fresh Mexican food on the menu and the energetic atmosphere in the air. Bring your fellow supporters to your favorite participating Chevy’s and enjoy tasty eats and drinks. Fifteen percent of all food and drink sales, including to-go orders generated from your organization, will be donated back to you for your school! Call the manager of your local Chevys to see if they participate.
4. Panera
Panera offers dine-in fundraising events—your school will receive 25% of the sales gathered at the event! Or opt to fundraise by offering school families Panera’s Family Feasts, a new program offering families the chance to pick up or enjoy a delivered meal for a great price—and help your organization too!
5. Boston Market
Everyone’s a winner, winner, chicken dinner when you fundraise with Boston Market. Schools can host restaurant nights to earn 15% of all pre-tax sales generated from the event, sell gift cards for a 12% profit, or order catering from Boston Market and share the profits from meal tickets sold. Learn the details of all avenues Boston Market offers to schools.
6. Chuck E. Cheese
Every elementary student’s favorite birthday party place is also a super solution for school fundraisers! In fact, more than $14 million has been donated through Chuck E. Cheese’s school fundraising events. Chuck E. Cheese provides promo materials and 10 free game tokens for each student, makes sure Chuck E. Cheese himself visits the school the day of the event, and even offers free meals for the teachers who attend. Best of all, 20% of profits will be donated to your cause with 3,000+ total dollars spent, 15% donated with under $3,000. Fill out the online event request form and immediately get started planning with restaurants that offer school fundraisers.
7. Houlihan’s
Houlihan’s is known for its freshly made American cuisine and a chic but casual sit-down atmosphere. Many of its 100 or so locations participate in “dine to donate” fundraisers with local schools. All requests are handled at the grassroots level, so reach out to the general manager at your local Houlihan’s and support local restaurants that do school fundraisers!
8. Panda Express
Scheduling a fundraiser where families love to dine = more participation = more raised for your organization, and Panda Express is a proven family favorite. Invite friends and family to dine in or take out, and Panda will donate 20% of the event sales to your school or organization. Schedule your next fundraiser with Panda Express’s easy online application.
9. Buffalo Wild Wings
Schools are the big winners in Buffalo Wild Wings’ Eat Wings, Raise Funds programs, which have donated more than $1 million to local nonprofits. A portion of the sales from your community’s restaurant-night event will be donated to your school. To apply for an Eat Wings event, fill out the online application.
10. Little Caesars
Fundraising is easy-peasy with Little Caesars: School families can order Little Caesars® Pizza Kits—each kit contains all the ingredients to make delicious pizza and snacks at home in less than 10 minutes—with proceeds benefiting your school. School group orders can be placed online, over the phone with the dedicated Customer Care Team (888-4-LC-KITS or 888-452-5487), and via fax. The best part is that your school keeps the profit immediately!
11. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is proud to support local schools and sports teams by offering a local fundraiser program where they give 20% back! Over the past 5 years, these fundraiser events have raised over $1.5 million for community organizations. Now it’s even easier to earn money for your group or organization with BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse’s brand-new digital fundraising program.
12. Home Run Inn Pizza
What busy family on-the-go wouldn’t appreciate a delicious pizza dinner on a school night? Home Run Inn Take n’ Bake fundraising makes it easy for your school to raise funds. Purchase cheesy, quality Take n’ Bake pizzas to earn 30% back to your local school or community organization.
13. IHOP
Got pancakes? IHOP makes it easy to fundraise for your school and sports team with the IHOP FlipGive fundraising app. Simply create an account and invite your local school community members or teammates, then shop online, in-store, or buy gift cards and you’ll earn a percentage of every purchase.
14. Krispy Kreme
Raise some dough! Krispy Kreme Fundraising was created in 1955 to provide a way for qualifying community organizations to raise funds for their worthwhile causes via their delectable doughnuts. Take your fundraising online with their latest program, Digital Dozens, a contactless and convenient way to raise money. Simply sell Original Glazed Donuts virtually to friends and family, and distribute redemption codes via email.
