What Is Restaurant Fundraising?

Fundraising is one way that schools, sport teams, churches, nonprofits, and other organizations can support their initiatives while doing something fun. Enjoying meals with friends at local restaurants! A restaurant fundraiser can help you raise some extra cash efficiently – and you’ll have a good time doing it! But what is a restaurant fundraiser, exactly, and how much money does one actually make? Let’s take a look.

What Is Restaurant Fundraising?

Restaurant fundraising combines raising money with the fun of attending a group meal at a restaurant. Best part of all, the restaurant who hosts the fundraiser are the ones who give the money!

Traditional fundraising usually involves gathering individual donations, selling items, or booking a space to organize an event (a show, auction, reception, etc.). But with restaurant fundraising, there are no donations expected (apart from the money attendees pay for their meals, of course). 

This is obviously a huge incentive for participation – who doesn’t like to enjoy a bite to eat at their favorite spot? Attendees get to chow down on a delicious meal and know that they’re supporting a good cause. Afterward, the restaurant pays a percentage of the event sales back to the organizer. 

Who Are Restaurant Fundraisers For?

Restaurant fundraising is ideal for any group looking to raise some funds. Some of the most popular examples of restaurant fundraisers include those for:

1. School groups
2. Youth sport teams
3. Community and religious organization
4. University / College Groups
5. Non-profit organizations

How Does Restaurant Fundraising Work?

Here's how restaurant fundraising typically works:

Step 1: Get it on the books. A local group contacts their restaurant of choice to confirm they host fundraisers. Organizers then choose a time and date and negotiate what percentage of the proceeds they will get back. Alternatively, a resource like DonationScout can help organizers find reputable restaurants and request an event within minutes.

Step 2: Get the word out. Publicity can mean the difference between success and failure, so staying on top of it is crucial. Use multiple means of advertising to reach the widest audience. DonationScout makes it easy to spread the word by giving you access to everything you need from event flyers, social media graphics, to regular reminders to send to your attendees as the big day approaches.

Step 3: Host the fundraiser. Restaurant fundraisers essentially have two hosts: the restaurant and the organizer. The restaurant's job is to be staffed in anticipation of the event, allocate enough space, and provide good service. The organizers' responsibilities are to arrive early and ensure organization members mention the fundraiser at checkout. That means you’ll want to anticipate playing an active role during the event.

Step 4: Get paid! After the fundraiser ends and all sales are final, organizers will receive a percentage of the event's proceeds. With a DonationScout-Certified Restaurant like Panera Bread, Jason’s Deli or Slim Chickens, you’ll know the results of your event right away and receive your donation shortly thereafter. 

How Much Money Can a Restaurant Fundraiser Make?

How much money a restaurant fundraiser can make depends on three factors:

1. Average price of a meal per person
2. The number of people who attend
3. Percentage of proceeds donated

However, the most important driver of success is #2, the number of people in attendance.  Organizers should focus on selecting restaurants that are conveniently located as well as popular among the organization members.

Consider two examples:

Fundraiser A 

15 people attend a restaurant fundraiser that offers a 25% donation with a $30 average price per person. 

That means that after the event, the organizer would receive $127.50 (15 x 30 = 450 x 0.25 = $112.50).

Fundraiser B 

50 people attend a fundraising event that offers a 15% donation with a $20 average meal price. 

In this case, the organizer would receive $150 (50 x 20.00 = 1,000 x .15 = $150)

Higher donation payouts at more expensive restaurants do not always equate to a higher donation.  Organizers should pay attention to the taste and location preferences of its members above all else.   

Where To Find Restaurants To Hold Fundraisers

Hosting a restaurant fundraiser can be incredibly easy or a logistical nightmare, depending on how organized and experienced a restaurant's fundraising operations are.

Choose a resource like DonationScout to streamline the fundraising process and focus on what matters most: your donation goals. DonationScout is a leading fundraiser management software trusted by thousands of restaurants nationwide. By doing the administrative legwork, DonationScout saves restaurants tons of time which allows them to host more events  while creating a hassle-free experience for organizers. That's what we call a win-win.

Plus, DonationScout has a proven record of success that will ensure you avoid working with restaurants that lack fundraising experience. Choose from one of DonationScout’s Certified Restaurants to ensure that your event goes off without a hitch. Explore top restaurant chains you know and love alongside local staples to find the right match for your needs.

Ready to get started? Search for a DonationScout-Certified Restaurant in your area HERE and take your fundraiser game to a whole new level.