What You Need to Know About Restaurant Fundraisers

Restaurants are an essential part of our communities, serving as social hubs where people gather to enjoy a delicious meal and catch up with friends and family. For this reason, restaurants are a natural fit for community organizations seeking to raise funds for their causes. With their inviting atmosphere and mouth watering dishes, they have become a go-to choice for hosting fundraising events that bring people together while supporting important initiatives.

Here are a few reasons why:

It’s an easy ask:  Restaurant fundraisers are often considered an "easy ask" for the community because, instead of directly requesting monetary donations, you are inviting people to support the cause by simply dining out at a restaurant, an activity they are likely to do anyway.

Easy planning: Many restaurants have an established process for hosting fundraising events, which makes planning and executing the event much easier for community organizations. For example, you can find and book a restaurant fundraiser event by starting here https://www.donationscout.com/restaurant-fundraisers/

Win-win situation: Fundraising events held at restaurants benefit both the restaurant and the community organization, with the restaurant gaining increased traffic and sales and the organization receiving a percentage of the sales made by its members as a donation.

Increased visibility: Hosting a fundraising event at a restaurant can help increase the visibility of the community organization, as the event exposes the organization to other restaurant guests who may not have known about the organization before.

What types of restaurants offer fundraiser events?

Fortunately there are lots of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a restaurant for your next fundraiser.  Aside from the fine-dining segment, which typically does not offer traditional fundraisers, restaurant types and brands of all sizes can be great candidates. With plenty of dining options, restaurant fundraisers allow you to cater to the unique tastes of your community members.

While most restaurants will agree to host fundraisers for community groups like school organizations, youth sports teams, churches, etc., you want to do your best to make sure that the restaurant isn’t just “winging it”. An easy way to tell if a restaurant is serious about community fundraisers is their website.  Do they have a community section that talks about their fundraiser program and do they provide a way to request an event?  If so, this is a good indication that they’ll be a great partner.

Going a step further, working with DonationScout-Certified Restaurants ensures that the entire process from scheduling to receiving your donation check will be a great experience.  Here’s a summary of things you can expect when working with a DonationScout-Certified Restaurant.

Easy scheduling and event management for current and future events

• Timely and regular communication from the restaurant
• Professional marketing materials that can be used to rally the troops
• Restaurant employees who are prepared for your event
• A donation payout that is delivered on time         

How to book a restaurant fundraiser

If you already have a restaurant in mind that would be a great fit for your fundraiser, first visit their website to see if there is a way to submit your request online. If there is not, you might have to call the restaurant and ask to speak to a manager.  Here are a few key questions you’ll need to get answers to before committing to a date and time.

What is the donation payout %?

• Will they provide event marketing materials?
• When do they communicate event results?
• When will the donation check be mailed?
• Is there a minimum sales amount for the event?
• Are there any special instructions or rules/restrictions?

If you don’t know where to start, you can visit www.donationscout.com/restaurant-fundraisers/, enter your address, zip code or city, and see a list of DonationScout-Certified Restaurants in your area.  You’ll then select a restaurant and choose a date. Each restaurant has their own way of collecting requests so you will be directed to the restaurant’s fundraiser website to complete the request process.

How much money can we raise from a restaurant fundraiser?

When it comes to restaurant fundraisers, donation percentages can vary but are typically seen between 15% to 20% of the total sales. It's important to keep in mind that just because a restaurant is offering a higher percentage doesn't necessarily mean that you will receive a higher donation. There are other factors that can affect how much you will ultimately raise, such as the popularity of the restaurant, the average check amount (driven by menu price), and the proximity of the restaurant to organization members. 

For example, a popular restaurant with high average check amounts may ultimately raise more money for a fundraiser even if they offer a lower donation percentage, while a lesser-known restaurant with lower check amounts may not raise as much even if they offer a higher percentage. It's important to consider all of these factors when selecting a restaurant for a fundraiser to ensure the best possible outcome.

The best way to estimate how much money you can raise with a restaurant fundraiser is to multiply your expected attendance by the average check of a restaurant and the donation %.  Below is an example for illustrative purposes.

 40 people (multiplied by) $15.25 (multiplied by) 20% = $122

While $122 might not seem like a lot, it really should be looked at relative to effort which should not have been high.  Also, when considered in the context of an annual program, money raised from restaurant fundraisers could be quite significant and a great complement to your overall fundraising strategy.

When should you hold a restaurant fundraiser?

The best day of the week to host a restaurant fundraiser can depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of restaurant, the cause of the fundraiser, and the target audience. However, in general, weekday evenings tend to be better for restaurant fundraisers because weekends are typically busier for restaurants and may not have as much availability for events.

Monday through Thursday evenings are usually less busy for restaurants, making them ideal for hosting fundraisers. Of these days, Tuesday or Wednesdays may be the best options as they are typically less busy than Mondays and Thursdays.  This also may correlate well with the needs of your community members who might be looking for an easy meal option during their busy week.

Occasionally, restaurants may allow for all-day events which provide greater flexibility for your community members. This is especially beneficial if the restaurant offers breakfast

Ultimately, the best day to host a restaurant fundraiser will depend on various factors, so it's important to consider the specific circumstances and choose a time that works best for everyone involved.

How often should you do restaurant fundraisers?

When considering restaurant fundraisers, it's important to strike a balance between raising funds for your cause and avoiding fundraiser burnout. While restaurant fundraisers can be an effective way to generate donations, hosting them too frequently may lead to diminishing returns and fatigue among your supporters.

A general guideline for restaurant fundraisers is to limit them to no more than once per month for the same organization. By spacing out your fundraisers, you can maintain the interest and enthusiasm of your community while avoiding fatigue.

However, it's essential to adapt this frequency based on the specific circumstances and preferences of your organization and supporters. Consider factors such as the size of your community, the availability of restaurants in your area, and the overall interest and response you receive from each fundraiser.

Remember, quality is just as important as quantity when it comes to fundraising. Focusing on well-planned and well-executed restaurant fundraisers, spaced out at reasonable intervals, will ensure that both your organization and your supporters can sustain their enthusiasm and commitment to your cause.

Best practices for a successful restaurant fundraiser

Considering that restaurants donate a percentage of sales directly related to your organization,  it is important for you to promote your restaurant fundraiser well in advance of the event. First and foremost, promoting the event in advance helps to raise awareness and generate interest among potential supporters. This can help to increase attendance and participation, ultimately leading to a higher overall donation amount for the organization.

To promote a successful turnout for your restaurant fundraiser, consider the following strategies:

Spread the word early and often through social media, email, and other channels.  Depending on the frequency and timing of other restaurant fundraisers you might have scheduled, spreading the word at least two weeks prior to the event is a must.

Get creative with marketing by creating flyers, stickers, posters, or even a short video to share. Most restaurants (and all DonationScout-certified restaurants) will provide customized marketing materials so be sure to leverage those.

Offer incentives like raffle prizes or giveaways to encourage attendance.  There are many competing forces for the time and attention of your community members.  Incentives beyond raising money for a great cause can make a huge difference in your overall success.  Don’t be shy about asking your restaurant partners for free gift cards or merchandise to be used in the giveaways.  Remember, you’re both on the same team and have a shared goal of putting on the most successful event possible. 

Partner with local businesses to help promote the fundraiser. Seek out community members with a wide network of influence. Local realtors, financial advisors, and insurance agents can be a huge help in spreading the word. These local business owners will appreciate the association with your community organization making this an easy ask.

Make it a fun event by adding activities like a silent auction, live band or face painters. Chances are, there are many talented people that care about your organization who might be willing to donate their time and skills. Of course, you will need approval from the restaurants first.

Hosting a restaurant fundraiser can be a fantastic way to raise funds for your organization while enjoying a delicious meal. By partnering with restaurants, you create a win-win situation where the restaurant benefits from increased traffic, and your community organization receives donations from supporters who are simply enjoying a meal they would have had anyway. Remember to plan your fundraisers strategically, considering factors like the best day of the week and the frequency of events to prevent burnout and maintain enthusiasm. By promoting your event effectively and making it fun and enticing, you can maximize turnout and donations. So, go ahead, gather your community, and savor the satisfaction of making a difference while enjoying a fantastic dining experience!