Restaurant fundraisers for schools are a great way to create a win-win-win situation. Schools raise much-needed funds while restaurants establish stronger ties with the community, and of course, supporters get the chance to enjoy a wonderful meal. The idea behind a restaurant fundraiser is a group eats at a restaurant on a set date and the restaurant donates back a percentage of sales to the group’s cause. These events are also known as dine-to-donate or restaurant give-back nights.
There are hundreds of restaurants that partner with the local school nearby but finding them can be time-consuming. There are websites that connect people with restaurant fundraisers quickly such as GroupRaise. Here is a list of 50 (chain) brands that you could get you thinking about having a restaurant fundraiser for your school. (Pro tip: typically local restaurants donate higher percentages than chain restaurants).
Note: If you’re considering a restaurant fundraiser with one of these restaurants below, you’ll want to double-check that they do participate in restaurant fundraising for your local school.
Chipotle
When partnering with Chipotle, your school will receive 33% of the proceeds brought in by your supporters (pre-tax). This means if your supporters spent $300, Chipotle will send you a check for $100. You can find the application for this restaurant fundraiser here.
California Pizza Kitchen
Pizza is the most popular comfort food in the U.S. and there are so many varied styles & price ranges. One of the most unique pizzas out there comes from CPK which is widely known for its original & innovative pizzas such as the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. CPK donates back 20%.
Studio Movie Grill
Another fun option to consider is having dinner while watching a movie together as a family. Studio Movie Grill offers that option where you can combine the two experiences. There are minimums to consider here so you’ll need your school community to show up strong. Here’s the application.
Corner Bakery
Restaurant fundraisers don’t have to be for dinner either. Corner bakery offers great breakfast options. They donate back 15%. To learn more about this option, click here.
Bezoria
A great place to eat for a great price. They do middle eastern street eats like gyros and shawarma bowls. You can feel good about your wallet while helping your children’s school with 20% of the proceeds going back.
On The Border
Maybe it’s time for a Taco Tuesday while raising needed school funds. On The Border has a range of Tex-Mex options including tacos, fajitas, and fresh guacamole. Contact your local On The Border and ask to speak with the General Manager. (Pro tip: The best time to call is between 2 pm-5 pm).
Spice of Thai
I’m highlighting one of my favorite cuisines. This particular restaurant gives back 15%. However, if you love Thai food as well and don’t have a Spice of Thai nearby, I would encourage you to call your go-to Thai restaurant to see if they would be willing to take part in your school fundraiser.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A prides itself on partnering with its local communities, especially schools. Connect with your local community Chick-fil-A’s marketing director to see what type of give-back program they will do. I would venture to say it’ll be “their pleasure” to partner with you.
Red Robin
There’s no way a blog post on restaurant fundraisers would be complete without having a burger option. While Red Robin is known for their gourmet burgers, they have a lot of other options to offer that is sure to help appeal to your supporters if you’re at a large school. For spirit nights, they give-back 20%. Here’s the application if you’re considering Red Robin.
Buca di Beppo
Rounding out my top 10 is the family-style restaurant serving Italian-American food. There aren’t as many locations as some of the other restaurants highlighted but I hope it serves as a reminder to consider your favorite pasta restaurant to see if they would consider a fundraising night.
Here are 40 more options that we’ve come across that does restaurant fundraising:
Brio Tuscan Grille
BurgerFi
Cheeburger Cheeburger
Chicken Salad Chick
Chronic Tacos
Dunkin Donuts
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Firehouse Subs
Five Guys
Genghis Grill
In-N-Out Burger
Jersey Mike’s
Krispy Kreme
Marco’s Pizza
McAlister’s Deli
Mellow Mushroom
Miller’s Ale House
Moe’s Southwest Grill
My Pie
NaanStop
Newk’s Eatery
Outback Steakhouse
Panda Express
Panera Bread
Papa John’s
P.F. Changs
Poke Poke
Potbelly
Pure Restaurant & Lounge
Red Lobster
Shake Shack
Shawarma King
Sushi Guy
Texas Roadhouse
TGIFriday’s
The Cheesecake Factory
The Halal Guys
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Umami Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi
YogurtLand