Restaurant Fundraising Programs For 501C3 Organizations

Restaurant fundraising programs provide a structured way for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and community groups to generate financial support while supporters enjoy a meal. These initiatives, often referred to as "dine and donate" events, allow participating establishments to contribute a percentage of sales back to the host organization. The provided documentation outlines the mechanics of these programs, eligibility requirements, and specific details from various restaurant chains across the United States.

How Restaurant Fundraising Programs Operate

The fundamental structure of a restaurant fundraiser involves an organization hosting an event at a specific location or through a digital platform. During the designated timeframe, the restaurant agrees to donate a percentage of eligible sales generated by supporters who mention the organization or use a specific code. According to the documentation, these percentages typically range from 10% to 30% of pre-tax sales.

For example, 23 Restaurant Services offers a program where they return 15% of eligible dine-in and to-go food sales to the organization. However, the documentation specifies that this excludes sales from catering, third-party ordering and delivery sites, alcohol, gift cards, retail, tax, and gratuity. Similarly, Panera’s "Raise That Dough" program offers up to 25% of net sales, while Panda Express provides options for 20% back on local restaurant fundraisers or 28% back on virtual fundraisers.

The logistics of payment distribution vary by chain. 23 Restaurant Services notes that donations are written as a check payable to the organization and mailed by USPS approximately four weeks after the donation letter is executed. Other chains may have different disbursement schedules, which organizations should verify during the planning phase.

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

Eligibility for these programs is generally restricted to verified non-profit entities and community groups. The documentation indicates that the following types of organizations often qualify:

• K-12 schools and related organizations (PTAs/PTOs, field trips, senior nights, celebrations, dances, graduation)
• College and university groups (student organizations, Greek Life, intramural sports)
• Youth sports teams that are 501(c)(3) organizations
• Libraries and community centers
• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
• Church organizations with 501(c)(3) status

To participate, organizations must typically provide specific legal documentation. Source data suggests that applicants should expect to provide their legal name, Employer Identification Number (EIN) or tax ID, a W-9 form, and a brief description of their cause. Some chains may also require a minimum sales or attendance commitment to approve the event.

Geographic Availability and Application Lead Times

Restaurant fundraising programs are available nationwide, though specific chains may have geographic limitations based on their physical footprint. For instance, Round Table Pizza operates in California, Oregon, Texas, Washington, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, and Nevada. Rubio’s operates in Arizona, California, and Nevada, while Sombrero is specific to Southern California.

Lead times for scheduling events are an important consideration. Source [3] suggests applying 3 to 6 weeks in advance, with weeknights (Monday through Thursday) being the most commonly available and easiest for restaurants to staff. Playa Bowls specifically requests 8 weeks' lead time for fundraising or donation requests.

Specific Restaurant Chain Programs

The documentation highlights numerous restaurant chains with active fundraising programs. Below is a summary of specific programs and their associated return rates based on the provided source material:

• 23 Restaurant Services: Offers 15% of eligible dine-in and to-go food sales.
• Pizzeria Uno: The "Dough Raiser" program gives 20% back to school groups, sports teams, churches, nonprofits, and scouts.
• Playa Bowls: Accepts requests for fundraising or donations from 501(c)(3) organizations with 8 weeks' lead time.
• Portillo’s: Accepts requests for donations, fundraising nights, local sports sponsorships, kids reading programs, and fundraising gift bags for 501(c)(3) organizations.
• Raising Cane’s: Offers community partnerships for fundraising.
• Red Robin: Provides two types of fundraisers: an event with 20% back or gift card sales with 10% back.
• Round Table Pizza: Pledges 20% of proceeds to the cause in specific states (CA, OR, TX, WA, HI, AK, AZ, NV).
• Rubio’s: Earns groups 30% of pre-tax sales in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
• Shake Shack: "Donation Days" earn groups 25% of all meals purchased.
• Sombrero: Hosts fundraisers earning 20% of pre-tax sales in Southern California.
• Teriyaki Madness: Supports schools, PTAs, PTOs, sports, community groups, scouts, and first responders.
• Waffle House: Accepts requests from verified 501(c)(3) organizations through the Waffle House Foundation.
• Noodles & Company: Digital restaurant fundraisers provide 25% back.
• Panda Express: Offers 20% back on local restaurant fundraisers or 28% back on virtual fundraisers.
• Panera: "Raise That Dough" offers up to 25% of net sales.
• Papa Murphy’s: Offers peel-a-deal cards or donation days for schools, sports teams, and community groups.
• Pizza Hut: "Gives Back" program offers 20% back for every order on the day of the event.
• Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks: Hosts fundraisers donating 20% of sales.
• Sauce Pizza & Wine: Offers a local fundraiser program giving back 20% of sales.
• BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: Offers a local fundraiser program giving back 20% of sales.
• Panera (Mid-Atlantic): Hosts dine-in fundraising events giving back 25% of sales.

Best Practices for Hosting Events

Successful fundraising events often rely on clear communication and promotion. Organizations are generally responsible for promoting the event to their community to ensure attendance and sales volume. The documentation implies that weeknights are often preferable for scheduling due to lower restaurant volume and easier staffing.

Organizations should also confirm the exact percentage rate and any potential caps on the donation amount in writing before finalizing the event. While many programs fall within the 10-25% range, some, like Rubio’s, offer higher rates (30%), while others may have tiered percentages that increase with higher sales thresholds.

Conclusion

Restaurant fundraising programs offer a viable method for 501(c)(3) organizations to raise funds with minimal financial risk. By partnering with established chains, organizations can leverage their existing customer base to generate donations. The process requires careful planning, adherence to eligibility requirements, and timely submission of necessary documentation. With a wide variety of participating chains and geographic availability, organizations can likely find a partner that fits their local community and fundraising goals.

Sources

1. 23 Restaurant Services Dine & Donate
2. MoneyMinder Blog: 50 Restaurants That Do Fundraisers
3. Charity Auctions Today: Chain Restaurants That Do Fundraisers
4. TheShareWay: Restaurant Donation Request