Part of the Fundraiser Nights Guide
Fundraiser Night Donation Percentages by Business Type
One of the first questions organizers ask: "How much will the business donate?" Here's a comprehensive breakdown of typical donation percentages across every category of fundraiser night partner.
Quick Answer
Most businesses donate 15-25% of qualifying sales during fundraiser nights. The industry average is approximately 18%. Chipotle leads at 33% (online orders only). Entertainment venues tend to offer lower percentages (10-20%) but higher per-customer spending.
Detailed Breakdown
| Category | Range | Average | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pizza | 15-25% | 20% | Papa John's, local pizzerias |
| Casual dining | 15-20% | 17% | Applebee's, Chili's |
| Fast casual | 15-33% | 20% | Chipotle (33%), Panera |
| Fast food | 10-20% | 15% | Chick-fil-A, McDonald's |
| Ice cream | 15-25% | 18% | Cold Stone, local shops |
| Coffee & bakery | 10-20% | 15% | Local coffee shops |
| Bowling | 10-20% | 15% | AMF, local lanes |
| Trampoline parks | 10-15% | 12% | Sky Zone, Urban Air |
| Skating rinks | 10-20% | 15% | Local rinks |
| Retail | 10-15% | 12% | Bookstores, specialty shops |
What Affects Donation Percentage?
- Food costs: Businesses with lower COGS (coffee, ice cream) can afford higher percentages
- Expected turnout: Higher guaranteed turnout may unlock higher percentages
- Chain vs. local: Local restaurants have more flexibility to negotiate
- Repeat relationship: Long-term partnerships often get better rates
- Day of week: Slower days may command higher rates since the business needs the traffic
Revenue Examples
Here's what different scenarios look like in practice:
| Families | Avg. Check | Total Sales | At 15% | At 20% | At 33% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | $35 | $1,050 | $158 | $210 | $347 |
| 50 | $35 | $1,750 | $263 | $350 | $578 |
| 75 | $40 | $3,000 | $450 | $600 | $990 |
| 100 | $40 | $4,000 | $600 | $800 | $1,320 |
FAQ
What is the highest donation percentage for fundraiser nights?
Chipotle offers the highest standard donation percentage at 33% of qualifying sales. However, this only applies to online orders placed with the event's unique promo code. Some local restaurants may offer similar or higher rates for smaller events.
Can I negotiate a higher donation percentage?
Yes! Many local restaurants are willing to negotiate, especially if you can guarantee a large turnout (50+ families). Start by asking if they can increase from 15% to 20% for groups of 75+ attendees. National chains typically have fixed rates that cannot be negotiated.