Part of the Fundraiser Nights Guide
How to Organize a School Fundraiser Night
A complete step-by-step playbook for PTA presidents, room parents, and school organizers. From choosing a restaurant to collecting the check.
Choose a business
Browse local restaurants and entertainment venues on NAVERS.org. Look for businesses near your school with good donation percentages (15-33%).
Contact the business
Use our booking form or call the business directly. Propose 2-3 possible dates (weekday evenings work best) and ask about their donation percentage and tracking method.
Confirm the details
Agree on the date, time window (e.g., 5-8pm), donation percentage, and how customers will be identified (flyer, verbal mention, or promo code).
Promote to families
Send flyers home, post on social media, email your school list, and put it on the school calendar. The more families who know, the more money raised.
Share the event page
Create an event on NAVERS.org and share the link with families. They can sign up for automatic email reminders.
Night of the event
Remind families the morning of. At the restaurant, make sure everyone mentions your school or shows the flyer at checkout.
Collect and celebrate
After the event, the business tallies qualifying sales and sends a check. Share the results with families to build excitement for next time.
Pro Tips for Maximum Success
- Schedule fundraiser nights on Tuesday-Thursday when restaurants are slower and more grateful for the extra business
- Aim for 6-8 fundraiser nights per school year, rotating between different restaurants
- Send reminders the day before AND the morning of — families forget
- Post photos from the event on social media and tag the restaurant
- Always publicly thank the business and share how much was raised
- Build relationships with 3-4 reliable restaurants for repeat events