Chili's Donation Request & Fundraiser [Guide]

Chili’s Grill & Bar is a popular restaurant chain that not only serves delicious meals but also actively supports local communities through fundraising and donation opportunities. Whether you’re raising funds for a school, church, sports team, or non-profit, Chili’s offers two main ways to help: gift card fundraisers and donation requests.

This guide will walk you through the types of fundraisers Chili’s offers, eligibility requirements, and how you can apply for support. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the details needed to successfully request a donation or start a fundraiser with Chili’s.

Types of Chili's Fundraisers

Chili’s provides two main options for raising funds: gift card fundraisers and donation requests.

Gift Card Fundraising:

In a Chili’s gift card fundraiser, your supporters can purchase gift cards using a unique code assigned to your organization. This method allows your group to benefit from the proceeds of these gift card sales, as up to 11% of every sale is donated back to your cause.

This is an easy and effective way to raise money, as supporters can use the gift cards at any Chili’s location, making it convenient for them while still contributing to your fundraiser.

Donation Requests:

Chili’s also accepts donation requests, where you can ask for either monetary support or gift cards to be used for raffles, auctions, or other fundraising activities. These donations can be a great way to raise money or add value to your event.

It’s important to note that donation requests are generally reserved for organizations with a charitable cause or a community-focused initiative. Whether you’re hosting a fundraising dinner, a charity event, or need support for a local project, Chili’s is open to considering your request.

Both options are designed to help organizations raise money in a simple and supportive manner. However, it’s important to check with your local Chili’s for specific details about availability and terms.

Does Chili's Take Reservation

Chili's Donation Request & Fundraiser Eligibility

Gift Card Fundraising Eligibility:

To qualify for Chili’s gift card fundraising, the following types of groups are typically eligible:

  • Schools
  • Churches
  • Sports Teams
  • Booster Clubs
  • Hospitals
  • PTO/PTA groups
  • Bands
  • Other Non-Profit Organizations

These groups are ideal candidates for Chili’s gift card fundraiser, allowing them to raise funds by selling gift cards to their supporters.

Donation Request Eligibility:

For donation requests, eligibility is slightly more specific. While it’s not always a requirement, Chili’s often prefers that donation requests come from registered 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organizations.

This means that your group should ideally have a formal non-profit status to be considered for donations. However, if your organization has a clear charitable purpose, you may still be eligible even without the official designation.

It’s important to note that preferences may vary by location, so it’s always best to check with your local Chili’s about specific requirements for your group.

How to Start a Chili's Fundraiser

Although Chili’s doesn’t provide direct guidance on their website for submitting a fundraiser or donation request, you can apply through third-party platforms like TheShareWay. Here’s how the process works:

  • Submitting Your Request: To apply for a Chili’s fundraiser or donation, you can submit your request through platforms like TheShareWay, which facilitate corporate donations and fundraising requests. Keep in mind that only around 12% of applications are approved, while 62% receive no response at all. Therefore, it’s important to submit a well-prepared and clear request to increase your chances of success.
  • Donation Value: The average donation from Chili’s is valued at approximately $30, though this can vary significantly. To potentially receive a higher donation amount, make sure to write a compelling request that highlights the importance of your cause and how the donation will be used.
  • States Eligible for Fundraising: While Chili’s accepts requests from many groups across the country, it’s worth noting that their fundraising program is not available in the state of Oregon. Be sure to verify the availability of fundraisers in your state before applying.

Conclusion

Chili’s offers fantastic opportunities for groups and non-profits to raise funds through gift card fundraisers and donation requests. Whether you’re a school, sports team, or non-profit organization, Chili’s provides a simple way to engage with your community and raise money for your cause. With a focus on giving back to local communities, Chili’s fundraisers can be a valuable tool for achieving your fundraising goals.