Starbucks offers several ways to raise money while connecting with one of the most recognizable brands in the world. From local store partnerships to gift cards and even foundation grants, this restaurant fundraising idea offers multiple ways to align your cause with the coffee giant.
Here’s how Starbucks fundraisers work, who can participate, and how to get started.
What Is a Starbucks Fundraiser?
A Starbucks fundraiser is a partnership with either your local café or third-party platforms to raise money for your cause.
Since Starbucks has no official, chain-wide fundraising program, availability varies. Your options include:
- Local store fundraisers or sponsorships
- Gift card sales through RaiseRight
We’ll also touch on donation requests and Starbucks Foundation grants.
Who Can Start a Starbucks Fundraiser?
There are no official eligibility rules for local Starbucks fundraisers—it’s up to the discretion of the café manager or owner. Groups often considered include:
- Schools (K–12 and colleges)
- Sports teams and booster clubs
- Churches and community organizations
- Libraries and nonprofits
Gift card programs are typically available to groups like:
- Schools
- Churches
- Sports teams
- PTO/PTAs
- Booster clubs
- Other nonprofits
How Does Starbucks Fundraising Work?
Local Starbucks Fundraiser
Your local Starbucks may allow fundraisers such as:
- Dine to Donate events where a percentage of sales supports your cause
- In-kind donations of coffee, food, or supplies
- Sponsorships for large community events
- Product fundraising where items are sold in bulk at a discount and resold by your group
Since there are no corporate-wide guidelines, you’ll need to ask your local store what’s possible.
RaiseRight Gift Cards
Supporters buy Starbucks gift cards using your RaiseRight code, and your organization earns a percentage.
- Earnings: Up to 4.5% back
- Flexibility: Supporters can also purchase gift cards from hundreds of other brands
- Setup: Register your group on RaiseRight, get a unique link, and share it with supporters
How To Start a Starbucks Fundraiser
- Local partnerships: Contact your nearest Starbucks directly (use their location finder tool)
- RaiseRight gift cards: Enroll your group at RaiseRight to receive your fundraising code
Looking for higher-earning options? Fill out this form and we’ll connect you with trusted partners that offer proven fundraising products.
Starbucks Donation Requests
Starbucks Foundation supports nonprofits through grants focused on:
- Women in coffee, tea, and cocoa communities
- Youth empowerment and equitable communities
- Disaster response and preparedness
Grant types include:
- Origin Grants
- Neighborhood Grants
- Global Community Impact Grants
- Disaster Response Grants
Currently, nonprofits cannot apply directly for Starbucks Foundation grants. Instead, Starbucks partners (employees) nominate organizations through internal programs like Community Service and Partner Match.
Is a Starbucks Fundraiser Right for You?
A Starbucks fundraiser can be a good fit for schools, churches, and nonprofits that already have a local supporter base. It’s best suited if:
- You’re near a café willing to host a local fundraiser
- You want a simple option like gift card fundraising through RaiseRight
That said, Starbucks fundraisers typically yield modest returns. For bigger fundraising goals, consider pairing Starbucks with other high-return fundraisers.
