An Applebee’s fundraiser offers more options than most restaurant fundraising ideas. From classic dine-to-donate nights to flapjack breakfasts and gift card sales, Applebee’s gives schools, teams, and nonprofits several ways to raise money.
Here’s how Applebee’s fundraisers work, who can participate, and how to get started.
What Is an Applebee’s Fundraiser?
An Applebee’s fundraiser is a partnership with your local restaurant to support your cause. Depending on your location, you may be able to run:
- Dine to Donate events
- Flapjack breakfast fundraisers
- Donation requests
- Gift card fundraisers (via RaiseRight or FlipGive)
- Other custom ideas
Availability depends on your market and your local franchisee.
Who Can Start an Applebee’s Fundraiser?
For restaurant-hosted events like Dine to Donate or Flapjack fundraisers, Applebee’s requires groups to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. Fundraising is offered in select U.S. markets, including much of the Northeast, Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and parts of the South.
Gift card fundraising through RaiseRight or FlipGive is more flexible. Eligible groups include:
- Schools and PTO/PTAs
- Churches
- Sports teams and booster clubs
- Bands and performing arts groups
- Other nonprofits
With FlipGive, even families can participate by earning cashback on everyday purchases.
How Does an Applebee’s Fundraiser Work?
Dine to Donate
Supporters eat at Applebee’s during your scheduled fundraiser and show a flyer or enter a promo code (DOINGGOOD for online orders). About 15% of sales go back to your group.
Flapjack Fundraiser
Held during non-business hours (usually Saturday or Sunday, 8–10 a.m.), this ticketed breakfast includes pancakes, bacon, breakfast potatoes, and drinks.
- Applebee’s charges $5 per ticket
- Your group sets the ticket price (often $10)
- With 100 tickets sold, both you and Applebee’s earn $500
- 100-ticket minimum, 300-ticket maximum
Donation Requests
Applebee’s provides gift certificates to select nonprofits. Requests must be submitted at least four weeks in advance. Availability depends on your market.
Gift Card Fundraising
- RaiseRight: Earn up to 8% back on Applebee’s gift card sales, plus access to hundreds of other retailers
- FlipGive: Earn about 5% back on Applebee’s cards, plus cashback from everyday purchases across major brands
Other Ideas
Applebee’s encourages nonprofits to propose custom partnerships for fundraising tailored to their communities.
How To Start an Applebee’s Fundraiser
- Dine to Donate: Submit an application on Applebee’s website.
- Flapjack Breakfast: Apply online at least four weeks in advance.
- Donation Requests: Complete Applebee’s donation form.
- Gift cards: Enroll your group with RaiseRight or FlipGive.
- Other ideas: Contact Applebee’s directly with your proposal.
If your fundraising goals are bigger, fill out this form and we’ll connect you with partners offering high-earning fundraisers.
Is Applebee’s Fundraising Right for You?
Applebee’s is one of the most flexible restaurant fundraiser options, offering both in-store events and gift card programs. It’s a good fit if:
- You’re a nonprofit in a participating market
- You want to host a fun, community-focused event
- You’d like multiple fundraising methods from one restaurant chain
That said, while Applebee’s offers variety, the returns are generally modest. For larger financial goals, pairing Applebee’s with other fundraiser types can help maximize results.
