If your group is exploring restaurant fundraising ideas, you might be wondering if Chili’s is still an option. While the chain used to host Give Back Night fundraisers through a franchisee, those events ended in 2022 when Brinker (Chili’s parent company) took over.
That said, you can still raise money with Chili’s through gift card fundraising and donation requests—though both are handled through third-party platforms rather than the restaurant itself. Here’s how these opportunities work and whether a Chili’s fundraiser is a good fit for your group.
What Is a Chili’s Fundraiser?
A Chili’s fundraiser allows schools, teams, and nonprofits to raise money either by selling Chili’s gift cards (via RaiseRight) or by submitting donation requests (via TheShareWay or directly to the company).
These are the only available options since Chili’s no longer hosts dine-to-donate style events.
Who Can Start a Chili’s Fundraiser?
- Gift card fundraising: Open to many types of groups, including schools, PTO/PTAs, churches, sports teams, booster clubs, bands, and nonprofits.
- Donation requests: Preference is typically given to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, though some community groups have successfully received support.
How Does a Chili’s Fundraiser Work?
Gift Card Fundraising
Through RaiseRight, your supporters can purchase Chili’s gift cards (as well as cards from many other retailers) using your group’s unique code.
- Earnings: Up to 11% of each sale goes back to your organization.
- Flexibility: Since supporters can choose from hundreds of brands, participation may be easier to encourage.
- Getting started: Register your group on RaiseRight, receive a custom link, and share it with your community.
Donation Requests
Chili’s, through Brinker International, accepts donation requests for gift cards and monetary support.
- How to apply: Submit through TheShareWay.
- Approval rates: Roughly 12% of requests are approved, while many go unanswered.
- Donation size: Average donations are around $30, though some groups have received more with strong applications.
- Availability: Chili’s accepts requests from all U.S. states except Oregon.
How To Start a Chili’s Fundraiser
- Gift cards: Enroll with RaiseRight and begin promoting your group’s custom link.
- Donations: Submit your request through TheShareWay.
If your group needs to raise more substantial funds, fill out this form and we’ll connect you with a partner who offers high-earning product and event fundraisers.
Is Chili’s Fundraising Right for You?
Chili’s fundraising opportunities are limited compared to other restaurants. Still, they may work well if:
- You want a low-effort option like gift cards
- Your supporters are frequent Chili’s diners
- You’re interested in supplementing other fundraisers with small donations
If your group needs to raise larger amounts, Chili’s alone probably won’t be enough. Pairing gift cards or a donation request with other fundraising methods—like product sales or fun runs—will likely deliver stronger results.
