Spice up your philanthropy with a dollop of guacamole and a dash of altruism! That’s right folks, today we’re diving into the sizzling world of the Chipotle fundraiser!
It’s a well-known fact that their burritos are large enough to feed a small army. But, did you know that they could also fund marching band uniforms or a new school library?
This restaurant fundraising idea is a salsa-smothered testament to what can be achieved when good intentions meet even better Tex-Mex.
So, join us as we explain how Chipotle fundraising works and how to start your own!
Table of Contents
- What Is A Chipotle Fundraiser?
- How Does A Chipotle Fundraiser Work?
- Who Can Start A Chipotle Fundraiser?
- How Much Do You Make From Chipotle Fundraisers?
- Advantages of Starting A Chipotle Fundraiser
- Drawbacks of Starting A Chipotle Fundraiser
- How To Start A Chipotle Fundraiser
- Is Chipotle Fundraising Right For You?
What Is A Chipotle Fundraiser?
A Chipotle fundraiser is a fundraising event held at a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant.
The restaurant provides you with a unique code for your fundraiser. Then, a portion of all sales generated using your code are donated to your organization.
Additionally, supporters can mention the fundraiser when ordering in person and the cashier will enter the code.
Since Chipotle is already a popular dining choice, it’s easy to convince people to support your cause.
How Does A Chipotle Fundraiser Work?
Starting a Chipotle fundraiser is a straightforward process. Below, we break down each step required to begin raising funds:
- Apply: First, you submit an application to Chipotle, providing information about your cause and how you plan to use the funds. Be sure you apply at least three weeks before your intended fundraiser date.
- Schedule: If the application is approved, you’ll work with Chipotle to set a date and time for the fundraiser, usually during a specific time window. For example, you can schedule it for May 27th between 4 and 8 PM.
- Promote: Next, you need to promote your fundraiser. Be sure to encourage supporters to dine at the correct Chipotle location during the fundraiser. Remember, only customers using your code or mentioning the fundraiser count toward your total.
- Dine: On the day of the event, supporters go to the restaurant, purchase food, and enter the fundraising code to ensure their purchase counts.
- Donate: Chipotle donates a percentage of the total sales from participating customers to your nonprofit, school, or organization.
Who Can Start A Chipotle Fundraiser?
Chipotle works with a wide range of different types of groups for fundraising. For example:
- K–12 Schools (PTAs/PTOs, STEM Clubs, Senior Prom)
- University Groups (Intramural Sports, Greek Life, College Radio)
- Youth Sports Teams (Little League, Soccer, etc.)
- Libraries and Community Centers
- Non-Profits (American Cancer Society, Animal Shelters, United Way)
- Food and Sustainable Agriculture Groups (Future Farmers, Community Gardens, 4-H)
However, there are restrictions on who can start a Chipotle fundraiser. For example, the following causes aren’t eligible:
- Individual causes (scholarships, stipends, personal medical expenses)
- For-profit ventures (startups, businesses, etc.)
- Religious groups for religious purposes (youth groups or mission trips)
- Lobbying or political groups
- Individual study, research or travel grants
- Anything else the restaurant decides isn’t a good fit
How Much Do You Make From Chipotle Fundraisers?
The amount you can raise from a Chipotle fundraiser can vary significantly between organizations.
For example, bigger organizations with more supporters may have an easier time generating more sales.
However, the average check amount ranges from $150 to $450, which translates to $450 to $1,350 in total event sales.
To forecast your Chipotle fundraiser earnings, consider the average amount spent per person, which is roughly $8 to $11.
For simplicity, assume an average spend of $10 per person. Multiply the expected number of attendees by $10 to estimate the total sales.
Then, multiply the total sales by 33% (0.33) to calculate the donation amount your organization would receive, provided you reach the $150 sales minimum.
Keep in mind that these figures are only estimates, and the actual spending per participant may fluctuate.
Chipotle Fundraising Percentage
Chipotle donates 33% of the total sales eligible for your fundraiser.
For example, if your supporters were to purchase $1,000, you’d make about $333.
However, keep in mind that there is a $150 minimum sale amount to receive any donations.
Advantages of Starting A Chipotle Fundraiser
A Chipotle fundraiser offers several benefits and advantages for organizations looking to raise funds for their cause:
- Easy to organize: Chipotle’s fundraising program is simple to set up and requires minimal effort to carry out. Once the application is approved, the organization only needs to promote the event and encourage supporters to attend.
- Wide appeal: Chipotle is a well-known and popular restaurant chain, and partnering with them for a fundraiser can create a positive association for your organization.
- Increased community engagement: Fundraisers at Chipotle provide an opportunity to bring supporters together for a shared cause, fostering a sense of community and raising awareness about your organization’s goals.
- No upfront costs: There are no fees or upfront costs to host a Chipotle fundraiser. You simply receive a percentage of the sales generated during the event, making it a low-risk fundraising option.
- Potential for high returns: The average fundraiser check ranges from $150 to $450, but well-organized and well-promoted events can raise even more.
- Increased visibility: Hosting a Chipotle fundraiser can help raise the profile of your organization within the local community and attract new supporters.
- Lots of locations: With over 2,600 Chipotle restaurants worldwide, there’s likely a restaurant nearby.
- Proven Idea: Chipotle has hosted over 328,000 fundraisers and raised over $92 million to date.
Drawbacks of Starting A Chipotle Fundraiser
While there are quite a few advantages to a Chipotle fundraiser, it also comes with a few small drawbacks.
Consider the following when deciding if this type of fundraiser is right for you:
- Limited time window: Chipotle fundraisers are typically held during specific time frames (e.g., 4-8 pm), which might not be convenient for all supporters, potentially limiting participation.
- Sales minimum: To receive a donation, organizations must reach a sales minimum of $150. If the event doesn’t generate enough sales, the organization may not receive any funds.
- Limited control: Because the event takes place at a Chipotle restaurant, you have limited control over the fundraiser’s logistics. This can make it challenging to add personalized touches or additional fundraising activities.
- Low Profit Margin: While the 33% profit on sales is pretty good since there’s little effort required, there are more profitable fundraising ideas. For example, Smencils fundraisers are typically about 40% profit, and you may even be able to keep nearly all the money from a fun run fundraiser.
How To Start A Chipotle Fundraiser
To get your Chiptole fundraiser started, just follow the steps below:
- Check eligibility: First, ensure that your organization is eligible to participate in a Chipotle fundraiser. We listed the eligibility requirements in the Who Can Start A Chipotle Fundraiser? section above.
- Apply online: Next, visit Chipotle’s fundraising website and fill out the online application form. Provide information about your organization, the purpose of the fundraiser, and how the funds will be used.
- Wait for approval: After submitting your application, wait for the restaurant to review it.
- Schedule the event: Once your application is approved, work with the restaurant to schedule a date and time for your fundraiser.
From here, you’ll just need to get the word out about your fundraiser!
Is Chipotle Fundraising Right For You?
If your supporters live near the restaurant and you’re interested in an easy fundraiser, Chipotle fundraising can be a great idea.
However, with limited control and low profit margins, it may not be best for everyone.
If you’re really looking to raise a lot of funds, fill out this form and we’ll connect you with one of our fundraising partners. They offer tons of great products to raise funds for your cause, and we believe it’s the most profitable type of fundraising venture.
Note: We do not work directly with any restaurant partners, so the best way to work with them is to contact your local restaurant directly. To work with our partners, fill out our form and we’ll help you get started in no time!
