If you’re exploring restaurant fundraising ideas, Olive Garden may come to mind thanks to its family-style meals and those famous breadsticks. While Olive Garden doesn’t offer traditional fundraisers like dine to donate events, there are still ways to raise money with them—mainly through gift card fundraising and donation requests.
Here’s how those options work, who can participate, and whether this type of fundraiser is a good fit for your group.
What Is an Olive Garden Fundraiser?
An Olive Garden fundraiser usually happens through a third-party platform rather than directly with the restaurant.
Your main options include:
- Gift card fundraising (via RaiseRight)
- Donation requests (via TheShareWay or by asking your local restaurant manager)
These opportunities may be smaller in scale than other restaurant fundraisers, but they can still provide support for schools, nonprofits, and community groups.
Who Can Start an Olive Garden Fundraiser?
For gift card fundraising through RaiseRight, eligible groups often include:
- Schools and PTO/PTAs
- Churches
- Sports teams and booster clubs
- Bands and performing arts groups
- Other nonprofits
For donation requests, Olive Garden doesn’t publish strict eligibility requirements. While any group can technically apply, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status may have a better chance of approval. That said, some local managers have supported smaller community groups with modest gift card donations.
How Does an Olive Garden Fundraiser Work?
Gift Card Fundraising
Supporters purchase Olive Garden gift cards (and others from RaiseRight’s catalog) using your group’s unique code.
- Earnings: Up to 8% of each sale goes back to your group.
- Flexibility: Supporters can choose from hundreds of brands, not just Olive Garden, making it easier to generate sales.
- Setup: Register your group with RaiseRight to get started, then share your fundraising link and track progress through their dashboard.
Donation Requests
Olive Garden accepts donation requests in two ways:
- Through TheShareWay: Submit a request online for gift cards or food donations. Success rates vary—about 9% of applications are approved.
- Directly to your local manager: Some groups have received small gift card donations (often around $25–$30) by reaching out in person.
Since donations aren’t guaranteed, it’s best to view this as a supplemental fundraising option rather than a primary strategy.
How To Start an Olive Garden Fundraiser
- Gift cards: Sign up with RaiseRight to enroll your group and start promoting gift card sales.
- Donations: Apply through TheShareWay or contact your local Olive Garden manager in writing.
Looking for a fundraiser with bigger earnings potential? Fill out this form and we’ll connect you with a trusted partner offering product and event-based fundraisers.
Is Olive Garden Fundraising Right for You?
Olive Garden fundraisers are simple but limited. They may be a good fit if:
- Your supporters already enjoy dining at Olive Garden
- You want a no-cost option like gift cards
- You’re open to applying for small local donations
However, if your group needs to raise larger amounts, Olive Garden fundraising alone may not be enough. Pairing it with other opportunities—like product fundraisers, spiritwear, or event-based fundraisers—can help maximize your results.
