Panda Express is one of the most flexible restaurant fundraising ideas out there. They offer multiple fundraiser formats—including both in-person and virtual dine-to-donate events—plus options for gift cards and donation requests.
Keep reading to learn how Panda Express fundraising works, who can participate, and how to get started.
What Is a Panda Express Fundraiser?
A Panda Express fundraiser is a partnership with the fast-food chain where part of sales or gift card purchases benefit your organization. The restaurant chain has a strong track record of community support, having:
- Hosted over 104,000 events
- Supported more than 28,000 organizations
- Raised over $13 million for nonprofits nationwide
There are four main ways to raise funds with Panda Express:
- Neighborhood Fundraiser (in-person dine-to-donate)
- Virtual Community Fundraiser (online dine-to-donate)
- Gift card sales (via RaiseRight)
- Donation requests
Who Can Start a Panda Express Fundraiser?
For restaurant-hosted events, you must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a federal tax ID.
If your group is not a nonprofit, you may still be eligible to participate in gift card fundraising through RaiseRight.
How Does a Panda Express Fundraiser Work?
Neighborhood Fundraiser
An in-person dine-to-donate event held at a specific Panda Express location.
- Earnings: 20% of pre-tax sales
- Minimum: $100 in pre-tax sales
- How it works: Supporters show your fundraiser flyer (paper or digital) or enter your code when ordering online for pick-up or delivery.
- Timing: Events can be scheduled every 30 days, up to six months in advance.
Virtual Community Fundraiser
An online-only dine-to-donate event where supporters order from any participating Panda Express location.
- Earnings: 28% of online sales with your unique code
- Minimum: $150 in pre-tax sales
- How it works: Supporters order through the Panda Express website or app, enter your code at checkout, and pick up or schedule delivery.
- Timing: Must be scheduled at least 10 days in advance; orders can be placed up to a week ahead.
Gift Card Fundraising
Through RaiseRight, supporters purchase Panda Express gift cards using your group’s fundraising code.
- Earnings: Up to 8% of each sale
- Flexibility: Supporters can also buy cards from hundreds of other brands
- Getting started: Register on RaiseRight, share your custom link, and track progress in the dashboard
Donation Requests
Panda Express also accepts donation requests for food or financial support.
- Best chance of success: Large community events or groups with strong visibility (e.g., social media, email lists)
- How to apply: Contact the Panda Express Fundraiser Center directly
How To Start a Panda Express Fundraiser
- Neighborhood Fundraiser: Apply on the Panda Express website
- Virtual Fundraiser: Register online through their fundraising portal
- Gift cards: Enroll your group with RaiseRight
- Donations: Contact Panda Express’s Fundraiser Center
Want to explore higher-earning options? Fill out this form and we’ll connect you with a trusted partner offering product and event fundraisers.
Is Panda Express Fundraising Right for You?
Panda Express is one of the most versatile restaurant fundraiser options, offering both in-person and virtual events with above-average return rates . It’s a great fit for:
- Nonprofits with widespread supporters (thanks to the Virtual Fundraiser option)
- Groups looking for flexible scheduling and consistent results
- Communities that already enjoy Panda Express
That said, while Panda Express fundraisers can deliver solid results, pairing them with other fundraiser types—like product sales or spiritwear—can help your group reach larger goals.
