A Panera Bread fundraiser is a restaurant fundraising idea with several options to support your school, team, or nonprofit. From dine-to-donate nights to unsold baked good donations, Panera has built-in programs designed to help local causes raise money and serve their communities.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how Panera Fundraising works, what types of groups can participate, and how much you can expect to raise.
What Is Panera Fundraising?
Panera Fundraising is a restaurant-based program where a portion of sales or donated items benefit your organization. They currently offer three main options:
- In-Cafe Fundraising Nights: Panera donates a percentage of supporter purchases.
- Day-End Dough-Nation Program: Panera donates unsold baked goods to nonprofits.
- Gift Card Fundraising (via RaiseRight): Supporters buy Panera gift cards, and your group earns a portion back.
Each works a little differently, so let’s break them down.
How Does In-Cafe Panera Fundraising Work?
Panera’s dine-to-donate program is the most common option. Here’s how it works:
- Donation percentage: Panera donates 20% of eligible sales.
- Timing: Events typically run from 4–8 PM in-store, but online orders can count all day.
- Supporter options: Dine-in, drive-thru, pick-up, and delivery (third-party apps don’t qualify).
- Tracking sales: Supporters must show a flyer or use a special promo code.
After your event, Panera reviews sales and mails your donation check within 45–60 days. Groups can host one fundraiser every 30 days.
How Does the Day-End Dough-Nation Program Work?
Instead of raising funds directly, Panera’s Day-End Dough-Nation program provides food donations. At the end of the day, participating locations donate unsold baked goods to approved nonprofits such as food pantries, youth shelters, or veteran programs.
Eligible groups need to pick up donations regularly and distribute them to those in need.
How Does Panera Gift Card Fundraising Work?
Through a partnership with RaiseRight, Panera offers gift card fundraising:
- Supporters buy digital or physical Panera gift cards.
- Your organization earns up to 8% back on each purchase.
- Cards can be reloaded, and RaiseRight also offers gift cards for many other popular brands.
This option can work well for schools, churches, sports teams, and community groups, especially since it’s not limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
Who Can Start a Panera Fundraiser?
Eligibility depends on the program:
- In-Cafe Fundraising Nights: Limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and religious organizations.
- Day-End Dough-Nation: Restricted to registered 501(c)(3) groups that distribute food.
- Gift Card Fundraising: Broader eligibility via RaiseRight, open to schools, teams, booster clubs, and nonprofits.
How to Set Up a Fundraiser at Panera
- In-Cafe Fundraisers: Apply through Panera’s website by entering your zip code, selecting a location, and submitting details.
- Day-End Dough-Nation: Apply online (availability may vary by location).
- Gift Cards: Sign up through RaiseRight and share your enrollment code with supporters.
If you’re interested in higher-earning fundraiser types, fill out this form to connect with one of our trusted partners. They offer popular programs that can bring in more revenue than a typical restaurant night.
How Much Money Can a Panera Fundraiser Make?
The results can vary widely. In 2021, Panera reported that 3,805 fundraisers collectively raised about $390,000 — averaging $103 per event. Your earnings will depend on how many supporters participate and how well you promote the event.
- Panera’s Donation Percentage: 20% of net food and beverage sales
Is Panera Fundraising Right for You?
Panera Fundraising is a convenient, low-effort way to earn money for your group, especially if your supporters already enjoy dining there. That said, the average payout per event is modest.
If you’re hoping for bigger returns, pairing a Panera fundraiser with other high-profit fundraising ideas could be a smarter strategy.
