If you’re looking for restaurant fundraising ideas, Subway may be a good fit thanks to its wide reach and flexible options. With more than 20,000 locations nationwide, the sandwich chain gives groups several ways to raise money—though availability can vary by location.
Here’s how Subway fundraising works, who can participate, and how to get started.
What Is a Subway Fundraiser?
A Subway fundraiser is a partnership with your local sandwich shop where a portion of sales or gift card purchases support your cause. Fundraising options typically include:
- Dine to Donate events
- Gift card sales (via RaiseRight)
- Donation requests
Additionally, the Subway Cares Foundation provides invitation-only grants to select nonprofits (more on that below).
Who Can Start a Subway Fundraiser?
There are no strict corporate-wide guidelines—participation is decided by each individual franchise owner. Groups that often qualify include:
- K–12 schools
- Colleges and universities
- Sports teams and clubs
- Libraries and community centers
- Nonprofits
Since every Subway operates independently, you’ll need to contact your chosen location directly to confirm availability.
How Does a Subway Fundraiser Work?
Dine to Donate
Host an event at a local Subway on a specific date. Supporters use your fundraiser code (or tell the cashier they’re participating), and typically 15% of sales go back to your group.
Gift Card Fundraiser
Through RaiseRight, your supporters purchase Subway gift cards with your group’s code.
- Earnings: 7.5% of each sale goes back to your cause
- Flexibility: Supporters can also buy gift cards from hundreds of other retailers
- Setup: Register your group with RaiseRight, share your unique link, and track sales in the dashboard
Donation Request
Some Subway locations may provide food or monetary donations, but policies vary.
- How to apply: Contact your local store or submit a request through TheShareWay
- Approval rates: Low (about 3% through TheShareWay)
- Best chance of success: Large community events or groups with strong visibility (social media, email lists, or big turnout potential)
How To Start a Subway Fundraiser
- Dine to Donate / Donations: Reach out to your local Subway to see if they participate
- Gift cards: Enroll with RaiseRight to set up your group’s fundraising link
If you’re aiming for larger fundraising totals, fill out this form and we’ll connect you with trusted partners who provide other types of high-earning fundraisers.
What Is a Subway Cares Foundation Grant?
The Subway Cares Foundation is a nonprofit arm of the company that supports programs in:
- Access to nutritious food
- Tuition assistance for students
- Leadership opportunities
Grants are awarded by invitation only, not through open applications. Past initiatives have included partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Folds of Honor, and Food Banks of Canada.
Is Subway Fundraising Right for You?
Subway offers flexibility with dine-to-donate, gift cards, and potential donations—but availability depends on your local store. It’s best suited for:
- Schools and community groups with strong local support
- Teams looking for a simple, one-day fundraiser
- Groups open to adding gift cards as a low-effort option
For organizations aiming to raise more substantial funds, Subway fundraising can work well as a supplement to higher-earning fundraisers.
