How do you ask a restaurant for a fundraiser in Houston?

To ask a restaurant for a fundraiser in Houston, contact local or smaller restaurants directly to ask if they are willing to do business with you. The websites of national restaurants will also contain information on fundraisers and give you information on contacting them. 

In most cases for the latter, you are required to submit a contact form, which is often sent to the corporate level. After deliberation, they will respond to your pitch.

What is a restaurant fundraiser?

A restaurant fundraiser entails a group of patrons dining at the establishment on a designated day, with the proceeds being split between the organization and the restaurant. They may be centered on your mission or specific cuisine.

How to have a successful restaurant fundraiser in Houston? 

You can have a successful restaurant fundraiser in Houston if you do these things: establish a fundraising committee, select a partner restaurant, meet with the restaurant manager, choose a fundraising time, determine the division of profits, advertise, have a reservation system, and thank your supporters. 

Let’s go into more detail for each step.

1. Establish a fundraising committee

A restaurant fundraiser can be a very low-maintenance event, but establishing a fundraising committee can ensure its smooth operation. 

Examples of delegable tasks among the fundraising committee include the following. 

• Selecting a partner restaurant and confirming the facts with them. 

• Fundraising marketing

• Decorating the restaurant

2. Select a partner restaurant

Since there are numerous benefits for restaurants in fundraisers, it may be easier than you think to find one to partner with. 

A restaurant may be interested in hosting a fundraiser even if they have never done it before. Your company may be the first to propose it.  

Smaller, locally-owned restaurants shouldn’t be overlooked, despite the fact that national companies are often eager to form partnerships. 

Since they are less well-known, collaborating with organizations for fundraisers can help them get new clients. Additionally, fewer organizations solicit them for fundraising purposes. 

If you are unsure of which restaurant to contact as a potential partner, ask your supporters where they prefer to dine. They may recommend restaurants you wouldn’t have otherwise considered. 

If they’re already a fan of the place, they may also be more likely to visit and assist generate further donations. 

You must also examine how long in advance you must submit an application. Some restaurants have year-long waiting lists.

Quick tips: Questions to Ask about Potential Partners 

• Does the restaurant have the capacity to support the number of diners you want to invite or entertain?
• Is a ticketing system necessary for the fundraiser and can the restaurant support it?
• Can the restaurant provide the food or culinary theme you want?
• What is the rate of return on each restaurant’s menu options vs. the actual estimated total return in dollars? 
• Does the restaurant’s fundraising schedule match your needs?

3. Meet with the restaurant manager

Attempt to schedule a meeting with the manager if you’ve received positive feedback from a possible partner. For larger restaurants or chains, a different point of contact may exist. 

A face-to-face meeting can cement the deal with your contact.

4. Choose a fundraising timeframe

In most cases, restaurants will agree that funds can be generated within a certain time frame. This is often a night-long fundraiser, although it can sometimes span days or even a week. 

Ask your donors whether there is a particular day or time that will increase their likelihood of attending. For instance, they may choose a weekday lunch period or a weekend evening. This can help you avoid scheduling your restaurant fundraiser at a time when few of your supporters will be available.

5. Determine how the profits will be divided 

It varies, but the majority of restaurants will agree to divide the money from the fundraiser. 

It is typical to obtain a 10-20% share, although you can attempt to negotiate a better arrangement. You can emphasize the potential for future business and the impact of the funding on your cause. 

Some restaurants, for instance, will divide up to fifty percent of profits. Alternatively, they may offer a reduced rate for multiple nights. 

When assessing the advantages and disadvantages of a certain split, consider the menu prices and how much individuals are likely to spend during the fundraiser. 

A smaller split can generate more funds if the restaurant takes in a large amount of money, but a greater split can be less profitable if, for instance, the menu prices are cheap. 

Restaurants may offer discounts based on the number of diners present on a given evening or the amount spent by customers. Ensure you are aware of the terms of the proposed contract and the amount you can expect to get.

6. Advertise and promote your restaurant fundraiser

Ask your supporters to tell their family, friends, and acquaintances about your restaurant’s fundraising, and spread the word as much as possible.

Advertising tip 1: Email supporters and post on social media

If you’re promoting your restaurant’s fundraiser on social media, you should do either a live video or a short reel inviting attendees to RSVP. Your followers and other friends might receive a notification about the event, enhancing the organic reach of your event.

Advertising tip 2: Make use of flyers

Flyers can also be an effective form of advertising. Include pertinent information such as the date, time, location, and a brief summary of what to anticipate. 

Aim to present attendees with the information they need to decide whether or not to come, without including too many specifics. 

You can give your contact information or a link to your organization’s website so that those with questions can request additional information. 

Mention your group and the reason you’re raising money for, as this can motivate individuals to participate.

Advertising tip 3: Advertise in local media

Publicize your restaurant’s fundraising in the local newspaper and on the local radio and television stations.

7. Use a reservation system to control high-attendance events

If your restaurant’s fundraising event is a tremendous success, you may attract more customers than the location can accommodate. 

Due to the necessity for the restaurant to know how many guests must be catered for, a system can facilitate the seamless operation of the fundraiser. 

This does not need to be difficult. In fact, it can be as simple as requesting confirmation of attendance by email or a booking form. 

Once you have an estimate of the number of guests, you can provide the restaurant with the necessary information to enable them to efficiently cater. 

If your location has a limited capacity, emphasizing that places are only available on a first-come, first-served basis can create a sense of urgency among potential attendees.

8. Give thanks to your supporters

After your restaurant’s fundraising event has concluded, be sure to thank the attendees. Assisting them in feeling appreciated may result in future donations. 

You might mail them a letter or give them a call to show your appreciation. In any case, the most impactful timing is immediately following the fundraiser. 

By the way, if your supporters give you permission to do so, you can tag them in event images on social media to express your gratitude.

FAQs

Why do restaurants do fundraisers?

Restaurants do fundraisers because these events serve as marketing events for them, aside from actually gaining them profit. 

Diners coming to support the advocacy end up sampling the restaurant’s fare and paying for it. This can lead to repeat customers or even customer advocates if the food and service are judged good enough to recommend to others or try again later.

How do restaurants advertise for fundraisers?

Restaurants advertise for fundraisers by engaging with their community on social media, emphasizing the fundraiser on their website and in displays in their restaurants.  Such events can also be declared on their restaurant email list. 

Does restaurant fundraiser money get taxed?

Restaurant fundraiser money does not get taxed. The IRS does not consider proceeds from fundraising to be taxable income. 

However, you could still owe taxes, depending on how the money was utilized and if anything was offered in exchange.