How to Host a Chipotle Fundraiser & 2 Tasty Alternatives - GroupRaise

How to Host a Chipotle Fundraiser & 2 Tasty Alternatives

Posted by Tamy Lukacs

You may have already heard the lore of the Chipotle fundraiser: eat delicious burritos with your friends and have a whopping 33% of the sales donated to your organization. 

 

Restaurant fundraisers such as this are perhaps the easiest, most fun, and most social way to raise money, and they are popping up all over the map. 

 

If you love burritos, pizza, and raising money, then you will love this post as we walk you through how to host a Chipotle fundraiser, as well as Moe’s Southwest Grill and MOD Pizza restaurant fundraisers.

 

COVID-19 Update: Fundraising with Chipotle, Moe’s Southwest Grill, MOD Pizza, and many more restaurants is still possible and safe! Depending on the location, restaurant fundraisers can happen via dine-in, take-out, or delivery so all your supporters will feel comfortable participating. Fundraisers are also a great way to bring extra business to restaurants during these difficult times. Learn more about restaurant fundraising during COVID here

 

 

The Chipotle Fundraiser

It’s no wonder Chipotle fundraising nights are hugely popular. You’re already crazy about the burritos and when they come with the added benefit of funds for your favorite cause, even better.

 

With the relatively inexpensive large portions, vegan/vegetarian options, and the speedy cook time, a Chipotle fundraiser is ideal for university groups, with busy and hungry college students always on the go!

 

Which groups are eligible for a Chipotle fundraiser?

Other groups can fundraise with Chipotle too. Chipotle exclusively works with:

  • K–12 Schools
  • Libraries
  • Youth Community Groups
  • Community Gardens
  • Food and Sustainable Agriculture Groups
  • University Groups

 

They will not host fundraisers for groups such as:

  • Individuals (scholarships, stipends, fellowships, personal assistance)
  • For-profit ventures
  • Religious groups for religious purposes
  • Capital campaigns, endowment funds or memorials
  • Lobbying, political or fraternal activities
  • Individual study, research or travel grants

 

Hand holding a burrito stuffed with deliciousness at a Chipotle fundraiser

Image by LikeMeat from Unsplash

 

How to set up a Chipotle fundraiser

Due to their popularity, setting up a Chipotle fundraiser requires jumping through a few extra hoops. But don’t worry, for your organization it could be more than worth the effort!

 

If you are looking to host a fundraiser through Chipotle, the first step is to visit their website and submit an online application, but be sure to plan ahead because the application needs to be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the date you wish to fundraise. 

 

On their online application, you’ll choose a date, time, & location, give them your contact info, and tell them about your organization. 

 

Chipotle fundraising nights can only be held between either 4:00 pm-8:00 pm or 5:00 pm-9:00 pm, at 1 location only. You should also know that each organization may only host 1 Chipotle fundraiser every 6 months.

 

Depending on the type of organization, you may also have to provide your organization’s tax identification information such as a federal tax ID number (TIN/EIN) or a W-9 form.

 

Due to the large number of requests they receive, even if your group exists within the criteria they support, Chipotle still may not be able to honor your fundraiser.

 

Next steps if your application is approved

If your application is approved, it’s time to promote! You’ll get a personalized flyer for your fundraiser you can use to spread the word and let your whole community know about the event. To receive the donation from Chipotle, you’ll need to meet the minimum sales requirement of $150, which you can reach with about 15-20 attendees.

 

Day-of, just dine to donate! Fundraiser attendees can make sure their order is counted towards the event by either:

  • Telling the cashier they are ordering in support of your cause
  • Showing your fundraiser’s flyer printed out or on their phone
  • Using your fundraiser’s unique promo code when ordering online or from the Chipotle app

 

Note: If you’re placing an online or app order in support of your fundraiser, it will need to be for pickup.

 

Finally, 4-6 weeks after your fundraiser you will receive a check for 33% of the total net sales (excludes gratuities and taxes) from your event donated to your cause!

 

Chipotle fundraisers can be incredibly rewarding, but they are not for everyone. If your group doesn’t fit into their specifications or if you’d like to host fundraisers more often than every 6 months, check out the two awesome alternatives below!

 

The Moe’s Southwest Grill Fundraiser

Moe’s fundraisers offer fantastic tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex-inspired meals to your group’s supporters–with 15% donated back and easier event set-up. 

 

You can find your nearest Moe’s location on GroupRaise and request your fundraiser in one minute. Here’s how:

  1. Choose a convenient Moe’s location
  2. Pick a date and time window
  3. Tell us about your group
  4. Submit!

 

Two well-seasoned tacos with a lime and pepper at a Moe's Southwest Grill fundraiser

Image by Max Nayman from Unsplash

 

While the individual restaurant location of Moe’s has the final say on which fundraisers to accept, any group types are welcome to apply and there’s no limit to the number of fundraising events you can hold.

 

Make sure to get your fundraiser request in at least 2 weeks ahead of time to give the restaurant enough time to respond.

 

Once your event is accepted, let all of your friends, family, and supporters know! In addition to a flyer you can easily share on social media, you’ll also receive a unique online Meal Page, where your supporters can RSVP and get an email reminder right before the event. You’ll need at least 20 RSVPs for your fundraiser to go forward, so blast that event info to your whole network. The more people come, the more your organization earns!

 

On the day of your fundraiser, and within the booked time frame, your supporters can enjoy delicious quesadillas, nachos, and more. Just by mentioning they came to support you, they will be participating in your fundraiser. In addition to dine-in, take-out orders can count too. No flyers needed!

 

After your event, you’ll receive an email letting you know how much you raised and within the next 4-6 weeks, Moe’s Southwest Grill will send a check directly to the address you listed on your profile for 15% of your total net sales!

 

The MOD Pizza Fundraiser

Yet another universally loved food that’s giving back: the pizza. MOD Pizza has perfected the quick, customizable pizza and now they’re accepting fundraising groups!

 

A MOD Pizza fundraiser is especially great for more family oriented groups such as PTA fundraisers, plus what kid doesn’t love a pizza?

 

MOD Pizza offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, appealing to the tastes and needs of almost all patrons.

 

Like Moe’s Southwest Grill, MOD Pizza has partnered with GroupRaise, making placing an event request super simple:

 

  1. Select a location near you
  2. Choose a date and time
  3. Press submit!

 

Once you’ve chosen a desired location, date, and time that works for your organization, the next steps are the same as a Moe’s fundraiser Simply promote the event to friends, family and supporters, share a delicious meal, and receive a check for 20% of the total sales of your event in the mail.

 

Restaurant fundraisers are great fundraising ideas for all sorts of groups. What better reason is there to take a break from cooking than raising money for a good cause?

 

 

Recap

Here is a quick comparison of these three awesome restaurant fundraisers:

How much do the restaurants donate back for fundraisers?

  • Chipotle: 33%
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: 15%
  • MOD Pizza: 20%

 How far in advance do I need to request a restaurant fundraiser?

  • Chipotle: 3 weeks
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: 2 weeks
  • MOD Pizza: 2 weeks

How long after the fundraiser until I receive the restaurant’s donation?

  • Chipotle: 4-6 weeks
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: 4-6 weeks
  • MOD Pizza: 4-6 weeks

How often can I hold a restaurant fundraiser?

  • Chipotle: 1 per 6 months
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: Unlimited
  • MOD Pizza: Unlimited

What are these restaurants known for?

  • Chipotle: Fast (but delicious and nutritious) Mexican food
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: Customizable Tex-Mex food
  • MOD Pizza: Superfast artisan pizza

How delicious is the food?

  • Chipotle: Delicious
  • Moe’s Southwest Grill: Delicious
  • MOD Pizza: Delicious

 

Want even more options? With over 10,000 restaurant partners hosting events on GroupRaise, you’re sure to find the perfect fit!