Pizza and fundraising — a match made in heaven! Whether raising money for a school, sports team, or community group, a pizza fundraiser is an easy and delicious way to unite people while boosting your cause. The best pizza fundraiser is one that maximizes profit, minimizes hassle, and keeps supporters coming back for more. Here’s how to make it happen (with a little help from Cheddar Up!).
Why a Pizza Fundraiser Works
The best pizza fundraisers are a hit because they combine two things people love: good food and giving back. Unlike other fundraising ideas requiring complicated planning, a pizza fundraiser is simple to organize and promote. Plus, with so many ways to run one, there’s a format that fits every group’s needs.
The Best Pizza Fundraiser Ideas
Choosing the best pizza fundraiser depends on your audience, resources, and goals. Here are the five top options to consider:
Pizza Friday Fundraiser
A Pizza Friday fundraiser is a fantastic option for schools, offering an easy way to raise money regularly. Students can pre-order pizza slices for lunch each Friday, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to school programs, field trips, or club activities.
Why schools love it:
- Predictable and consistent revenue stream.
- Simple to manage with pre-orders and bulk ordering from a local pizzeria.
- A fun, weekly event that students look forward to.
How to make it work:
- Partner with a pizza shop that offers a school-friendly discount.
- Start with Cheddar Up’s Pizza Friday template to take orders and payments.
- To maximize participation, offer various options, like cheese, pepperoni, and veggies.
Restaurant Percentage Night
Partnering with a local restaurant is one of the simplest ways to raise funds. Many restaurants, like California Pizza Kitchen, offer fundraising nights where a percentage of sales go to your cause. Pick a date, spread the word, and encourage supporters to dine in or order takeout. The more people who participate, the higher your earnings.
Tips for success:
- Choose a popular pizza spot with strong community ties.
- Promote the event through social media, school flyers, and email reminders.
- Confirm whether delivery and takeout orders count toward fundraising totals.
Pizza Kit Fundraiser
Selling pizza kits is another effective way to raise money. Companies like Little Caesars offer kits with pre-portioned ingredients so supporters can make their pizzas at home. These fundraisers are great for schools, youth groups, and sports teams because they involve minimal setup and no upfront costs.
Why it works:
- No need for a physical event — supporters order online or through a seller.
- The kits offer high-profit margins, often earning groups $5–$7 per kit.
- Families love the convenience of having pizza-making supplies on hand.
“Dough Raiser” Gift Card Sales
Selling pizza gift cards is one of the best pizza fundraiser strategies for groups looking to avoid food handling or storage issues. Many national chains, like Pizza Hut, offer gift card fundraising programs where your organization earns a percentage of each card sold. This option allows supporters to enjoy their pizza on their own time while still contributing to your cause.
Maximizing sales:
- Ask the restaurant if they’ll offer a bonus, like an extra $5 for every $25 card purchased.
- Set up an online payment page to make purchasing easy.
- Offer incentives to top sellers, such as free pizza or small prizes.
Pizza Party Fundraiser
Hosting a pizza party fundraiser can generate excitement while bringing people together. Charge an entry fee for an all-you-can-eat pizza night or sell slices individually. If you partner with a restaurant, they may even donate pizzas or offer a discount to help your cause.
How to make it special:
- Add a raffle or silent auction to boost earnings.
- Organize a “best pizza” contest where guests vote on their favorite toppings.
- Include fun activities like trivia or live music to keep attendees engaged.
How Cheddar Up Will Make This Your Best Pizza Fundraiser Yet
The best pizza fundraiser should be simple to manage — no paper forms, cash counting, or order mix-ups. Cheddar Up streamlines everything by allowing you to collect payments, track orders, and stay organized in one place.
Collect Orders & Payments Online
Set up a custom collection page where supporters can order and pay instantly.
Track Sales & Stay Organized
See real-time order totals, export reports — perfect for bulk pizza orders or Pizza Friday tracking.
Team Access for Easy Management
Share access with volunteers or PTA members so everyone stays on the same page without handling sensitive financial details.
Boost Earnings with Donations
Add an option for extra contributions so supporters who don’t want pizza can still give to your cause.
Whether you host a restaurant night, sell kits, or run a Pizza Friday event, the best pizza fundraiser is the one that fits your group’s needs and gets people excited to participate.
Before you go
A pizza fundraiser is a proven way to raise money while bringing people together over a meal everyone loves. Start planning today with Cheddar Up, and prepare to raise some serious dough for your cause.
