fundraiser

noun

fund·​rais·​er ˈfənd-ˌrā-zər How to pronounce fundraiser (audio)
variants or less commonly fund-raiser
plural fundraisers also fund-raisers
1
: a person employed to raise funds (as for an institution or political cause)
a talented fundraiser
… hired not only for his popularity with the other scientists but for his proven abilities as a fundraiser.James Shreeve
2
: a social event (such as a cocktail party) held for the purpose of raising funds
… he gained recognition by throwing a posh fundraiser for President Jimmy Carter.James Ridgeway

Examples of fundraiser in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Each year, Castaneda helps organize the FairMEOWnt Cat Calendar, a neighborhood fundraiser for Meow Town Animal Rescue, the same group that helped save Dan. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2025 Jim Worthington, a business owner and Republican fundraiser in eastern Pennsylvania, has encouraged Republican candidates in the state to develop a robust vote-by-mail operation, warning them that not doing so could cost them an election. Will McDuffie, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2025 The New York Times recently reported that Mamdani has been taking private meetings with business leaders, moderate Democratic fundraisers and power brokers since his upset win in the primary. Ben Adler, USA Today, 2 Nov. 2025 Biden will make his first post-presidency Democratic Party event appearance next Friday, at a Nebraska Democrats’ fundraiser. David Weigel, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025 The Blossom Ball is the signature fundraiser for the Endometriosis Foundation of America, supporting programs in education, awareness, advocacy and research for endometriosis. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 The event is an annual fundraiser for the American Cinematheque, a nonprofit organization that has year-round programming at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz, and Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. Pete Hammond, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2025 The annual fundraiser raises money for organizations supporting young people’s access to mental health care and appropriate, expansive resources A charitable auction was held, with performances by Laufey and The Marias. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025 The game served a fundraiser for the family. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fundraiser was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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