fundraiser
noun
fund·rais·er
ˈfənd-ˌrā-zər 
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
James Shreeve2
: 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
James RidgewayExamples of fundraiser in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And if this happens, get ready for other states to settle into partisan gridlock over board seats once commonly viewed merely as ceremonial rewards for boosters and fundraisers.
—Armand Alacbay, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Jory Downer, the owner of Bennison’s Bakery, said the eating contest originally began as a fundraiser to raise money for Haitian relief following Hurricane Tomas’ hit in 2010.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The franchise’s signature fundraiser for the OMYF includes vintner dinners, a wine festival and live and e-auctions.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Charlotte hosted the annual PUSH/Excel Pro Basketball Classic event several times, which was the program’s biggest fundraiser.
—Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Jones said the fish dinners are the Knights’ main fundraiser, with around $10,000 to $15,000 net profits raised.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit various community and philanthropic organizations supported by the nonprofit Ebell Club.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
Gavin Newsom’s fundraiser for Keisha Lance Bottoms stirs critics.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The organization relies on community support and is preparing for a Mother's Day fundraiser to continue the work.
—Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
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.
Armand Alacbay, Washington Post, 17 Feb. 2026
Jory Downer, the owner of Bennison’s Bakery, said the eating contest originally began as a fundraiser to raise money for Haitian relief following Hurricane Tomas’ hit in 2010.
—Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
The franchise’s signature fundraiser for the OMYF includes vintner dinners, a wine festival and live and e-auctions.
—Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026
Charlotte hosted the annual PUSH/Excel Pro Basketball Classic event several times, which was the program’s biggest fundraiser.
—Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026
Jones said the fish dinners are the Knights’ main fundraiser, with around $10,000 to $15,000 net profits raised.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit various community and philanthropic organizations supported by the nonprofit Ebell Club.
—Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 17 Feb. 2026
Gavin Newsom’s fundraiser for Keisha Lance Bottoms stirs critics.
—Adam Beam, AJC.com, 16 Feb. 2026
The organization relies on community support and is preparing for a Mother's Day fundraiser to continue the work.
—Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
