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
Corporations, cultural institutions, luxury marques, and non-profits rely on Bassett Events to convert ambition into atmosphere and fundraisers into measurable impact.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
For the fourth edition of Vogue World, the one-night-only fashion extravaganza and fundraiser, the event moved to Los Angeles, taking over the Paramount Studios lot and attracting, of course, some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025
As of Monday, the fundraiser has generated over $41,000.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
But the controversy has spilled into nearly every corner of New York’s civic life, from synagogue boards and dinner tables to political fundraisers and classrooms, as voters grapple with the broader meaning of his candidacy.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
Multiple groups launched fundraisers in February and eventually, these emergency funds mobilized more than $125 million within eight months, a sum that while not nearly enough, was more than the organizers had ever imagined possible.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Given the enthusiastic participation and community impact, the group has already committed to making the fundraiser an annual tradition.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
The fundraiser met the goal on the first day alone.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
The American Cinematheque Awards will take place at The Beverly Hilton as an annual fundraiser for the non-profit backing year-round programming at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, the Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz and the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
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.
Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025
For the fourth edition of Vogue World, the one-night-only fashion extravaganza and fundraiser, the event moved to Los Angeles, taking over the Paramount Studios lot and attracting, of course, some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 27 Oct. 2025
As of Monday, the fundraiser has generated over $41,000.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
But the controversy has spilled into nearly every corner of New York’s civic life, from synagogue boards and dinner tables to political fundraisers and classrooms, as voters grapple with the broader meaning of his candidacy.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2025
Multiple groups launched fundraisers in February and eventually, these emergency funds mobilized more than $125 million within eight months, a sum that while not nearly enough, was more than the organizers had ever imagined possible.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
Given the enthusiastic participation and community impact, the group has already committed to making the fundraiser an annual tradition.
—News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025
The fundraiser met the goal on the first day alone.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025
The American Cinematheque Awards will take place at The Beverly Hilton as an annual fundraiser for the non-profit backing year-round programming at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, the Los Feliz 3 Theatre in Los Feliz and the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.
—Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share