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
Conservative activist Kyle Rittenhouse is returning to Greater Cincinnati this spring for a political fundraiser at a gun range in Northern Kentucky.
—Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
Feeling inspired to give back after hearing the news of immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, Duran, a graduate of Milwaukee High School of the Arts, chose to host the fundraiser for the organization to support its mission in protecting civil rights for members of immigrant communities.
—Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026
The center holds such community events as dances and fundraisers, according to the village website.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
In 1963, just days before his assassination, JFK hosted a White House fundraiser for the center.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The family is asking the community for help through an online fundraiser to raise money for food, drinks, gas for volunteers, and to hire an attorney to help them in their search for Lupita.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
February 2026 highlights in Savannah include a new cookbook store emphasizing global flavors; a Broughton Street restaurant inspired by a former establishment; the return of a major fundraiser for the Forsyth Farmers Market and a new signature beer crafted for a downtown hotel.
—Bill Dawers, AJC.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Winners get their name on a plaque, a red jacket, and attend a celebration dinner and fundraiser that supports Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
Each event doubles as a fundraiser for local causes.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
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Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Feb. 2026
Feeling inspired to give back after hearing the news of immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, Duran, a graduate of Milwaukee High School of the Arts, chose to host the fundraiser for the organization to support its mission in protecting civil rights for members of immigrant communities.
—Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 3 Feb. 2026
The center holds such community events as dances and fundraisers, according to the village website.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2026
In 1963, just days before his assassination, JFK hosted a White House fundraiser for the center.
—Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Feb. 2026
The family is asking the community for help through an online fundraiser to raise money for food, drinks, gas for volunteers, and to hire an attorney to help them in their search for Lupita.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 3 Feb. 2026
February 2026 highlights in Savannah include a new cookbook store emphasizing global flavors; a Broughton Street restaurant inspired by a former establishment; the return of a major fundraiser for the Forsyth Farmers Market and a new signature beer crafted for a downtown hotel.
—Bill Dawers, AJC.com, 3 Feb. 2026
Winners get their name on a plaque, a red jacket, and attend a celebration dinner and fundraiser that supports Raleigh’s Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center.
—Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
Each event doubles as a fundraiser for local causes.
—Jason Phillips, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.
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