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
In 2021, Emma Samms gathered the stars once again for a virtual fundraiser benefitting long COVID research ahead of the show’s 40th anniversary.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
One of his most lucrative fundraisers was associated with the New York City Marathon in November.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
In 2025, the Associated Students board led a community fundraiser called the Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign, which helped raise $114,567 to help the Associated Students’ food pantry, SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Aspen Gay Ski Week is the organization’s primary fundraiser, Kuliga said.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Peleg and Floman also donated Breads’ signature black-and-white cookies to a bake sale fundraiser that raised $27,000 for Israeli food relief efforts in the wake of Hamas’ attack.
—Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
The money is often given to attend fundraisers at entertainment venues or luxury resorts.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Joe Tamasitis, Chomp's best friend for more than 20 years, said the fundraiser even received a donation on Sunday from former Eagles center Jason Kelce.
—Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
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Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026
One of his most lucrative fundraisers was associated with the New York City Marathon in November.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 13 Jan. 2026
In 2025, the Associated Students board led a community fundraiser called the Aztecs Rock Hunger campaign, which helped raise $114,567 to help the Associated Students’ food pantry, SDSU Economic Crisis Response Team and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Aspen Gay Ski Week is the organization’s primary fundraiser, Kuliga said.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Peleg and Floman also donated Breads’ signature black-and-white cookies to a bake sale fundraiser that raised $27,000 for Israeli food relief efforts in the wake of Hamas’ attack.
—Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2026
The money is often given to attend fundraisers at entertainment venues or luxury resorts.
—Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Joe Tamasitis, Chomp's best friend for more than 20 years, said the fundraiser even received a donation on Sunday from former Eagles center Jason Kelce.
—Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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