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

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

The fundraiser has raised over $17,000 so far to help cover Bowling’s medical medical expenses, with a goal of $22,000. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026

Springsteen has played there many times over the years, often at special shows like the annual Parkinson’s fundraiser for the Light of Day organization, which was co-founded by Tony Pallagrosi. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

On Saturday evening, Kielpinski spoke about the importance of replacing the existing building during a swanky fundraiser overlooking the water at Descanso Beach Club in Avalon. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

So few fundraisers, leaders or board members are doing it, opting instead to put it on a schedule or take days to thank a donor. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for fundraiser

• appraiser
• blazer
• gazer
• glazer
• kayser
• laser
• lazar
• maser
• mazer
• phasor
• raiser
• razor