fundraiser

noun

fund·​rais·​er ˈfənd-ˌrā-zər How to pronounce fundraiser (audio)
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
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.
The gala, first held in 2016, serves as a fundraiser to support Native Son’s programs and initiatives throughout the year. Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025 First celebrated by the Salvation Army in 1938, the first National Doughnut Day was a fundraiser to benefit those impacted during the Great Depression, according to the organization’s website. Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025 Formalwear for dogs Summer is a popular season for weddings, anniversaries and fundraisers. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025 Sudeikis made an appearance over the weekend at a fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, where he was asked about Wendt. Lisa France, CNN Money, 2 June 2025 Good works Orange County Community Foundation on May 7 hosted an Empowering Possibilities online fundraiser, helping Beyond Blindness, one of nine participating nonprofits, raise $56,531 from 87 donors. Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 2 June 2025 Donations raised through this fundraiser will go toward the costs associated with securing his belongings at home. Michelle Lee, People.com, 2 June 2025 Swift hasn’t been announced as one of the celebrity guests for the annual fundraiser for Children’s Mercy Hospital. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025 According to The New York Times, Fago attended a $1 million a plate fundraiser for Mr. Trump shortly before Walczak was pardoned. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 29 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fundraiser was in 1881

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Cite this Entry

“Fundraiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundraiser. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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