Chipotle donation request
Groups can apply online for a Chipotle restaurant fundraiser, which returns 25% of qualifying pre-tax sales after a $150 minimum and requires supporters to make purchases. Chipotle's meal-card donation requests are closed for 2026; its application site says to check back in March 2027. Cultivate Foundation grant applications are invitation-only, though eligible nonprofits can email the foundation about their needs.
Checked against Chipotle Mexican Grill's own pages on October 5, 2026 by With Help From. Not affiliated with Chipotle Mexican Grill.
At a glance
- Status
- Accepts requests
- What it gives
- 25% of event sales (pre-tax) from an evening fundraiser at one Chipotle restaurant, in the restaurant and online, paid by check (Chipotle Fundraisers)
- Meal cards for an auction, raffle or giveaway (Chipotle Donations (meal cards for auctions and raffles))
- Grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's mission (Chipotle Cultivate Foundation grants)
- Who decides
- Unclear
- Apply ahead
- At least three weeks before the event; dates cannot be more than 120 days ahead.
Chipotle Fundraisers
25% of event sales (pre-tax) from an evening fundraiser at one Chipotle restaurant, in the restaurant and online, paid by check. 25% of event sales. A minimum of $150 in event sales is required to receive any donation (Chipotle says this is about 15 to 20 people). Chipotle's example: $200 in sales gives a $50 check.
- Who can apply
- K-12 schools (PTAs/PTOs, STEM clubs, senior prom)
- University groups (intramural sports, Greek life, college radio)
- Youth sports teams (Little League, soccer, etc.)
- Libraries and community centers
- Nonprofits (examples given: American Cancer Society, animal shelters, United Way)
- Food and sustainable agriculture groups (Future Farmers, community gardens, 4-H)
- Public schools and public college student groups without their own federal tax ID can have the check made payable to the school district or college
- Not eligible
- Individual causes (scholarships, stipends, personal medical expenses)
- For-profit ventures
- Religious groups for religious purposes (youth groups or mission trips)
- Lobbying or political groups
- Individual study, research or travel grants
- Organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, political affiliation, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief
- Checks made out to individuals
- How to apply
- Apply online for a date at least three weeks away and no more than 120 days ahead. Have a couple of possible dates ready.
- Choose one restaurant that is easy for your supporters to reach. Chipotle allows one restaurant per fundraiser, and events run 4-8pm or 5-9pm.
- After approval, give your organization's federal tax ID (EIN) and W-9 details, or choose your public school district or public college as the payee.
- Promote the event with the flyers and the online order code Chipotle sends. Supporters tell the cashier, show the flyer, or use the code on a pickup order in the Chipotle app or website. Delivery orders and gift card purchases do not count, and promotion inside the restaurant is not allowed.
- After the event, sign the acknowledgement with your results and Chipotle mails the check.
- Lead time
- At least three weeks before the event; dates cannot be more than 120 days ahead.
- Deadlines
- Each organization is limited to one fundraiser every six months.
- Response
- If the request is approved, Chipotle contacts you. Its FAQ says to email fundraisers@chipotle.com if you have not heard back within 5-7 business days. Chipotle emails sales results within 48 hours of the event and asks you to allow 30 days from the mail-out date for the check.
- Official page
- marketing.chipotle.com/partner/fundraiser-request/
Chipotle Donations (meal cards for auctions and raffles)
Meal cards for an auction, raffle or giveaway
- Who can apply
- Groups holding an auction, raffle or giveaway event
- Not eligible
- Cash donations and sponsorships (Chipotle does not offer them)
- How to apply
- Applications are closed for 2026. Chipotle says to check its donation site in March 2027 to submit an application for your event.
- Send questions to philanthropy@chipotle.com.
- Deadlines
- Closed for 2026. Chipotle says to check back in March 2027.
- Official page
- donations.community.chipotle.com/disclaimer
Chipotle Cultivate Foundation grants
Grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's mission
- Who can apply
- Certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the foundation's giving strategy
- How to apply
- Grant applications are by invitation only.
- A 501(c)(3) that fits the foundation's mission can email grants@chipotle.com with the organization name, a brief description of current needs and its financial ask.
- How to get in
- By invitation only; there is no application.
Write the request
Before you open the form, write down what the donation is for, the date, how many people it reaches and how you will thank Chipotle. If Chipotle asks for a letter, adapt the donation request template or a youth sports sponsorship letter. After a yes, send a sponsor thank-you letter.
Questions
- Does Chipotle give cash donations or sponsor events?
- No. Chipotle says it does not offer cash donations or sponsorships and points groups to its fundraiser program instead.
- Does Chipotle donate gift cards or food for a raffle or auction?
- Chipotle takes applications for meal cards for auctions, raffles and giveaways, but applications are closed for 2026. It says to check back in March 2027.
- How far ahead do we need to apply for a Chipotle fundraiser?
- Apply at least three weeks before the event. The application also limits bookings to no more than 120 days ahead.
- Can a school PTA or youth sports team host a Chipotle fundraiser?
- Yes. Chipotle lists K-12 schools (including PTAs and PTOs) and youth sports teams such as Little League among the groups it partners with for fundraisers.
- Can an individual raise money with a Chipotle fundraiser?
- No. Chipotle's eligibility rules exclude individual causes such as scholarships, stipends and personal medical expenses.
Sources
- Chipotle Fundraising Application (Chipotle Mexican Grill)
- Frequently Asked Questions (fundraisers) (Chipotle Mexican Grill)
- Chipotle Community Fundraising (Chipotle Mexican Grill)
- How to Fundraise with Chipotle: An Easy Five Step Guide (October 6, 2020) (Chipotle Mexican Grill)
- Chipotle Donation Application (Chipotle Mexican Grill)
- Cultivate Foundation (Chipotle Cultivate Foundation)
- Chipotle Donation Application: 2026 closure notice (Chipotle Mexican Grill)
Other restaurants and coffee companies
Ask local businesses too
Independent businesses near you have no national form: the owner decides. Post what you need so businesses on With Help From can find you, or read how to ask local businesses for donations.