Does Benihana donate to fundraisers?

Benihana supports a limited number of nonprofit organizations by donating a restaurant gift certificate.

The gift certificate must be used to raise funds for a nonprofit organization.

Benihana does not provide food donations or food samplings for fundraising events.

Benihana does not contribute to individuals and does not make donations in return for advertising.

If the request is for a school, the donation must be for educational purposes only.

Benihana does not donate to: organizations lacking proof of 501(c)(3) status; conferences, seminars or reunions; travel for individuals or groups; sports teams or leagues; individuals seeking aid.

Tips from the program page: Mail the request to Benihana Inc., ATTN: Public Relations, 21500 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 900, Aventura, FL 33180. Benihana does not accept requests by phone or email. · Allow four weeks for Benihana to review and respond. · Check that every item above is in your letter before mailing: Benihana says requests missing any of the listed details cannot be considered.

What Benihana donates

Benihana donates gift certificate.

Benihana has typically donated: A Benihana restaurant gift certificate for a limited number of nonprofit organizations.

Who can apply

Benihana donates to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Benihana does not donate to individuals.

How to apply

Benihana asks every request to include the following.

• Background on the specific program and the date of the event.
• An established track record of community advocacy.
• A copy of your current IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
• Proof of your Federal Tax ID number.
• Contact name, address, phone number and email, if available.
• The request must be written on your organization's letterhead.

What Benihana will not fund

Benihana states in its own published guidelines that it will not fund the following.

• Organizations lacking proof of 501(c)(3) status
• Conferences, seminars or reunions
• Travel for individuals or groups
• Sports teams or leagues
• Individuals seeking aid
• Food donations or food samplings for fundraising events
• Donations in return for advertising

This covers only what Benihana states. A request can still be turned down for reasons a company does not publish.

Common questions

Do I need to be a 501(c)(3) to request a donation from Benihana?

Yes. Benihana's donation program is limited to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, so you will need your determination letter and Tax ID before you apply.

Can a school, team, or individual apply to Benihana?

Benihana states that it will not fund: Organizations lacking proof of 501(c)(3) status; Conferences, seminars or reunions; Travel for individuals or groups; Sports teams or leagues; Individuals seeking aid; Food donations or food samplings for fundraising events; Donations in return for advertising. Check your organization and your event against that list before you apply — those are the restrictions Benihana publishes itself.