English Reference
noun · adjective

fundraising

n. · adj.
US /ˈfənˌdɹeɪsɪŋ/ UK /fʌndɹˈeɪzɪŋ/ fundrais·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the act of collecting money for a specific purpose, like a charity or a local project.

    n.the activity of soliciting and collecting money for a charitable, political, or non-profit cause.

    Simple

    The school's fundraising for the new library was very successful.

    In context

    Effective fundraising requires a strategic approach to donor engagement and a clear articulation of the organisation's mission.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the general activity.

    charity workcollection
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.used to describe an event or activity meant to raise money.

    adj.relating to the raising of funds, particularly for non-profit organisations; typically used in an attributive position before a noun.

    Simple

    We are attending a fundraising dinner for the local hospital tonight.

    In context

    The charity launched a massive fundraising campaign to provide emergency relief to the regions affected by the drought.

    Usage

    Usually appears immediately before the noun it modifies, such as 'fundraising event' or 'fundraising goal'.

Usage fundraising campaign

Colleges developed a new fundraising strategy: offering donors “ scholarship certificates ,” which were essentially tuition waivers that could be used by family and friends.

The Conversation· 4 Aug 2026

Sources say Westminster council has accrued a £1m deficit keeping the school open, even after an estimated £1m in external fundraising.

The Guardian· 18 Jul 2026

From fund + raising.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated