Brinker International – Community Matters Giving Program (2026)
Monetary & In-Kind Support Focused on Kids, Hunger, and Education
Brinker International’s Community Matters Giving Program supports nonprofit organizations in the communities where the company’s restaurants and team members live and work. Giving Back is core to Brinker’s culture, with a focused commitment to helping Kids, addressing Hunger, and advancing Education.
Organization: Brinker International
Support Type: Monetary donations; in-kind donations (dining certificates)
Geographic Focus: Communities where Brinker restaurants operate
About the Funder
Brinker International is the parent company of restaurant brands including Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Community giving is central to Brinker’s identity, and the company leverages its restaurant footprint and team engagement to support local nonprofit organizations addressing critical community needs.
Giving Priorities
Brinker’s charitable giving framework focuses on three core areas:
Kids
Programs that help children overcome disease, economic challenges, and other barriers, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.
Hunger
Initiatives that address food insecurity, leveraging Brinker’s restaurant experience to help fight hunger in local communities.
Education
Efforts that support education for children and youth, as well as educational opportunities for Brinker team members through Best You EDU™.
Education is pre-selected by Brinker’s Charitables Committee, though schools are encouraged to explore partnerships with local Chili’s locations through Give Back Nights.
Eligible Support Types
- Monetary donations
- In-kind donations, including dining certificates
Eligibility & Application Requirements
To be considered for support, organizations must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Submit a copy of the IRS determination letter
- Submit requests electronically through the online application only
- Apply at least 6 weeks prior to the event date
- Limit requests to one donation per organization per calendar year
Supporting documents such as event information, logos, and additional materials may be uploaded with the application.
Restrictions & Ineligible Requests
Brinker International typically does not support:
- Individuals seeking aid, including individuals independently raising funds for nonprofits
- Political organizations or candidates
- Religious organizations or religious programs
- Non-religious organizations with explicit discriminatory policies
- Capital campaigns or corporate United Way programs
- Conferences, seminars, reunions, or pageants
- Incentive or appreciation events, including graduation or prom-related events
- Sports teams seeking support for travel, equipment, uniforms, or fundraisers
Timeline & Review
📅 Submission Deadline: At least 6 weeks prior to the event
📅 Review Type: Rolling / ongoing review
📅 Review Period: Typically 4–6 weeks
Applicants receive an automatic confirmation upon submission. If confirmation is not received within 24 hours, applicants should verify that all required fields were completed.
Application / Request Process
To apply:
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documentation and supporting materials
- Submit the request and await confirmation
- Allow 4–6 weeks for review
Requests submitted by email or mail are not accepted.
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is ideal for organizations that:
- Serve communities where Brinker restaurants operate
- Address children’s wellbeing, hunger relief, or education
- Are seeking local corporate support through donations or dining certificates
- Can plan ahead to meet the 6-week submission timeline
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Rolling
- Typical Lead Time: Minimum 6 weeks
- Award Type: Monetary or in-kind donations
- Limit: One donation per organization per year
- Best Suited For: Local 501(c)(3) nonprofits aligned with Kids, Hunger, or Education priorities
