Since 2009, Hogs for the Cause has given over $18.5 million to families whose children are fighting pediatric cancer. Every dollar of it started with someone deciding to do something. Whether you cook, compete, rush, run a restaurant, or just know a lot of people — there is a way for you to raise money for Hogs. Pick the one that sounds like you.
Join a Team at the Festival
Our 90+ BBQ teams are the engine of Hogs. Teams range from ten to fifty members, fundraise all year long, and cook for thousands of attendees over two days in New Orleans. In 2026 alone, teams accounted for $6.65 million raised for the cause. You don’t have to be a pitmaster — most teams need people who can sell, organize, and rally a network. Start with the Team Registration FAQs to find out how to join or start a team.
Trail of Barbecue
If you own or operate a restaurant, the Trail of Barbecue is your way in. It’s a nationwide partnership that invites BBQ restaurants to support families fighting pediatric cancer in a way that works for their business — no required formats, no minimums, and no disruption to service. Collect donations at your point of sale, donate a portion of sales from a menu item, host a fundraising event, or rally your community with an online donation challenge. Participating restaurants get year-round visibility on the national Trail of Barbecue map plus paid and owned media amplification from Hogs. Learn more and sign up at trailofbbq.org.
Greek Life
Hogs was born in the tradition every Greek member knows well — brothers around a smoker at a tailgate, turning a good time into something greater. Fraternities and sororities already have the infrastructure: chapters, councils, alumni networks, philanthropy weeks, and a competitive streak that doesn’t quit. Your chapter can run peer-to-peer online fundraising, host a BBQ or cook-off, make Hogs your campus-wide philanthropy week with IFC, Panhellenic, or NPHC — or hog your own way and invent something only your chapter would do. Chapters that hit key milestones unlock recognition, awards, and featured placement in Hogs communications. Contact Cole Herrington at cole@hogsforthecause.org to get started.
BBQ in a Box
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re making it the month for getting off the sidelines. Create a fundraising page, share it everywhere, and if you’re one of the top 100 fundraisers who raise at least $150 by September 30, you’ll receive a carefully curated BBQ in a Box from our friends at Cochon Butcher, part of The Link Restaurant Group. Each box includes a 10 lb. pork butt, custom rub, custom BBQ sauce, and swag. Boxes ship in early October — so gather your friends, put on some football, and remind everyone that together we can do something great.
Tailgate at Home
Make tailgating matter by turning it into a Hogs fundraiser. Show off your famous Smoked Queso recipe then tell everyone how they can help families fighting pediatric brain cancer in their community.
Service Nights
Team up with a bar or restaurant and get a percentage of sales donated back to your campaign. Partnering with a bar or restaurant is also a great way to get some of your costs donated. Some supporters have partnered with bars for Block Parties, Mixers, Golf Tournaments, and Speed Dating events.
Backyard Barbecue
Host a mini fundraiser in your backyard! Have your closest friends over for a laid-back backyard barbecue to raise money for Hogs. We will help you with the who, what, when and where.
Raffles
Raffles are a very effective way to raise money and they can be tailored to fit your network’s needs. 50-50 raffles are also very successful. In our experience, our supporters have raffled off football tickets, restored cars, donated trips and experiences, rare Bourbons and other liquor packages.
Football Squares
Squares can really be used for almost any game and it’s a quick and easy way to fundraise.
Corporate Matching Programs
Many large companies will match your fundraising contribution dollar for dollar. Check with your employer to see if they have, or are willing to start a corporate matching program!
Popup Dinners
You can host and sponsor events selling BBQ, Seafood, Hamburgers, Hotdogs or any other food at breweries, restaurants, and even in your own backyards. You, or a sponsor of yours, will cover the food costs and the labor and donate the proceeds to Hogs.
Not Sure Where to Start?
A few things are true no matter which route you pick: start with your inner circle, make the first donation yourself, tell people why this matters to you, set a public goal, and thank your donors out loud. If you’d rather just talk it through with someone, reach out and we’ll help you build the plan.
Social Media Campaign
Bring awareness to your campaign by posting your links to your campaign on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and explain why the cause needs their support. People who support you will support what you believe in.