Who wouldn't want to take this guy home?
Raising money consistently presents challenges. Finding unique and fun ways to bring in dollars for a shelter can often times up results tremendously. Between taking advantage of community events and throwing your own fundraisers, there are many different ways to bring in money to keep the shelter's occupants happy and healthy.
Company Sponsorship
Go to the big guns to help fund your shelter.
Seeking company sponsorships allows for a shelter to count on a certain amount of money over a given time period. This type of funding helps keep your shelter within budget as well as allowing for peace of mind knowing a minimum amount you can count on.
Local pet stores or kennels are often times great places to seek out such sponsorship. You can appeal to those who already have a love for pets. Hobnobbing at the local dog park could also bring in sponsorships from those who own their own businesses and feel as though they have face-to-face contact with the shelter itself.
Community Events
Take advantage of local events to further your cause.
Participating in community events gets the shelter great face time with the community. Bringing out a few of your cutest borderers might not only secure a home for them but helps people put a face to the problem, leading to donations great and small. Whether it is a store opening, park event, city fair, or sporting event, you can capitalize on those already attending.
Contests
Ticket to win, ticket for donations.
Contests are always great ways to raise money. After securing a sponsor, such as a local pet store, sell off raffle tickets in order to win a "birthday party for your pet" or "food for six months." People like to give, but when they think there might be something in it for them, it gives them greater incentive to participate.
Food Drive
Every little bit helps the cause.
Food drives might not bring in money, but supplement the shelter's income by allowing for less output of money while still feeding the pets you house. Outside of pet stores or grocery stores are great places to collect food. You can also go into neighborhood schools, offering animal education and requesting kids bring in a bag of food if they can.
Parties
Have a celebration, charge admission.
Parties can be another way to raise money. If you have a good play area for dogs, rent it out for dog parties. It helps get pet owners involved, brings in some cash, and you might even find some of your animals finding homes during the process.
Dog Walk Event
Get a big group of walkers like this.
Dog walks are a fun way to bring in money. Each participant pays a fee but also gets sponsors for their walk. They can walk with a pet of their own or an animal from the shelter. The sponsorship money adds up as each person brings in money from multiple sources, even if it is only a few dollars a mile. You can end the event with a party at the shelter, also giving greater exposure to your cause.
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