Include pets in fundraising efforts.
Those who work at animal rescue facilities know the constant struggles of running a facility day to day. Maintaining buildings, paying bills, buying pet food and providing health care are a few of the ongoing expenses. Raising money is imperative. Excellent communication, media coverage and fun can all add to the bottom line of fundraising events.
Walking
Although there are a myriad of fundraising walks, one that openly invites furry friends draws a crowd if properly promoted. This walk should have all the typical components: sponsorship, walkers and sales. Encourage large sponsorship with visibility on mailings, signage and t-shirts. Include opportunities for smaller investments such as sponsoring small signs marking the trail that list facts such as how many pounds of dog food are needed each year. Have fun activities for the dogs including dunking for hot dogs, agility courses, etc. Invite local businesses to set up stands for a tax-deductible donation. Excellent fits may include vets, groomers and pet store owners. Registered walkers should have their money envelopes and guidelines at least a month in advance; include fundraising tips on the envelope and consider prizes for reaching goals. T-shirts are motivators as they allow supporters to visually display their commitment to the organization.
Jailing
Have the board members and staff devise a target list of people to be "arrested." Notify the potential jailbirds and schedule the day and time. As many will be donating their lunch hour, try to stagger the schedule so that everyone does not arrive at the same time. Invite volunteers to share names of people they would also like to see "arrested." At their scheduled time, have them arrive at a central location such as a large office or meeting room; if possible have a volunteer police officer fetch them in a patrol car. To raise "bail," the financial goal, have them call their friends and business contacts for support. As their people agree to support them with contributions, have volunteers record the amount of "bail" being donated along with contact information. You will use this information to send out donation invoices to remind them of the amount promised while thanking them for their support. When volunteers have met their bail, exhausted their contacts or completed their hour of calling, have them don black-and-white striped or orange jail shirts. This works best if the shirts slip on and tie in back so as not to disturb business garb. Snap a photo from the waist up. This can be enhanced by having them hold jail bars in front of their faces or some kind of signage at their waists; think mugshot. Print the photo, slip into a keepsake cardboard frame, take their completed forms and send them on their way. Follow up with thank-you cards to the volunteers and the donation invoices to their caring bail mates. The props make this fundraiser a time to remember, but because it can be conducted with little overhead, it can result in a high percentage of profit.
Auctioneering
An auction can be as formal or as informal as your organization desires. Guage the interest of your target demographic or host two during different seasons to appeal to both groups. For the more formal, host a black tie event showcasing the cuisine of area chefs or fine-dining establishments. It is best to have the services and food donated; if not possible, seek a discount. For a more casual event, host a dessert auction or find a local chain restaurant to donate dinner. Ensure rental of a proper facility to meet logistical needs. A month or two in advance, have a committee procure auction items. Use the larger items for a live auction and the smaller for a silent auction. Consider adding interest by having a theme. Share a PowerPoint presentation showcasing furry faces who have found homes thanks to community generosity, thus encouraging auction-goers to open their pocketbooks.
Donating
Solicit direct and in-kind donations by mail, phone and at sites. For phone solicitation, it is best to have a target list and solid time frame. Having volunteer callers collect financial commitments at a central location increases revenue by providing shared motivation with callers encouraging each other. Provide snacks, decorations and music to create a fun atmosphere. You can solicit in-kind donations at local stores to broaden the demographic of potential givers. Pair with stores, providing a receptacle for donations and a visible list of items needed such as pet food, blankets, toys, paper towels and bleach.
Riding
Get creative with fundraising and increase your organization's financial resources and the quality of life of your supporters. Get buses and drivers donated from a local camping facility and take the pooches and their guests on a tour of local parks. With lots of windows, updated vaccinations and behavioral guidelines, this can be a fun and fruitful event for all. Aside from sponsorship and tour fees, sell snack packs, bandanas, t-shirts and instant photos. Combine this with a holiday such as Easter for an all-dog egg hunt.
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