The Most Popular Fundraising Ideas
Use The Fundraising Ideas Below to Raise Money For Pets and Animals
Matching Gifts
The Best Fundraising Idea for Pets and Animals
Other Great Fundraising Ideas
Use our most popular fundraising idea to raise money right now.
Matching Gifts
Matching gifts are an easy fundraising option for nonprofits and qualified fundraising organizations. Through gift matching, animal-related nonprofits can readily double a donor’s gift.
When an employee of a company with a corporate gift matching program donates to your nonprofit, you might be eligible for a matched gift from that company.
The programs are meant to help companies support the charitable interests of their employees while giving back, and they’re great programs to capitalize on.
Dog Walking
There are two types of dog walk fundraisers, and they both are ideal because they incorporate animals into fundraisers for animals. The first path is as simple as it gets, you can walk dogs in your neighborhood in exchange for donations.
The second option combines dog walking and walkathons. Host a traditional walkathon with a twist by asking participants to bring their pooches.
For dog walkathons, put time and energy into ensuring the event is safe and fun for all involved. Mark out the course and set up water stations for all.
Checkout Charity
Have you ever had someone ask if you’d like to add $1 to your bill to donate to XYZ cause? That’s checkout charity, and it is a great way to raise money for your animal rescue or shelter.
Find a local shop or restaurant that has expressed an interest in animal-related causes and would be willing to collect checkout donations on your behalf or even just let you set up a donation jar near the register.
It works because donors already have their wallets out and usually don’t mind sparing a dollar or two, especially for dogs, cats, or other pets in need.
Charity Concert
Charity concerts can be big money makers, but they’re a bit high maintenance. Luckily, you will be able to find acts who feel strongly about your cause, as many celebrities are heavily involved in animal-related nonprofits already!
Secure a venue, performers, promotions, concessions, proper equipment, and decorations. The less you spend on those essentials, the more you’ll make on ticket sales.
Know your audience, too. A concert for families will have different needs than one for college students, so be strategic.
Restaurant Partnership
Many local and national restaurants are open to partnering with charities and schools for fundraising nights. You can either work with a major chain, like Panera Bread, or talk to the owners of a local joint.
Typically, the way restaurant partnerships work is straight forward. Restaurants will host a night in your honor, where a portion of all sales are donated to your cause.
To find a restaurant, check to see if any spots near you have established philanthropic histories with animal causes.
Penny Drive
Penny drives are the perfect low-stakes fundraiser, rooted in a simple principle: small donations can add up to a very large sum.
Get started by setting up a collection jar in a high-traffic area, put a sign explaining your cause next to the jar, and collect donations from people who walk by.
You would be surprised how much you can make with such a basic set up, as long as you are careful to include a flyer about your dog or cat fundraiser. People need to know what they are supporting!
Product Fundraising
When running a product fundraiser, you are selling products (often times products that are branded to your organization) in exchange for donations.
Pick a product (from t-shirts to water bottles to key chains), customize your product design, gather your inventory, and sell, sell, sell.
Product fundraisers have been hugely profitable for animal rescues and shelters in the past. People love to support their local shelters and secure some custom (and stylish) swag in the process.
Coffee Bean Sales
Everyone loves coffee, right? Well, most people do. That’s what makes it such a great fundraiser. Give your donors a caffeine rush by selling premium coffee beans.
You can work with a roaster or coffee shop to secure discounted coffee beans and then go out into the community to sell the beans. You want quality coffee at an affordable price.
Once you have your distributor, design a label that showcases all the cute dogs and cats your fundraiser is helping to support. Maybe even name the roast after one of the pets.
Charity Auctions
Charity auctions bring out everyone’s competitive spirits for a night of bidding wars and excitement.
For your auction to be a smash hit, you’ll want to secure a bunch of sought after items and auction packages. Then, you can either run a silent or live auction to start raising money.
The best charity auctions have a live and a silent portion, allowing your organization to capitalize on the fundraising opportunity. To make your auction really stand out, name the packages after the animals you’re raising money for.
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