Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi Bre,

I am a grant writer for a nonprofit in Northeastern Minnesota. I'd recommend becoming a partner with Petco Love, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities if you aren't already. These three organizations have some of the easiest grant applications for shelters/sanctuaries. Additionally, they are all very responsive to questions. 

Unfortunately we don't have our national nonprofit status yet just our statewide status. 

Hi Bre,

I am a grant writer for a nonprofit in Northeastern Minnesota. I'd recommend becoming a partner with Petco Love, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities if you aren't already. These three organizations have some of the easiest grant applications for shelters/sanctuaries. Additionally, they are all very responsive to questions. 

Hi Bre,

I am a grant writer for a nonprofit in Northeastern Minnesota. I'd recommend becoming a partner with Petco Love, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities if you aren't already. These three organizations have some of the easiest grant applications for shelters/sanctuaries. Additionally, they are all very responsive to questions. 

Hi Bre,

We are an animal rescue in Kentucky and have been looking for opportunities as well . Joining to larger organizations such as Maddie's Fund allows  to grants and other resources. please consider joining organizations such as the greater good network, Chewy, The Best friends Network, the ASPCA. I would recommend doing a search in your area for grant opportunities. Bets wishes.

Hi Bre,

I am a grant writer for a nonprofit in Northeastern Minnesota. I'd recommend becoming a partner with Petco Love, Petfinder, and PetSmart Charities if you aren't already. These three organizations have some of the easiest grant applications for shelters/sanctuaries. Additionally, they are all very responsive to questions. 

Hi Bre, 

It can definitely be hard to know where to start! I would recommend researching foundations in your state that give to animal welfare, you can even reach out to out of state organizations to begin creating a relationship while you work on your national non profit status. Getting on their radar and building a relationship is super helpful for future grant applications. 

I would also say reaching out to local organizations such as rotary clubs, can be helpful. Usually they give to local non profits and many of their members tend to have the resources to provide funding for causes they care about. 

It can also be helpful to reach out to other animal welfare organizations in your area and ask what grants they are applying to. Everyone in the community is usually more than happy to share resources to get more animals the care they need! 

Good Luck! 

Thank you. The issue is the humane society and animal control are the only ones here. Also is tried reaching our to places like rotary with no response.  Should I just keep trying?  I don't want to seem like a stalker 😫 

Hi Bre, 

It can definitely be hard to know where to start! I would recommend researching foundations in your state that give to animal welfare, you can even reach out to out of state organizations to begin creating a relationship while you work on your national non profit status. Getting on their radar and building a relationship is super helpful for future grant applications. 

I would also say reaching out to local organizations such as rotary clubs, can be helpful. Usually they give to local non profits and many of their members tend to have the resources to provide funding for causes they care about. 

It can also be helpful to reach out to other animal welfare organizations in your area and ask what grants they are applying to. Everyone in the community is usually more than happy to share resources to get more animals the care they need! 

Good Luck! 

Bre

First go to the rotary meetings, chamber of commerce meetings, everywhere potential sponsors may be - and don't bring up money/sponsorship etc - just build the relationship. Listen more than talk ask them questions ...and when they ask what you do tell them. It can take up to 6 months depending on how often the meetings are - just build the relationship. Eventually you'll know each other well enough that you can say "Hi Barbara - we're having a xyz clinic and I was wondering if you or your company might be willing to sponsor us". 

BJ

Thank you. The issue is the humane society and animal control are the only ones here. Also is tried reaching our to places like rotary with no response.  Should I just keep trying?  I don't want to seem like a stalker 😫 

Hi Bre, 

It can definitely be hard to know where to start! I would recommend researching foundations in your state that give to animal welfare, you can even reach out to out of state organizations to begin creating a relationship while you work on your national non profit status. Getting on their radar and building a relationship is super helpful for future grant applications. 

I would also say reaching out to local organizations such as rotary clubs, can be helpful. Usually they give to local non profits and many of their members tend to have the resources to provide funding for causes they care about. 

It can also be helpful to reach out to other animal welfare organizations in your area and ask what grants they are applying to. Everyone in the community is usually more than happy to share resources to get more animals the care they need! 

Good Luck! 

I didn't know today meetings were open to the public.  Do you know of any other organizations like them that also have open meetings?  Right now we're hanging flyers on local bulletin boards and going to Vendor show to sell crafts and be seen.  Both seem to be working at least somewhat. 

Bre

First go to the rotary meetings, chamber of commerce meetings, everywhere potential sponsors may be - and don't bring up money/sponsorship etc - just build the relationship. Listen more than talk ask them questions ...and when they ask what you do tell them. It can take up to 6 months depending on how often the meetings are - just build the relationship. Eventually you'll know each other well enough that you can say "Hi Barbara - we're having a xyz clinic and I was wondering if you or your company might be willing to sponsor us". 

BJ

Thank you. The issue is the humane society and animal control are the only ones here. Also is tried reaching our to places like rotary with no response.  Should I just keep trying?  I don't want to seem like a stalker 😫 

Hi Bre, 

It can definitely be hard to know where to start! I would recommend researching foundations in your state that give to animal welfare, you can even reach out to out of state organizations to begin creating a relationship while you work on your national non profit status. Getting on their radar and building a relationship is super helpful for future grant applications. 

I would also say reaching out to local organizations such as rotary clubs, can be helpful. Usually they give to local non profits and many of their members tend to have the resources to provide funding for causes they care about. 

It can also be helpful to reach out to other animal welfare organizations in your area and ask what grants they are applying to. Everyone in the community is usually more than happy to share resources to get more animals the care they need! 

Good Luck! 

Your church, baseball team, kids baseball teams (parents are there), join local chamber of commerce (it's less expensive to join once you get your 501c3 - but you can go talk to them to see what kind of small business resources they have) and once you join go to their meetings and events. Talk to everyone and let them know what you're doing and why. You're spreading the word without asking for money. 

Plan campaigns for donations - the more creative the better - go to non-pet events - you'll be the only sanctuary/rescue type there so you won't be competing with a bunch of other ones. 

As a new non-profit getting grants etc is going to be hard. Funders want to see a track record so begin with small grants asks - $1000 here $2000 there.  Check out https://www.grants4animals.com/ - they do a monthly grant for animals newsletter that costs $10 a month. It will save you way more than $10 a month of time searching for grants. Do your candid profile to at least Gold level - you can search to see what businesses/funders are already supporting animal welfare type organizations.  They also have training on grant writing and other stuff. But before you pay for that let me know and maybe I can help you write some that way you're not digging into your budget yet.

I could go on and on of course - there's a kazillion options - car washes, donation boxes at local businesses, have a restaurant host a tip the nonprofit dinner night - I'm running out of ideas here off the top of my head but if you'd like a list of ideas I can out one together for you.

I didn't know today meetings were open to the public.  Do you know of any other organizations like them that also have open meetings?  Right now we're hanging flyers on local bulletin boards and going to Vendor show to sell crafts and be seen.  Both seem to be working at least somewhat. 

Bre

First go to the rotary meetings, chamber of commerce meetings, everywhere potential sponsors may be - and don't bring up money/sponsorship etc - just build the relationship. Listen more than talk ask them questions ...and when they ask what you do tell them. It can take up to 6 months depending on how often the meetings are - just build the relationship. Eventually you'll know each other well enough that you can say "Hi Barbara - we're having a xyz clinic and I was wondering if you or your company might be willing to sponsor us". 

BJ

Thank you. The issue is the humane society and animal control are the only ones here. Also is tried reaching our to places like rotary with no response.  Should I just keep trying?  I don't want to seem like a stalker 😫 

Hi Bre, 

It can definitely be hard to know where to start! I would recommend researching foundations in your state that give to animal welfare, you can even reach out to out of state organizations to begin creating a relationship while you work on your national non profit status. Getting on their radar and building a relationship is super helpful for future grant applications. 

I would also say reaching out to local organizations such as rotary clubs, can be helpful. Usually they give to local non profits and many of their members tend to have the resources to provide funding for causes they care about. 

It can also be helpful to reach out to other animal welfare organizations in your area and ask what grants they are applying to. Everyone in the community is usually more than happy to share resources to get more animals the care they need! 

Good Luck! 

Unfortunately I don't go to church or have kids so it's a bit more challenging. We have been going to local Vendor fairs and being a cat boutique there selling cat jewelry,  vintage cats and toys for cats saying all money goes to the cats bc it does that's helped some.  Id love to hear more of your ideas for fundraisers though.  We are getting a small booth at a local vendor mall so hopefully that helps too.

Your church, baseball team, kids baseball teams (parents are there), join local chamber of commerce (it's less expensive to join once you get your 501c3 - but you can go talk to them to see what kind of small business resources they have) and once you join go to their meetings and events. Talk to everyone and let them know what you're doing and why. You're spreading the word without asking for money. 

Plan campaigns for donations - the more creative the better - go to non-pet events - you'll be the only sanctuary/rescue type there so you won't be competing with a bunch of other ones. 

As a new non-profit getting grants etc is going to be hard. Funders want to see a track record so begin with small grants asks - $1000 here $2000 there.  Check out https://www.grants4animals.com/ - they do a monthly grant for animals newsletter that costs $10 a month. It will save you way more than $10 a month of time searching for grants. Do your candid profile to at least Gold level - you can search to see what businesses/funders are already supporting animal welfare type organizations.  They also have training on grant writing and other stuff. But before you pay for that let me know and maybe I can help you write some that way you're not digging into your budget yet.

I could go on and on of course - there's a kazillion options - car washes, donation boxes at local businesses, have a restaurant host a tip the nonprofit dinner night - I'm running out of ideas here off the top of my head but if you'd like a list of ideas I can out one together for you.

I didn't know today meetings were open to the public.  Do you know of any other organizations like them that also have open meetings?  Right now we're hanging flyers on local bulletin boards and going to Vendor show to sell crafts and be seen.  Both seem to be working at least somewhat. 

Bre

First go to the rotary meetings, chamber of commerce meetings, everywhere potential sponsors may be - and don't bring up money/sponsorship etc - just build the relationship. Listen more than talk ask them questions ...and when they ask what you do tell them. It can take up to 6 months depending on how often the meetings are - just build the relationship. Eventually you'll know each other well enough that you can say "Hi Barbara - we're having a xyz clinic and I was wondering if you or your company might be willing to sponsor us". 

BJ

Thank you. The issue is the humane society and animal control are the only ones here. Also is tried reaching our to places like rotary with no response.  Should I just keep trying?  I don't want to seem like a stalker 😫 

Hi Bre, 

It can definitely be hard to know where to start! I would recommend researching foundations in your state that give to animal welfare, you can even reach out to out of state organizations to begin creating a relationship while you work on your national non profit status. Getting on their radar and building a relationship is super helpful for future grant applications. 

I would also say reaching out to local organizations such as rotary clubs, can be helpful. Usually they give to local non profits and many of their members tend to have the resources to provide funding for causes they care about. 

It can also be helpful to reach out to other animal welfare organizations in your area and ask what grants they are applying to. Everyone in the community is usually more than happy to share resources to get more animals the care they need! 

Good Luck! 

Bre I made you a list of fundraising ideas - with both traditional and creative ideas:

Traditional Fundraisers (The "Boring" Ones)

• Annual Gala
• Silent Auction
• Live Auction
• Golf Tournament
• Charity Dinner
• Spaghetti Dinner
• Pancake Breakfast
• BBQ Cookout
• Fish Fry
• Chili Cook-Off
• Bake Sale
• Yard Sale
• Garage Sale
• Rummage Sale
• Car Wash
• Bingo Night
• Trivia Night
• Casino Night
• 50/50 Raffle (where legal)
• Holiday Bazaar
• Craft Fair
• Vendor Fair
• Benefit Concert
• Fashion Show
• Walk-a-Thon
• Fun Run
• 5K
• Pet Walk
• Bowling Tournament
• Cornhole Tournament
• Softball Tournament

Cat-Themed Events

• Kitten Shower
• Cat Yoga
• Cat Café Pop-Up
• Cat Cuddle Lounge
• Cat Bingo
• Cat Trivia Night
• "Paint Your Pet" Night
• Pet Portrait Sessions
• Photos with Santa
• Photos with the Easter Bunny
• Black Cat Appreciation Day
• Senior Cat Celebration
• Kitten Naming Contest
• Cutest Cat Contest
• Cat Costume Contest
• Cat Calendar Contest
• Cat Talent Contest
• "Guess the Cat's Age"
• Cat Birthday Party
• Cat Movie Night

Online Fundraising

• Facebook Fundraiser
• Instagram Fundraiser
• Giving Tuesday
• Birthday Fundraisers
• Memorial Fundraisers
• Crowdfunding Campaign
• Livestream Telethon
• Online Auction
• Virtual Trivia
• Twitch Charity Stream
• YouTube Live
• TikTok Live Donations
• Email Campaign
• QR Code Campaign
• Text-to-Give
• Monthly Giving Club

Business Partnerships

• Restaurant Give-Back Nights
• Coffee Shop Partnership
• Brewery Fundraiser
• Winery Event
• Retail Round-Up
• Pet Store Partnership
• Vet Clinic Campaign
• Groomer Partnership
• Apartment Pet Month
• Local Business Sponsorships
• Matching Gift Campaigns
• Payroll Giving
• Corporate Volunteer Day
• Cause Marketing Campaign

Donation Drives

• Cat Food Drive
• Litter Drive
• Blanket Drive
• Towel Drive
• Toy Drive
• Cleaning Supply Drive
• Carrier Drive
• Scratching Post Drive
• Gift Card Drive
• Office Supply Drive
• Wish List Campaign
• Holiday Stocking Drive

Creative Community Ideas

• "Sponsor a Cat" Wall
• Buy a Bowl Campaign
• Fill the Food Pantry
• Fill the Shelter Shelves
• Empty the Vet Bill
• Sponsor One Week of Food
• Sponsor One Vaccination
• Sponsor One Spay/Neuter
• Sponsor a Foster Kit
• Community Challenge
• Neighborhood Challenge
• School Penny Wars
• Change Challenge
• Spare Change Jars
• Jeans Day at Work
• Office Pet Contest

Subscription & Membership

• Monthly Cat Club
• Kitten Club
• Guardian Circle
• Friends of the Shelter
• Sponsor a Foster
• Sponsor Medical Care
• Sponsor Senior Cats
• Sponsor Community Cats

Seasonal Campaigns

• Valentine's for Cats
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day
• Back-to-School
• Halloween
• Black Friday Alternative
• Giving Tuesday
• 12 Days of Christmas
• New Year's Campaign
• Spring Cleaning Donation Drive

Merchandise

• T-Shirts
• Hoodies
• Hats
• Stickers
• Magnets
• Mugs
• Calendars
• Tote Bags
• Cat Bandanas
• Catnip Toys
• Coloring Books
• Holiday Ornaments

Interactive Fundraisers

• Mystery Gift Boxes
• Mystery Cat Box
• Envelope Wall
• Pick-a-Prize
• Balloon Pop
• Wine Pull
• Gift Card Tree
• Lucky Key Game
• Spin-to-Win Wheel
• Rubber Duck Race
• Treasure Hunt
• Escape Room Night

Major Giving

• Memorial Gifts
• Tribute Gifts
• Legacy Giving
• Planned Giving
• Stock Donations
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Naming Opportunities
• Endowment Campaign
• Capital Campaign
• Major Donor Dinner

Really Creative Ideas

• Sponsor the "Cat of the Week" on social media
• Kitten Shower Registry (baby shower, but for kittens)
• Cat Hair Don't Care Challenge
• "Skip One Latte" Campaign
• Sponsor One Nap (funny campaign where every $10 "buys" a cat another day of carefree naps)
• Cat Confession Booth ("I said I didn't want another cat...")
• Cat Speed Dating (meet adoptable cats in timed sessions)
• Locked Cat Room Escape (solve puzzles to "rescue" plush cats)
• Mayor's Cat Challenge (friendly competition among local leaders)
• Battle of the Businesses (which business raises the most?)
• The Empty Bowl Challenge (sponsor bowls for community cats)
• Cat Bingo Card (complete acts of kindness and collect pledges)
• Sponsor a Name (donors get to name kittens or litters)
• Kitten Cam Sponsorships
• Behind-the-Scenes Shelter Tours for donors
• Catnip Garden Kit Sales
• Community Art Auction featuring cat-themed artwork
• "Round Up for Rescues" with local merchants
• Matching Hour where a donor matches gifts for one hour during a livestream
• "Fund the Next Rescue" Countdown with a live progress tracker

These are mostly cat themed but you can easily turn them into any theme you want.