Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Getting Started

    Posted 10-28-2023 03:51 PM

    I have very recently (Sept) opened my very own animal rescue and became full the very first week. It is so easy to get animals but not very easy to get financial help now that I have a houseful. How do I generate funding?


    #FundraisingandDevelopment

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    Rochelle Vine
    Gounder
    Fur 2 Feathers Animal Rescue
    ID
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  • 2.  RE: Getting Started

    Posted 10-29-2023 03:19 PM

    Aloha Rochelle,

    As you are learning the hard way, getting animals is easy.  Getting money is not!  And it is a full time job!  

    First suggestion is to take the courses on Get Fully Funded (GFF.)  https://getfullyfunded.com/ They have an excellent format called Fundraising TV and you can see step by step what you need to do.  I was referred to them a couple of years ago and am really glad I use them.  I have learned so much.

    Secondly,  Are you a 501c3 nonprofit organization yet? GFF classes will help you make sure you are legal in your state and the country so all donations you receive are legal.  Don't want to get into trouble. You can do the online EZ form to apply for the 501c3.

    Next, if you haven't already, learn everything you can about running a rescue.  Check out Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  They have an excellent course called "Running a Lifesaving Sanctuary."  It is 3 months online at home and then 5 days in person at their incredible sanctuary in Utah.  Best investment in my sanctuary ever!  Worth every penny and then some.  https://bestfriends.org/learn/running-sanctuary 

    Social media is also a great resource. Create a website, Facebook and Instagram pages for your rescue.  Post cute pictures of your animals and videos of them doing amazing things.  Create a business account with Meta (Facebook and IG) so you can create online fundraisers.

    You might also start at GoFundMe page.

    Finally, I suggest you don't take in any more animals until you are comfortable with  your funding income. You want to be able to give them the highest quality care possible.  So focus as much of your attention now on raising money.    

    Good luck!



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    Holly Holowach
    Founder/President
    Popoki Place O'ahu Cat Sanctuary
    HI
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Getting Started

    Posted 10-30-2023 02:23 PM

    Hi Rochelle,

    Bless you for having such a big heart!

    I second what Holly said but add another piece of advice:  look into The Binky Foundation's Baby Steps Grants.  It is for very-early stage projects.  The application requires you to develop a business plan (yes, nonprofits are businesses) and to take classes (like those offered by Maddie's Fund, Best Friends, and others) to strengthen your knowledge of different aspects of your work.  I think it's well worthwhile!

    Best wishes on your project!



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    April King
    Volunteer and Board Member
    Kotor Kitties
    +1 206 407 5336
    http://www.kotorkitties.org
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Getting Started

    Posted 10-30-2023 04:25 PM

    Aloha April and Rochelle,

    YES, the Binky Foundation!  I applied for the First Steps grant and was awarded $1000.  They recently sent me an email asking me to apply for their Forward Steps grant for $1500.  I am waiting to see if I will be awarded that grant.  They really care about helping animal NPOs grow.  

    Good luck!

    Aloha,

    Holly



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    Holly Holowach
    Founder/President
    Popoki Place O'ahu Cat Sanctuary
    HI
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Getting Started

    Posted 04-16-2025 02:01 PM

    Same. Does this happen to all of us I'm so overwhelmed .



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    Erin Lomakin
    Executive Director
    Whiskers without walls
    CA
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    Original Message


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