Hi Riley;
Thank you for trying to provide options for folks at your facility. Here are a couple of comments- I don't know what your clinic pricing is for the public, but I would make sure you have a business plan in place that generates a net profit that then can be rolled over to those clients that need the extra safety net of support. Think like you are the Boys and Girls Club(revenue driven organization vs donation driven).
I also recommend you have programs like Varidi and Care Credit to work with folks and then after those routes have been explored use your extra funds to subsidize the services(I am also assuming you are using incremental care strategies). You might want to try setting up something like the MRFRS FARS program. Donor advised funds and foundations may like this strategy.
For fundraising: Unique appeals work great- fund a need at special events. Find some leadership donors who feel passionately about this kind of program and create a giving circle so that they can advocate for others to join.
These are just a few ideas.. Thank you for all that you do for animals.
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Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-23-2025 05:11 PM
From: Riley Bailey
Subject: Public Medical Help Fund
Does anyone have any experience with creating a fund in which donations are donated specifically to go to helping pets/owners get medical procedures they wouldn't otherwise be able to afford on their own?
I'm the Veterinary Practice Manager for a non-profit 501(c)(3) animal shelter. We do offer low-cost spay/neuter clinics and vaccine clinics, have a program specifically for homebound seniors and veterans to receive low-cost care for their pets, and having started to offer more low-cost public medical services through our shelter. However, through all of these programs that we currently have in place, we meet a lot of people from all kinds of circumstances and it's becoming clear that there is more that needs to be done that people just can't afford, even at lower prices and it breaks my heart because we have so many clients that will save up for months and go without their own food and medications just to care for their pets. Animals are sometimes all these people have to live for, and it's time we start taking care of the people that care for animals as well.
I'm looking for grants, donation funds, specific fundraisers. Any ideas that people have had success with to set aside money that will be specifically used towards some of these special cases. Thank you!!
#AccesstoCare
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Riley Bailey
Shelter Veterinary Practice Manager
Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter
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