Creative Fundraising for Animal Shelters

Many local animal shelters are desperate for funds and rely on the community to help them survive. Donations are always welcome, but sometimes it feels as though we just can't do enough on our own, and dog-washing and dog-walking fundraisers lose their appeal over time. The solution? Band together as a community and raise money as a team! Take the initiative and put some of these fundraising activities into action, and with the support of the animal-loving community you can help keep your local animal shelter afloat. Both small and large, simple and complex, there is something for everyone (and every shelter) here.

Cash for Critters facilitates fundraising for shelters paying for empty ink cartridges collected by those who are willing to put in a little legwork. With this program, your can collect empty ink jet cartridges, laser printer cartridges and digital cell phones. Distribute empty bags door-to-door with explanatory fliers attached, then pick them up a couple days later. Put donation boxes in prominent locations in the animal shelter and local businesses, and watch the funds roll in. http://www.cashforcritters.com/

Participate in online charity auctions on eBay to earn money for your animal shelter. Solicit local businesses and individuals for donations of items to auction, and hare the shelter information within the eBay auction. Be sure to check out the GivingWorks section of eBay for other charity listings as well. eBay is an excellent venue for shelter fundraising. http://www.ebay.com

Contact JustGiving, a private company that helps concerned people raise funds for a cause. They serve both the US and the UK, and will assist you in your fundraising efforts for your animal shelter. http://www.justgiving.com

Register your animal shelter as a funds recipient at iGive.com, then tell your community to shop online at over 680 brand name stores in order for a portion of each online purchase to be donated to your local animal shelter! Who knew fundraising could be so easy? http://www.igive.com

Encourage local artisans, crafters, and bakers to make items to sell at the shelter during their business hours. The creators will appreciate the extra venue to advertise their skills, and the donations of funds earned on shelter days will help out the animals. Even small animal shelters have been known to raise upwards of $500 daily with this method.

Organize a Fur Ball. Solicit donations of items to be raffled and auctioned off, and collected admission for each ball participant. Those attending will have a ball dressing up for a fancy night out, and their enjoyment will be heightened by knowing the fundraising proceeds will go to an excellent cause.

Hold a Mutt Dog Show, where any mutts of shelter-adopted animals are welcome to compete in creative categories. 100% of admission fees will go to the shelter, and additional funds can be raised by selling refreshments (solicit local grocery stores for donations in exchange for public thanks), holding a silent auction of donated items, and strategically placed donation canisters around the event. This fun fundraising event will reconnect the whole community with the animal shelter.

Fundraising opportunities for animal shelters are nearly limitless when tackled by creative and concerned animal-loving citizens. AS Gandhi so eloquently stated, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Get out there are do some good, critter lovers!