Fundraising in an important aspect of maintaining a nonprofit or not for profit organization. The care of the animals relies on these donations on a regular basis. These donations may come in the form of cash or needed supplies. Some fundraising opportunities are only available to 501c3 nonprofit organizations, but state not for profit organizations also have many options to support their rescue efforts. A successful fundraiser is easy. Continued success becomes more difficult.
The first step is to identify the specific purpose of the fundraiser. What are you raising funds for? Veterinary bills? Food? New barns? Fence repairs? Spays and neuters? Be specific. People want to know where their money is going. Some are more passionate about spay and neuter or housing or saving more pigs.
Set a goal and track it. Figure out the amount of money that needs to be raised. Make this goal public with each fundraiser post. Use the excitement and momentum of nearing the goal to encourage others to contribute. People love to be a part of something. Contributing together makes more impact than a single donation.
Highlight 501c3 nonprofit status if you have it. Promote the fact that all donations are tax deductible. Offer tax receipts for donations, if applicable.
Gather momentum before the fundraiser starts. Work to build an active following on Facebook and other media outlets. Get your supporters emotionally invested in the rescue and the animals. Offer sneak peaks of what the fundraiser will offer to build interest.
Keep the interest, keep the momentum. While the fundraiser is running, offer giveaways or contests to keep supporters interested and focused. Offer a prize to a random supporter for sharing the fundraiser. Hold a “Tagging Bingo” game where everyone tags a friend and on the #th comment (a secret number you choose beforehand) the person that commented wins a small prize! Remind followers often of the fundraising goal and purpose. Post photos and stories of the rescue residents (pigs) that will benefit from the fundraiser.
Once the fundraiser has closed, be sure to express gratitude to everyone involved. Include the organizers of the fundraiser, the donors, and the supporters or networkers. Use the funds as they were intended and follow up with stories, pictures and videos to show how the money has helped the pigs.
Following these steps will ensure that people feel confident in their trust of your fundraisers. They will appreciate seeing the follow up of the funds helping and will be more likely to contribute to future fundraisers.
In addition, switch it up. Keep it interesting but focusing in different fundraisers each time funds are asked for. Make the fundraisers as interactive as possible and always have fun!!
Fundraising Ideas
• Direct Donations through Paypal or Personal Checks
• General Donations of Routine Supplies
• Grants
• Auctions
• Sponsor a Pig Program
• Sponsor a Spay or Neuter Program
• Community Yard Sales
• Blanket Drives
• Challenges (such as ice bucket)
• Raffles
• Car Wash
• Partner with small businesses for % sales
• Crowd Fundraising Sites: LoveAnimals.org or GoFundMe.com
• Amazon Smile
• Amazon Wish List
• iGive
• Supplies Parties – Invite people over for pizza or wine asking them to only bring supplies for the pigs.
• Donations of supplies from local stores or large companies.
• Ask pig related businesses if they will donate a $$ amount or % of each sale when a special code is used, or a portion of each sale for a specific month.
• Fundraising parties hosted online – Orgiami Owl, Jamberry Nail Wraps, Thirty One, Scentsy
• Thanksgiving Feast – Allow people to sponsor (pay for) “Thanksgiving Meals” for the pigs in the rescue’s care.
• Christmas Gifts – Supporters can ask for their friends and family to donate their gift money to the rescue instead of buying a gift. In exchange, the rescue will mail thank you card and photo of a current rescue resident (pig) to the gift receiver.
• Company Matching Gifts
• Online Store
Items to Sell for Fundraisers
• Cookbooks
• Tusk Trims – Or Tusk Trim Necklaces
• Hand Made Items by Volunteers such as a Quilt
• T-shirts
• Photo Calendar of Sanctuary Animals
• Car Window Decals
• Mugs
• Pig Jewelry
• Hats
• Totebags
• Books
• Pet Candles
• Logo Items