In these tough economic times we're going through, agencies have less
and less money to work with and the onus to generate funds is falling more
and more on you, the pet's owner. We're big supporters
of anyone who gets off the couch and starts to raise money for a cause.
We've complied this information to help you on the road to getting the
funds you need to pay for your pet's needs. We realize that not all
will be suitable for everyone but with a little ingenuity and imagination,
you
can do it!
Remember, no matter how trivial an idea is,
if it generates some income, it is working!
These are just a few ideas - the possibilities are endless!
Bake sales
car washes
e-bay sales
yard sales
Making & selling "gourmet" pet treats
Special events--such as spaghetti dinners
Flower sale
Sales of products with companies that allow seller to keep a %: cookies,
candies, cards, candles, etc.
Get yourself a booth/table at a community event: cannisters, raffles (traditional
or 500, how many beans (whatever) in a jar
Make and sell cards
Car wash
Consignment sale (easier to simply rent vending space)
Getting started
Begin with a realistic cash goal. Assuming you're new to this, we'll
set the goal at $2,000 and assume that you have two months to achieve this.
To start, write a letter that you'll use as a case statement -- a declaration
of who you are, what your cause is, why it's important, the organizations
you're associated with, your request for donations, and how/where the donation
will be used.
The more straightforward the better, but you'll have to strike a balance
between being succinct and being comprehensive enough so that the donor
isn't left with questions -- questions that might make them put aside the
letter and “deal with it later” because you've lost their interest. Think
of it as a completely honest sales pitch.
Research
Build a contact list of people, businesses and community outreach programs
that may be able to help you. Find key people in high places with a hitherto
untapped connection to the cause, like local politicians or business leaders
- you may want to focus on community groups with older members, like Lions
Clubs, but keep in mind that younger people tend to be more active and
more willing to get involved.
Places to turn
Your friends and family - Contact every person you know or have known
in the past, personalizing your copy of the case statement letter as much
as you can. You'll be surprised by the response. Follow up where necessary
with a second letter after a month has passed.
With your family and closest friends, try to leverage their networks
in addition to your own; do the legwork necessary to see if the companies
they work for have matching donation programs (more on that on the next
page).
Find out more ways to raise money for a cause after the jump...
Drop Your Change Cannisters
I am sure you must have seen these donation boxes at the cash counter
in stores and shops wherein there is a picture or a message on the box
stating where the money would go to. With a bit of networking, the possibilities
are endless - you can extend this to schools, colleges, office canteens,
anywhere the public travels. (I have seen these boxes fill up with a lot
of change in my office during the lunch times when people see a plate full
of food in front of them and feel very generous - a two day lunch hour
bake sale raised almost $100!).
Hold Bake Sales
This is an age old way to raise money for charity. All the ladies and
the few men who are interested in baking can hold a bake sale in their
community. To ensure repeated participation from the members holding the
sales, it is important that they be compensated with what they have spent
to hold the sales. All additional money that they have helped generate
can be used for charity proceeds.
Silent Auction
This is a slightly long and difficult process of raising money for charity.
Here, you will first have to approach a few larger organizations and shops
and convince them to donate a few items for your auction. I am sure that
once you are able to convince them that the cause is good and your intentions
are honest, it will not be too difficult. Next, organize a silent auction
wherein the items to be auctioned are displayed at the center of the avenue
with a drop box next to it where the people can write their bid amount
and drop it in. Also, always go back to the people who have donated the
items in the first place and let them know as to how much money they have
helped raised.
