Fundraising Tips
Customize Your Page - Tell Your Story!
Use your page to illustrate why you're passionate about raising money for the animals at San Diego Humane Society. Write about why you started your fundraiser, what you'll be doing, and why you want to help homeless pets. Share your story and the wonderful ways your pet has affected your life. You can even post a photo or video of you and your furry friends!
Send Emails
Share your passion for helping animals. Use your Fundraising Center to send emails to your friends, family, and colleagues, letting them know you're raising money for San Diego Humane Society and asking for their support.
We've created message templates and animal success stories for you to use when talking to family and friends about why you want to raise money for the animals at San Diego Humane Society.
If you prefer to send emails from your personal email account instead, you can include your personal page link's URL in your message and direct people to your fundraising page that way.
Get Social
Use Facebook or Twitter to ask friends for their support. Write a short post (don't forget to ask for a gift!), link to your personal fundraising page, and encourage your friends to share.
Share Your Personal Page on Social Media in 3 Clicks
1. Go to your personal page.
2. Scroll down the "share this page" section at the bottom. Click your preferred method.
3. Write something about why you're fundraising for San Diego Humane Society. Click "Share Link."
Self Donate
The easiest way to jump start your fundraising efforts is to be the first to donate! It's easier to ask for a donation if you can speak from experience. Simply visit your personal page and click the "donate now" button at the top.
Set a Fundraising Goal
Share your goal with friends, family, and coworkers so that they can help you and your pet achieve it.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask!
Remember that you can't raise money to help the animals if you don't ask for support. Be proud of what you're doing and your supporters will be proud to help you.
Organize a Fundraising Event
- Host a Fun Food Fundraising Event
Host a Chili Cook-Off, Baked Potato Party, or Guacamole Contest. Sell tickets for $5 each for a vote for the tastiest item and raise funds for the the animals at the same time! Food is a great way to raise money, especially with hungry co-workers. - Rummage/Garage/Yard Sales
Ask your team members to clean out their closets and garages and bring items for a team-wide sale. - Host a Fundraising Night at a Restaurant or Bar
Many restaurants and bars have fundraising programs for charities. - Organize a Bake Sale or Lemonade Stand
The whole team can get involved and have fun together while raising funds!
Use Creative Ways to Ask For Support
- Use your Fundraising Center to send an email from your pet to your friends asking them to donate.
- Auction off a prime parking space or other perk at work!
- Change Jars and Bottles
Keep change/donation jars or bottles in high traffic areas at work. One regular-size water bottle full of dimes adds up to $100! Have people try to guess how much has been raised for a prize. - Fill a Boot for Homeless Pets
Dig your galoshes out of the closet and put them to good use! Ask friends, family, and coworkers to help you fill it with donations for homeless pets. - Throw a Bingo or Board Game Party
Prizes can be silly! Get them donated or find knick-knacks you don't mind parting with. Charge an entrance fee to play. Remind guests it's for a good cause. - Use Your Talents
Do you make jewelry or enjoy painting? Sell your crafts to friends, family, and others, and attach a card that explains how proceeds go to homeless animals at San Diego Humane Society.
Face to Face & Telephone Asks
Ask family, friends, and colleagues for a few minutes of their time so that you can talk without interruptions. Tell them why you're raising money for San Diego Humane Society and explain to them how their support will help the animals. Let them know about our wonderful programs - you may have personal experience in adopting a pet, taking a training class, or receiving help in some way that you want to share.
Letter Writing
Personalize your letter with details about yourself and the reasons you're raising money for San Diego Humane Society- you might even want to include pictures of your pets! Remember your audience when you are crafting your letter - tailor it to fit friends, family, business owners, colleagues, etc. And consider enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easier for them to contribute (you'll find your response rate is much better).
Matching Gifts
Check to see if your company offers matching gifts, or try to find a local business to match the funds you raise. This is a great way to double the money you raise.
Choosing Donor Amounts
Let your supporters decide how much they want to give. Don't limit yourself by asking for a smaller amount than they may have in mind. You'll be surprised at what people are willing to give!
Businesses You Patronize
Ask the businesses you frequent - your hair stylist, dry cleaner, doctor, dentist, gym, coffee shop, favorite restaurant, etc. - for a donation. You can also ask to put up a sign or donation box.
Suggest a Gift From Our Wish List
If you'd like to provide a gift option other than a donation, suggest an item from our wishlist! Send a link to the wishlist to your supporters and suggest they bring an item to your event.
Thank Your Supporters
Remember to send a sincere thank you note or email when you receive a donation - this is easy to do in your Fundraising Center. You can also thank them on social media - make them feel appreciated!
For questions, info, or help email jgrantham@sdhumane.org.
