Toolbox

 

Tips and tricks to help you hop to the top!


Not sure where to get started with your campaign to help the animals? Looking for ideas to keep things fresh?

Check out the tips and tricks below!


Twenty-three fantastic fundraising ideas:


    1. help spread the word - post Paws for a Cause links to your online fundraising page on Facebook, Twitter, etc.;
    2. bake and sell goodies or animal treats;
    3. rent movies and CDs from your personal collection for a small donation fee;
    4. start your own by-donation cooking classes;
    5. sell produce from your garden;
    6. have a "guess the animal companion's nose/tail" photo contest - $2 per entry!;
    7. start your own lemonade stand;
    8. start your own snack shop at your office;
    9. bring back casual Fridays for a small donation fee;
    10. place a coin can at your desk to collect donations - be creative with the design!;
    11. design and sell your own greeting cards to friends and family;
    12. make and sell bracelets or other art;
    13. hold a car wash;
    14. hold a by-donation movie night for all of your friends;
    15. organize a sporting event (ie. volleyball or soccer match) with a small entry fee;
    16. offer to do household chores in exchange for donations;
    17. organize a day to "skip the coffee and help the animals";
    18. organize a "guess that song" challenge with a small entry fee;
    19. organize a garage sale to raise money;
    20. challenge your friends to a 48hr fundraising competition;
    21. organize a Wii or Rockband party with a small entry fee;
    22. pledge to do something fun for your friends or volunteer with a local non-profit if you reach your fundraising goal;
    23. frame and sell some of your animal photos.


Tips for approaching sponsors:


  • make sure you tell people why you're getting involved and show them how strongly you feel about helping animals;
  • if you're fundraising online, avoid sending out bulk e-mails asking for support. Try sending personal e-mails to your friends even if it takes more time - personalized requests have a 50% better chance of getting a positive response!;
  • let your sponsors know that online donations are secure and receive instant electronic tax receipts (they also ensure that more money goes directly towards helping animals by reducing administrative costs!);
  • have fun, be creative and use this as an opportunity to speak out for animals throughout BC!


Ways to encourage your employer to show its support:

Many companies have formal policies around social and community responsibility, so here are a few ways you can have your employer support your campaign to help animals:

  • corporate matching programs;
  • incentives - ask executives and managers to provide incentives and donate prizes to Pack Members to recognize their commitment to Paws for a Cause, such as time off to the top fundraiser, lunch for team meetings or custom t-shirts for members, which also help build company profile.


Be sure to check back for more fun ways to keep things fresh. If you have any ideas of your own that you'd like to share with us, please