Rescuing animals can protect them from cruelty while promoting responsible pet ownership and animal adoption. If you are operating or volunteering for an animal rescue, then you understand the financial demand of feeding and caring for numerous animals. In order to cover operating expenses, an animal rescue will need to request financial help through several means.
Private Donations
If you work for a 501c3 nonprofit animal shelter, you can request donations from individuals and develop a database of potential donors. In order to increase your database, purchase mailing lists from animal interest magazines or animal rights groups. When individuals visit your animal shelter or the rescue's website, offer a sign in page to receive email and mailing information.
You can also request assistance from local residents by participating in local fundraisers through banks or by making donation jars and asking business owners to put them out to collect funds. Solicit private donations by putting together a mailing that highlights a few animals you have rescued and includes their pictures. Discuss the specific financial needs of caring for each animal and what kind of care they need, especially if they were rescued from starvation and will need long-term veterinarian care. Make your website donor-friendly by allowing online visitors to donate through your site. Allow them to designate how they want their donation used by offering options such as animal care costs or utilities.
Grants
Grants are often vital to the financial support of an animal rescue, but funders often require that you have incorporated as a nonprofit before you are eligible to apply. Common terminology to use in a funding search on grant databases (such as the Foundation Center website) include animal rescues, animal shelters, humane society and animal safety. Private foundations and corporate funders grants processes usually require you to submit an application or proposal for your project. When you prepare a grant application, outline the purpose of your animal rescue and whether it is a no-kill shelter, how many animals you have rescued and the project that needs funding. A formal grant application should always include the history and mission of the animal rescue, including accomplishments, a needs statement and project description, as well as an evaluation plan with measurable goals and objectives. A budget should outline all of your income and expenses for operating the shelter, and should also include grants expected as well as the amount of in-kind donations.
In-Kind Donations
Many stores provide in-kind donations to nonprofit animal shelters as a charitable deduction that they can write off on their taxes. Local pet supply stores might provide in-kind donations of supplies, such as animal food, dog dishes, kennel equipment, leashes and collars, which can help reduce your expenses. Approach local store managers to tell them of the needs of your rescue, so they know provide assistance.
Volunteers
Network within your community and hold public meetings. Increasing your awareness within the community can increase the number of volunteers, thereby offsetting staffing costs, such as taxes, salaries, insurance and related expenses. For example, finding a volunteer veterinarian willing to help rescued animals by offering free or discounted services can significantly lower your operating costs. For nonprofit organizations, volunteers are considered an indirect method of financial help, since they offset operating costs and reduce financial needs.
Tags: animal rescue, animal shelter, animal shelters, animals have, animals have rescued