Cause-related checks make a statement.
Dubbed "money with a conscience" and the "bumper sticker of the financial world," personalized checks are an effective way to help raise funds for animal organizations and not-for-profits. And, if you have a favorite animal-related charity, your fund-raising support need not end with you simply writing a check. When you use personal checks that represent your charitable organization, you help spread the word and raise awareness with every bill you pay. Each time you write a check for groceries, pay the utilities or your insurance, you make a public image statement and put your charity in the spotlight.
Select your Interest
Support the Elephant Sanctuary with your checks.
Whatever your specific focus--animal rights, wildlife, or animal welfare--you are likely to find personal checks that reflect your interest. Want to support programs that advocate for spaying and neutering pets? There are checks for that! Options include the Alley Cat Allies, Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, and the North Shore Animal League, alongside designs that highlight your own local humane society. Passionate about wildlife? You have a range of choices for personal checks from the Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, World Wildlife Fund, Sierra Club or Wildlife Waystation. Alternatively, you could elect to support and promote the work of animal sanctuaries, places where neglected, abused or discarded animals are given a chance to live out their natural lives. For companion animals, look to Best Friends, in Utah, which successfully rehabilitated the "Vicktory dogs" rescued from Michael Vick's notorious fighting ring. And for the victims of the food industry, consider using your personal checks in support of Farm Sanctuary, the bicoastal organization that gives rescued farm animals a new lease on life. And, of course, if you have a specific breed passion, you may be able to find checks to match--Ducks Unlimited, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International all have checks for their organizations.
Checks, Gifts and Accessories
Some organizations offer optional extras and free gifts.
Checks are usually available in single or duplicate styles and some have the added advantage of being environmentally friendly. Humane Society-themed checks purchased from Check Gallery, for example, are printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. If you are purchasing from a new supplier, you may receive some extra gifts--a free checkbook cover and single deposit tickets with your first paid order. Matching address labels and contact card may also be available for a small supplemental cost. With any check design, look for a copyrighted logo, a call-out and appropriate imagery. The logo, often found in the upper-left corner of the check, is readily identifiable and will be the same as the one on the organization's website and print materials. The call-out is a line of text, often printed across the top of the check, that describes the organization's core mission. Generally, the same organization will offer different animal types for their checks; Defenders of Wildlife, for example, offers designs as diverse as big cats, wolves, otters and polar bears.
Supporting Large Organizations
Promoting a compassionate message is a goal of many organizations.
Look for other popular institutions such as the Humane Society of the United States, Greenpeace, the Audubon Society, Vegan Action and PeTA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). These groups offer a wide range of different check designs, each delivering a compassionate, animal-centric message. PeTA, for example, has checks that protest vivisection (animal testing) and circuses, and encourage respect for all creatures.
Copyright-Based Royalties
Cause-related checks are not expensive.
The cost of purchasing these checks is usually no higher than for regular checks, but a percentage of the sales price is donated to your cause. The final donation is based upon the check printer's right to reproduce the organization's copyrighted logo. The dollar and cent value of these royalties is calculated from the sales price and type of product, in addition to the licensing agreement. According to Message!Products, the average royalty is 10 percent, but you should verify this figure with your chosen organization to find out exactly how much money they receive.
Bill Paying as Public Relations
Spread your message.
Whatever the percentage of monies received, your checks can speak for you in an on-going public relations campaign every time you pay your bills. Message!Products estimates that each check passing through the Federal Reserve System is viewed by up to 16 different people. Any one of these individuals might be interested in supporting your cause and the animals will thank you.
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