Fundraising Toolkit
So, you’re registered for the Wisconsin Humane Society Door County Pet Walk. Now what?
Check out the top tools, email samples, and recruitment tips we've put together for you!
Remember, the Wisconsin Humane Society receives no general government funding and is not part of any national umbrella organization. We rely entirely on the generosity of our community and compassionate people like you to provide lifesaving care for more than 40,000 abused and neglected animals every year.
TOP FUNDRAISING TIPS
What's the secret ALL top fundraisers know?
They ask a lot of people for donations and they ask each person more than once.
Use social media!
Promote your team/personal page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach possible team members and supporters!
Post regular updates about your fundraising progress and the walk.
Always thank your donors publicly on social media & remind everyone how much you have left to hit your goal- it’s a great way to show appreciation and could inspire others to give too!
When your webpage is ready, share it! Copy and paste the link to your page in emails & social media!
Remember, you’re not asking for anything for yourself – you are asking someone to make a donation to improve the lives of animals in our community.
Get your co-workers involved! Ever bring up a co-workers pet and see how quickly they light up talking about them? Animals have that affect on people, and you might be surprised how many of your co-workers want to be part of an event to support their furry family members.
Include your team info in an upcoming newsletter or ask if you can add it to the agenda for a work meeting
Ask your HR director if it can be included in your wellness initiatives or online newsletter
Is your workplace team all ready to go? Start a little friendly competition & make it fun!
Pick a nearby business, another department at your company or another club and set your team’s goal up against theirs! You can compete against the other team to raise the most money or recruit the most members!
Don’t forget to use the power and talents of your entire team to collect donations.
MATCHING GIFTS
Does your company offer matching gifts? If you’re not sure, ask! Just like if you sent in a $25 check to WHS, donations made to Pet Walk are tax-deductible and go right back to supporting the animals! Many generous employers encourage charitable contributions by matching your gift dollar for dollar.
It’s one of the easiest ways to double your impact, PLUS, employer matching gifts count toward Pet Walk fundraising prizes!
RECRUIT YOUR TEAM
It seems simple, but the best way to recruit people to join your team is to ask them!
Simply asking friends or family to join you in the walk goes a long way
Think your co-workers would love to participate? The same tools apply to recruiting as it does to fundraising!
Include your team info in an upcoming staff, volunteer, apartment, or community newsletter
Ask your HR director if it can be included in your wellness initiatives
Anyone can register for Pet Walk! Participants are encouraged to raise funds for the animals and your team, and every registered participant will qualify for fundraising prizes!
Once registered, team captains can also log into the Pet Walk Participant Center to:
Create a team webpage!
Just like your personal event webpage, you can post a picture or your company’s logo, and tell everyone why your team is supporting the animals at WHS
Use our free email tools to recruit team members (see sample emails below)
Set a team fundraising goal and encourage your teammates to collect donations
EMAIL SAMPLES
Below are samples we’ve put together to get you started recruiting your team or collecting donations!
Sample Idea #1: SHARE A STATISTIC
Sharing a statistic with a related donation appeal is an interesting, fresh way to talk about Pet Walk on social media. Bonus: These can also easily be shortened to use on social media!
Below are a few examples:
Last year, WHS had 5,150 animals placed into foster homes who needed additional medical or behavior care before being placed into loving homes. Please consider making a donation of $51 to continue the amazing work our foster families do for those animals that need them! [INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK]
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Last year, WHS adopted out 11,809 animals into loving homes. Thousands more animals will come through the doors of the Wisconsin Humane Society this year alone to receive food, medical care and shelter. Please consider making a donation of $11 to help these animals find their forever homes. [INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK]
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Sample #2: DONATION ASK EMAIL
Subject Line: I’m helping animals in need - will you?
Hi Family, Friends & Co-workers, (add more personal salutation if possible)
I’ve joined the Wisconsin Humane Society’s 2024 Door County Pet Walk and on Sunday, September 8 will be walking for the animals who need our help.
This isn’t just about walking the dog. It’s a show of compassion for the voiceless and a promise to help WHS provide those in need with vital services: food, medical care, training, and a brighter future.
One day can make a difference! By joining Pet Walk, I’m raising funds and awareness for WHS, an organization that provides shelter, care, and support to animals and their families in our community. The money we raise is put to work immediately, helping to provide urgent medical treatments and services for some of the 40,000 animals the Wisconsin Humane Society cares for every year.
I’ve set an ambitious fundraising goal, and I can’t reach it without you. Please consider supporting my efforts by making a donation to my Pet Walk fundraiser here: [INSERT PERSONAL URL]
