FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations?

Explore a complete guide for animal shelters on grants, corporate sponsorship, and innovative fundraising ideas, backed by industry expertise and proven insights.

Top 5 grants for Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

ASPCA Equine Fund Grant

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Up to $25,000

Private Foundation

Supports equine rescues, sanctuaries, and other animal welfare organizations that care for horses, mules, donkeys, and ponies in alignment with ASPCA's efforts to protect all equines.

Apply

Petfinder Foundation Emergency Medical Grant

Petfinder Foundation

$1,000

Private Foundation

Provides funding for emergency medical care for pets in the care of animal welfare organizations to increase their chances of adoption.

Apply

Grey Muzzle Organization Grant

The Grey Muzzle Organization

$2,500 - $15,000

Private Foundation

Funds programs that improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs in animal shelters and rescue groups across the United States.

Apply

Rachael Ray Save Them All COVID-19 Relief Program

Best Friends Animal Society

Up to $50,000

Private Foundation

Provides grants to animal welfare organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to support their lifesaving work for dogs and cats.

Apply

Animal Welfare Fund Grant

The Dallas Foundation

$5,000 - $25,000

Community Foundation

Supports organizations that promote the health and welfare of animals in the Dallas area, including shelters, rescue groups, and spay/neuter programs.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations efforts.

Animal Welfare
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Animal Welfare
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Animal Welfare
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Animal Welfare
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Animal Welfare
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%
  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*

1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for eligible charities only

Platform fees
$0
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
No platform fees
Monthly fees
$0 / month
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
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Value for money
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10 Best fundraising ideas for Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations.

1

Paw-some Pet Photo Contest

Launch an online pet photo contest where participants submit photos of their pets for a small entry fee. Encourage voting through small donations, with the winning pets featured in the shelter's annual calendar.

2

Yappy Hour: Pet-Friendly Cocktail Fundraiser

Host a pet-friendly cocktail event at a local bar or restaurant. Feature specially crafted 'pet-tinis' with proceeds going to the shelter. Include a silent auction of pet-related items and services.

3

Shelter Pet NFT Collection

Create a limited edition NFT collection featuring digital art of adoptable pets. Each NFT purchase includes a donation to the shelter and exclusive perks like virtual meet-and-greets with the featured animals.

4

Corporate 'Pawsponsorship' Program

Develop a tiered corporate sponsorship program where local businesses can 'pawsponsor' shelter animals. Benefits include company logo on animal kennels, social media shoutouts, and employee volunteer days.

5

Neighborhood Pet Parade and Festival

Organize a community-wide pet parade and festival featuring adoptable animals, local pet vendors, and family-friendly activities. Charge a participation fee for the parade and set up donation stations throughout the event.

6

Virtual Shelter Tour and Adoption Meet-and-Greet

Create an interactive virtual tour of the shelter, allowing potential adopters to explore the facility and meet animals online. Include a donation option throughout the experience and offer exclusive virtual meet-and-greets with animals for a donation.

7

Rescue Runway Fashion Show

Host a unique fashion show featuring adoptable pets and local celebrities or influencers. Sell tickets to the event and offer VIP packages that include meet-and-greets with the animal 'models'.

8

Personalized Pet Portrait Fundraiser

Partner with local artists to offer personalized pet portraits. Customers submit photos of their pets, and a portion of each sale goes to the shelter. Feature both digital and traditional art options.

9

Pet-Friendly Workplace Challenge

Launch a challenge for local businesses to become more pet-friendly workplaces. Offer consultations and resources for a fee, with proceeds benefiting the shelter. Recognize participating companies with awards and media coverage.

10

Community Mural Project: Paws for a Cause

Collaborate with local artists to create a large-scale mural featuring shelter animals. Sell 'pixels' or sections of the mural to community members, with each purchase including a donation to the shelter and the buyer's name on a plaque.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising ideas for animal shelters in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, the most effective fundraising ideas for animal shelters combine digital strategies with engaging in-person events. Online crowdfunding campaigns, leveraging platforms like GoFundMe or Facebook Fundraisers, can reach a wide audience. Virtual pet adoption events, where potential adopters can meet animals via video calls, have gained popularity. Peer-to-peer fundraising, where supporters create personal fundraising pages, can significantly expand your donor base. For in-person events, consider organizing pet-friendly activities like dog walks or pet photo contests. Partnering with local businesses for sponsorships or donation matching can amplify your efforts. Remember to utilize social media to promote all fundraising activities and share success stories to maintain donor engagement. Implementing a monthly giving program can also provide a steady income stream for your shelter.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can animal rescue organizations improve their grant writing success rate?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">To improve grant writing success rates, animal rescue organizations should focus on several key strategies. First, thoroughly research potential grantors to ensure your mission aligns with their funding priorities. Customize each application to address the specific requirements and interests of the grantor. Use clear, concise language and provide concrete data to demonstrate your organization's impact. Include compelling stories that illustrate the need for funding and how it will be used. Develop a strong budget that clearly outlines how funds will be allocated. Build relationships with grantors through regular communication and updates. Consider partnering with other organizations to strengthen your application. Finally, invest in grant writing training for staff or consider hiring a professional grant writer. Remember, persistence is key – many organizations secure funding after multiple attempts.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the best practices for creating a successful online donation page for an animal shelter?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Creating a successful online donation page for an animal shelter involves several best practices. First, ensure your page is mobile-responsive, as over 50% of nonprofit website traffic comes from mobile devices. Keep the donation form simple and easy to navigate, with clear calls-to-action. Offer multiple giving options, including one-time and recurring donations. Use compelling visuals, such as photos or videos of animals you've helped, to create an emotional connection. Clearly communicate the impact of donations, for example, '$50 provides vaccinations for five puppies'. Implement security measures and display trust symbols to reassure donors about the safety of their information. Include social proof, such as testimonials or a running total of donations received. Finally, optimize your page for search engines by using relevant keywords and meta descriptions. Remember to test your donation page regularly to ensure it functions smoothly across all devices and browsers.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can animal shelters effectively use social media for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">In 2025, animal shelters can leverage social media for fundraising by focusing on engaging, shareable content and strategic platform use. Utilize platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels to create short, entertaining videos showcasing adoptable animals or behind-the-scenes shelter life. Live streaming events, such as virtual tours or Q&A sessions with staff, can boost engagement. Implement social media-specific fundraising campaigns, like Facebook's birthday fundraisers or Instagram's donation stickers in Stories. Use AI-powered tools to optimize posting times and content for maximum reach. Collaborate with social media influencers, especially those passionate about animal welfare, to amplify your message. Regularly share impact stories and updates to maintain donor interest. Implement a consistent hashtag strategy to increase visibility. Finally, use social media advertising to target potential donors based on interests and behaviors related to animal welfare.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the key elements of a successful monthly giving program for animal rescue organizations?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">A successful monthly giving program for animal rescue organizations should include several key elements. First, create a compelling narrative that emphasizes the ongoing need for support and the impact of regular donations. Offer various giving levels with clear descriptions of what each amount provides. Implement an easy-to-use, secure online platform for recurring donations. Provide exclusive benefits for monthly donors, such as behind-the-scenes updates or special event invitations. Develop a robust communication strategy to keep donors engaged, including regular impact reports and personalized thank-you messages. Use automation tools to streamline the donation process and reduce administrative burden. Implement a strong retention strategy, including prompt follow-up on failed payments and an annual 'upgrade' campaign. Finally, continuously analyze program data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Remember, the goal is to create a sense of community among your monthly donors, fostering long-term commitment to your cause.</div>