Fundraising for Humane Societies in 2025 involves a wealth of opportunities—from innovative events to grants. Explore our complete guide designed for nonprofit professionals, ensuring depth and trust.
Start a fundraiserUnlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Humane Society. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.
Grey Muzzle Organization Grant
Grey Muzzle Organization
$2,500 - $15,000
Foundation
Supports programs designed to improve the lives of at-risk senior dogs. Open to shelters, rescue groups, and other nonprofits helping senior dogs.
ASPCA California Wildfire Response & Preparedness Fund
ASPCA
Varies
Foundation
Supports California animal welfare organizations in wildfire preparedness and response efforts. RFP response portion closes 2/17/25; preparedness portion closes 6/30/25.
Banfield Foundation Community Care Grant
Banfield Foundation
Varies
Foundation
Supports programs designed to keep pets and owners together. Applications accepted in April 2025 for 501(c)(3) organizations.
Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Humane Society efforts.
1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for eligible charities only
1.9% + $0.10 per donation received
3% for sending money with a credit card; 1.9% + $0.10 for goods and services payments
2.9% + $0.30 per donation
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 Humane Society.
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 a calendar or on social media. Use a dedicated contest platform to manage submissions and voting.
Bark in the Park Festival
Organize a dog-friendly outdoor festival featuring pet-related vendors, agility courses, training demonstrations, and a 'Strut Your Mutt' parade. Generate revenue through vendor fees, ticket sales, and on-site donations. Partner with local pet businesses for sponsorships and in-kind donations.
Purrfect Paw-trait Studio
Set up a professional pet photography studio at your shelter or partner with local photographers. Offer high-quality pet portrait sessions with various package options. Include digital and printed photos, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Humane Society. Create themed sessions for holidays or seasons.
Corporate 'Pawsitivity' Challenge
Launch a multi-week challenge for local businesses to compete in fundraising and volunteer activities. Companies earn points for donations, volunteer hours, and creative fundraising initiatives. Offer tiered sponsorship levels with increasing benefits. Culminate in an awards ceremony celebrating top contributors.
Neighborhood Pet Pantry Network
Establish a network of community-based pet food pantries to support pet owners in need. Partner with local grocery stores, pet shops, and community centers to set up collection points. Engage volunteers to manage distribution. Use this initiative to raise awareness and solicit ongoing donations for the Humane Society.
Virtual Shelter Tour and Adoption Showcase
Create an immersive virtual tour of your shelter, showcasing facilities, staff, and adoptable animals. Host live-streamed adoption showcases where potential adopters can interact with animals in real-time. Incorporate donation opportunities throughout the experience, such as sponsoring an animal's care or contributing to facility improvements.
Rescue Runway Fashion Show
Organize a unique fashion show featuring adoptable animals and local celebrities or influencers. Collaborate with local designers to create pet-inspired fashion pieces for human models, while adoptable pets strut alongside in coordinated outfits. Generate revenue through ticket sales, silent auctions of the fashion pieces, and on-the-spot adoption applications.
Personalized Pet Care Subscription Boxes
Launch a monthly subscription box service featuring curated pet care items, treats, and toys. Offer different box types for various pets (dogs, cats, small animals). Include educational materials about animal welfare and Humane Society initiatives. Partner with pet product companies for discounted or donated items to increase profit margins.
Local Business 'Round Up for Rescues' Program
Partner with local businesses to implement a point-of-sale donation program where customers can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the difference donated to your Humane Society. Provide participating businesses with promotional materials and social media recognition. Offer tiered rewards for businesses based on total donations collected.
Community Pet Health Fair
Organize a comprehensive pet health fair offering free or low-cost veterinary services, vaccinations, and microchipping. Partner with local veterinarians, pet supply stores, and health-focused businesses. Generate revenue through sponsorships, vendor fees, and optional donations for services. Use the event to educate the community about responsible pet ownership and Humane Society programs.
In 2025, the most effective fundraising strategies for Humane Societies combine digital innovation with personalized engagement.
Humane Societies can significantly boost donations through strategic digital marketing.
To engage younger donors, Humane Societies should focus on digital-first, interactive experiences.
To enhance online fundraising events, Humane Societies should focus on creating immersive, interactive experiences.
To retain and upgrade donors, Humane Societies should focus on personalized stewardship and demonstrating impact.
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