How to Fundraise for Zoo Animal Rescue in 2025

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Top 5 grants for Zoo Animal Rescue nonprofits in 2025

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

AZA Animal Care and Wellbeing Grants Fund

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

Varies

Foundation

Supports research projects to enhance animal care, management, health, and wellbeing in AZA-accredited facilities. Open to AZA members for projects benefiting zoo animals.

Apply

ASPCA Research Grants

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Varies

Foundation

Funds high-quality research across disciplines with clear potential to benefit animals, including zoo animal welfare and rescue efforts.

Apply

AZA SAFE Grant

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

$434,429 total pool

Foundation

Supports conservation programs for endangered species, including those in zoos. Open to AZA members and partnering organizations.

Apply

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program

USDA Rural Development

Varies

Government

Offers loans and grants for essential community facilities, including animal shelters and zoos in rural areas. Open to public bodies and nonprofits.

Apply

The Summerlee Foundation Animal Protection Program

The Summerlee Foundation

Varies

Private Foundation

Supports small and medium-sized organizations focusing on overlooked and exploited animals, potentially including zoo rescues. Open to US-based nonprofits.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Zoo Animal Rescue 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 Zoo Animal Rescue efforts.

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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Zoo Animal Rescue

Transaction fees

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for card payments
0.8% (with a $25.00 cap) for ACH payments

2.9% + $0.30 per transaction for credit/debit cards, 0.8% for ACH payments (capped at $5)

Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

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Platform fees

No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.

Up to 5% when donors opt to cover fees Ex: If donors covers up to 8%, 5% goes to Funraise the rest (3%) goes to the organization to cover processing fees

If optional tips are disabled: 1% on donation forms, 3% on fundraising pages, 5% on event/auction forms

1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.

Monthly fees

$0 / month

No monthly fees

Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing

Value for money
Capterra ratings

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Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings

4.8 / 5

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Quality of support

4.9 / 5

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4.8/5

The only 100% free fundraising platform for nonprofits

10 Best fundraising ideas for Zoo Animal Rescue 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 Zoo Animal Rescue.

Adopt-a-Zoo-Animal Virtual Program

Launch a virtual adoption program where donors can 'adopt' a zoo animal online. Provide regular updates, photos, and exclusive video content of the adopted animals to keep donors engaged.

Zoo Yoga and Meditation Sessions

Host early morning or evening yoga and meditation sessions near animal enclosures, allowing participants to connect with nature and support animal rescue efforts.

Eco-Friendly Zoo Animal Plush Collection

Design and sell a limited-edition collection of eco-friendly plush toys representing rescued zoo animals. Each toy comes with a QR code linking to the animal's rescue story.

Corporate 'Zoo Keeper for a Day' Experience

Partner with local businesses to offer their employees a unique 'Zoo Keeper for a Day' experience as a team-building activity, with proceeds supporting animal rescue efforts.

Community Mural Painting for Endangered Species

Organize a community event where local artists and residents collaborate to create a large mural featuring endangered species. Sell sponsorship for different sections of the mural.

Virtual Safari Gala Night

Host an exclusive online gala featuring virtual safari tours, live Q&A sessions with zoologists, and an online auction of unique animal experiences and artwork.

Zoo Animal Rescue Race

Organize a family-friendly obstacle course race where participants complete animal-themed challenges while learning about rescue efforts. Include a virtual participation option for broader reach.

Sustainable Zoo-Themed Merchandise Line

Create a line of sustainable, zoo-themed merchandise including reusable water bottles, eco-friendly t-shirts, and tote bags featuring rescued animal designs.

Zoo Animal Rescue Photography Workshop Series

Partner with professional wildlife photographers to offer a series of workshops teaching participants how to capture stunning animal photos while raising awareness about rescue efforts.

Zoo Animal Rescue Story Podcast

Launch a podcast series featuring compelling stories of animal rescues, interviews with zoo staff, and educational content about conservation efforts. Monetize through sponsorships and listener donations.