Fundraising Tips and Tools

IMPORTANT CANINE INFLUENZA UPDATE: No dogs at the Walk this year

With cases of canine influenza on the rise, the Minnesota Board of Animal Health is advising dog lovers to avoid dog-to-dog contact with dogs outside of their households. In accordance with this state guidance, no dogs (except service animals) will be allowed to attend the Walk this year. Visit our updates page for the latest information.

For more than 50 years, we’ve been walking to create second chances for animals in need all thanks to dedicated animal lovers like you.

By fundraising for the Walk for Animals, you're ensuring local dogs, cats, and critters receive the food, shelter, medical treatment, and love they deserve. You’re also helping community members care for their beloved pets by providing nonjudgmental education, compassionate resources like free pet food and our Pet Helpline, and innovative, low-cost veterinary services. Every dollar you raise goes directly toward creating happier, healthier lives for animals in our shelters — and beyond.

Fundraising comes easily when you do it from the heart. Be creative and make it personal. And remember, you're working hard for a wonderful cause — to help animals and the people who love them.

+ Digital Fundraising Toolkit

We’re here to support you on every step of your Walk for Animals journey. Check out our Digital Fundraising Toolkit which includes graphics, downloadable posters, and sample social media posts to share with your network!

+ Fundraising Ideas for Everyone

1. Start early. The sooner you start asking for donations, the more time you'll have to grow your fundraising total.

2. Set your fundraising goal. Give yourself something to aim for. Many people who do this raise more than they thought they would!

3. Make a personal donation. Be the first to show your commitment to animals in need.

4. Update your personal fundraising page. Share your love for animals by telling your story and uploading a picture of you and the animals in your life.

5. Send emails. Whether you’re using the email tools in your Participant Center or your personal email account, sending emails to your friends, family, and coworkers is a great way to get your message out. Share your story and include the link to your personal fundraising page if you're fundraising online. Don't be afraid to follow up if people don't respond!

6. Reach out on social media. Send messages and share your fundraising progress on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. And don't forget to thank donors on social media, too!

7. Write letters. A personal letter always goes a long way. Share your message about why you are walking!

8. Ask your employer (and your donors) about matching gifts. Many companies match their employees' donations. Ask your donors if their company will match their gift.

+ Fundraising Ideas for Teams and Employers

1. Get organized. Host a get-together with your team! A coffee break or happy hour is a great way to discuss all your creative ideas to collectively reach your team goal.

2. Movie night. Host a movie night in person and ask for an “admission fee” (donation) or virtually with the help of online tools like Teleparty or GroupWatch. Then, post your donation link in the chat.

3. Pet photo contest. Invite your friends (and their friends) to enter their pet’s best photo, charge a few dollars for a good cause, and the winner will be selected by online voters!

4. Game night. Gather your friends and host a fun night of games, donations, and prizes.

5. Write a letter. A personal letter always goes a long way. Share your message about why you’re walking!

6. Prize drawing. Request a $10 donation from your coworkers in exchange for being entered into a drawing for gift certificates, prime parking spaces, or virtual events.

7. Host a trivia event. Offer employees the opportunity to participate in a trivia event at work — either in person or virtually — in exchange for a donation.

8. Funny activity for a cause. A favorite for all employees. Make a donation and have your boss do a funny activity — from eating a pet’s favorite treat to doing a funny dance in a meeting, the possibilities are endless and help support animals.

9. Create friendly competition. Motivate your crew! Offer a prize to your team’s top fundraisers to inspire each walker to contribute even more to your team total.

+ 10 Days, 10 Ways Challenge

Day 1: Show your commitment! Start by making your own donation of $25, $50, or more. Set up your personal fundraising page and unlock fundraising tools that will help you get the word out.

Day 2: Ask two family members for $25 each.

Day 3: Ask a business you frequent to donate $25.

Day 4: Ask five coworkers to sponsor you for $20 each.

Day 5: Ask your boss for a company contribution of $100.

Day 6: Ask five people you know from your extracurricular activities, such as sports, book club, or your child's activities, to donate $10 each.

Day 7: Ask five friends to donate $20 each.

Day 8: Turn it around! Ask someone who has asked you to support their cause to support you with $25.

Day 9: Find out if your company offers matching gifts.

Day 10: Activate your social media networks! Once you get the word out, you'll be surprised at the individuals who will support you — a high school friend, a college roommate, a former coworker. Give everyone you know a chance to say "yes!"

+ How to track your offline donations (checks and cash)

As you collect offline donations, please send cash and checks to Animal Humane Society (Attn: Donor Services, 845 Meadow Lane N, Golden Valley, MN 55422) with a completed Donation Tracker form. For mailed donations to be counted toward prizes, your offline gifts must be postmarked by May 12.

All mailed cash and checks received by Thursday, May 4, will be entered and appear on each Walker's record by Saturday, May 6. Gifts that arrive in the mail after that date will not be added until after the Walk. Rest assured, all gifts postmarked by May 12 will count toward your fundraising total and the prizes you’ll earn.

It's important to use the Donation Tracker form so that donors (especially those making cash donations) receive acknowledgement and a donation receipt.

If you have additional questions or need assistance tracking down a missing donation, please contact us by filling out our contact form or calling 763-432-4841.