Fundraising tips and tools

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 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 low-cost, accessible 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

+ 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. Your goal should be both ambitious and achievable. You want to stretch, while also having a goal that will be a source of pride. 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, why you’re passionate about fundraising for AHS, or why the Walk is important to you. Don’t forget to upload 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, publish inspiring posts (utilizing resources from our Digital Fundraising Toolkit) and share your fundraising progress on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc. And don't forget to thank your donors on social media, too!

7. Write letters. A personal letter always goes a long way. Share your message about why you're 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.

9. Encourage friends and family to get involved. Create your own Walk for Animals team! When you come together, you can make an even bigger impact for local animals. Inspire some friendly competition and see who can raise the most on your team — and every member will be eligible for a prize based on their individual fundraising!

10. Have fun with it! There are plenty of creative ways you can inspire your network to support your fundraising. Consider putting on a craft or bake sale, setting up a lemonade stand, or hosting a car wash or game night. Whatever you choose, put the “fun” in fundraising!

+ Fundraising ideas for teams and employers

+ Donation tracking form for cash and check gifts

+ Facts to help you fundraise

About Animal Humane Society:

Each year, Animal Humane Society cares for nearly 13,000 local dogs, cats, and critters at our shelters in Golden Valley, Coon Rapids, and Woodbury, MN.
Animal Humane Society was established in 1878 and incorporated as a nonprofit charitable organization in 1891. As an independent Minnesota nonprofit, and not affiliated with any national humane societies, AHS receives no federal, state, or government funding, but rather relies on the generosity of our community of animal lovers to ensure our doors are open to every animal in need.
Animal Humane Society provides extensive medical treatment, surgery, behavior modification, and foster care to ensure every animal — even those with special challenges — is given a safe refuge and a chance at adoption.
For more than 50 years, Animal Humane Society’s Walk for Animals has been our largest and most important fundraising event of the year, with thousands of attendees gathering every spring to donate and create second chances for local animals.

Animal Humane Society's impact on the community:

Last year, more than 11,000 animals at AHS were adopted into new homes, reunited with owners, participated in our Community Cats program, or released into the care of a rescue partner.
AHS veterinary centers provide more than 13,000 low-cost services to our community in a given year, including medical and wellness appointments, dental and specialty surgeries, and spay/neuter surgeries.
Through our community outreach efforts, we’re able to partner with local pet food pantries to distribute more than 30 tons of dog and cat food and cat litter to pet parents.
Through AHS camps and educational programs, children of all ages explore their interests, interact with animals, and nurture their compassion for all living things. Last year, nearly 5,400 participants attended classes, day camps, tours, and more at AHS locations across the Twin Cities, creating the next generation of animal welfare advocates.
More than 60 family-friendly pet training classes are provided at AHS each week, in addition to one-on-one training, puppy play groups, and agility classes. More than 1,200 local pets attended training classes last year.
Our free Pet Helpline received more than 75,000 phone calls last year, answering questions and providing resources to help pet parents with everything from solving behavioral problems to finding pet-friendly housing.

Learn more by reading through our annual report.