Funding your animal rescue shelter is an ongoing process---money will run out, and you will always need more. The costs of running an animal rescue can be high, and unexpected costs often arise. Be prepared to cover high vet bills in an emergency, as well as day-to-day needs, such as food and supplies. Keeping funds coming in to your organization is crucial to your survival.
Adoption Fees
Every animal should have a set adoption fee attached to it. This money goes back into your operating budget. Set fees across the board or based on an individual animal's costs. Note, however, that you cannot recoup 100 percent of your costs by adoption fees alone.
Sponsorships
Finding sponsors for your business will help tremendously and can often bring in repeat donations. Establish a monthly sponsorship fee, perhaps $25, and find businesses and individuals to commit to ongoing sponsorship. With enough sponsors, you can bring in significant amounts of money every month. Others may offer one-time sponsorship, depending on their finances. Never turn anyone down; you will need every dollar you can get.
Donations
Donations---used goods and supplies, dog food, or money---are a huge help for animal rescue shelters. Set up donation jars at all adoption events and functions that you attend. Write letters to businesses asking for donations and visit merchants in-person to ask about leaving a donation jar inside their stores or offices. If your shelter or group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, impress upon potential donors that they can write off any donations as a tax deduction.
Grants
Grants can be hard to get, but not impossible. Hire a professional grant writer, or take a grant-writing course at a community college or online. When applying for grants, follow the instructions carefully and adhere to all deadlines. Grant writing can be a long and tiresome process with little-to-no results, but it's also a chance for substantial amounts of funding, so be prepared to put the time and energy into it.
Tags: animal rescue