Fundraising Tips

Check out our Fundraising Guide!

Take a look at our comprehensive guide to help you fundraise and reach your goal! It is filled with easy ideas and helpful tips. We also created a Participant Center intro video (coming soon) to help you navigate all the fun fundraising features once you register!

Share a Graphic on Social Media

Use these graphics to post on your social channels! Don't forget to use our hashtag, #SDWalkForAnimals, too!

To Download: Click on the image, if it does not download, please right click on the image and choose "save image as".

Customize Your Personal Fundraising Page

People will be more inclined to donate if they know why the Walk is important to you. Tell people why you're passionate about raising money for the animals at San Diego Humane Society. You can even post a photo or video of you and your furry friends!

Send Emails

Your Participant Center is filled with email templates you can use to let your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors know that you're participating in the Walk for Animals — and ask for their support! We've even included heartwarming animal stories for you to share.

If you prefer to send messages from your own email account instead, remember to include a link to your personal fundraising page — just copy and paste the URL right into your email!

Start a Facebook Fundraiser

Fundraise with social media by creating a Facebook fundraiser that your entire network can see. Any donations you receive show up automatically in your Participant Center. Facebook makes it super easy and we highly recommend you give it a try!

• Log in to your Participant Center and click on the button that says "Connect Fundraiser to Facebook" on the right-hand side of the homepage.
• Once your fundraiser is created, you can update the photos and content. Remember to share what the Walk means to you and why you're asking for support!

Donate to Yourself

The easiest way to jump-start your fundraising efforts is to be the first to donate! It's easier to ask for a donation if you can speak from experience, and it shows a dedication to your cause. Collect your loose change and skip buying takeout for a few weeks. Even something small will be impressive!

Set a Fundraising Goal

Share your goal with friends, family and co-workers so they can help you achieve it.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask!

Decide who you will be asking to donate. Also, it often takes up to three asks to get a response! To get started, make a list of people to ask for support, such as:

• Family.
• Friends.
• Neighbors.
• Coworkers.
• Members of groups or networks you're in.
• Businesses you frequent.

Organize a Fundraising Event

• Host a Fun Food Event
  Host a Chili Cook-Off, Baked Potato Party or Guacamole Contest. Sell tickets for $5 each for a vote for the tastiest item and raise funds for the Walk at the same time! Food is a great way to raise money, especially with hungry co-workers.


• Rummage/Garage/Yard Sales
  Ask your team members to clean out their closets and garages and bring items for a team-wide sale.


• Host a Fundraising Night at a Restaurant or Bar
  Many restaurants and bars have fundraising programs for charities. Our event staff would be happy to provide more information or suggestions on this type of fundraiser. Email walk@sdhumane.org.

Use Creative Ways to Ask For Support

• Make Your Pet Do the Talking
  Use your Participant Center to send an email to your friends asking them to donate, but instead of having it come from you, have it come from your pet!


• Have Any Leftover Bottles?
  Keep change/donation jars or bottles in high-traffic areas at work. One regular-size water bottle full of change can quickly add up. Or maybe even leave out a swear jar around your home!


• Use Your Baking Skills
  Do you like baking delicious bread, cupcakes or other treats? Ask friends, family and co-workers to donate some baked goods too and you will be surprised by how much you can raise at a bake sale. Or simply ask people for a donation for your famous freshly baked cookies, cake or other concoction!


• Throw a Bingo or Board Game Party
  Prizes can be silly! Get them donated or find knick-knacks you don't mind parting with. Charge an entrance fee to play and enjoy the good times!

Write a Letter

Old-fashioned? No way! Pick up that pen and personalize your letter with details about yourself and the reasons you're walking — you could even include pictures of your pets! Remember your audience when you are crafting your letter. Tailor it to fit friends, family, business owners, colleagues, etc. And consider enclosing a self-addressed, stamped envelope to make it easier for them to contribute.

Matching Gifts

Many companies offer matching gifts to employees fundraising for an amazing cause. This is a great way to double the money you raise. Reach out to your human resources department and check with your donating friends and family to see if their company does this. .

Say Thank You!

Whether you do it through a handwritten card, face-to-face, via email or by tagging someone in a social media post, be sure to say thank you! You can find thank-you emails in your Participant Center that make this part quick and easy, though you can also add a personal note to make your donors feel even more special. Remember, saving thousands of animals this year would not be possible without generous donors, and of course — YOU!

For questions, info, or more fundraising ideas email walk@sdhumane.org or call 619-243-3493.