FUNDRAISING IDEAS

1.) Runs, Walks, & Pup Parades

• Check if you need to get permission from your local municipality if you're using a course or park for your fundraiser.
• Choose a time for your event when the weather is just right—not too hot or too cold. Limit guests to one pet per person and ensure all pets are vaccinated, well-behaved, and on a non-retractable leash.
• Gather pledges or donations, charge a registration fee, and/or reach out to local businesses for support using the Business Donation Request Form.

2.) Round Up Campaigns

Did you know that your spare change could make a big difference for the amazing recipients of our wonderful dogs? Restaurants, pet stores, and just about any place with a cash register can join in on the fun by giving their customers the option to round up their bill. You can easily round up to the next dollar or add a little extra with a $1, $3, or $5 donation added to your total.

• Business owners and managers can easily set up the program by adding a spot for Round Up on the receipt and adjusting the total accordingly.
• Equip your frontline employees with helpful talking points, flyers, and signage so they can assist customers with any questions they might have about Dogs Inc.
• Foster a fun atmosphere by creating friendly competition among employees, offering prizes for those who gather the most donations.

3.) Raffles

• Be sure your raffle follows the gambling laws in your state.
• Just a heads up: non-profit donation receipts aren’t given to raffle ticket buyers since purchasing a ticket is considered a transaction, not a tax-deductible donation.
• Raffle prizes can be anything from jewelry, cars, and boats to motorcycles, paddle boards, bikes, iPhones, and even theme park tickets!

4.) Bingo & Trivia Nights

Gather friends and family of all ages to join in the fun and test their luck while supporting the amazing mission of Dogs Inc. You can charge a small fee for each Bingo card to help raise funds. Don’t forget to use our Business Donation Request Formto reach out to local businesses for prizes to celebrate our winners! Team up with a local brewery, bar, or restaurant and invite everyone to join in for a fun-filled trivia night to support your fundraiser. Feel free to include questions about Dogs Inc or dogs in general to make it even more engaging!

• Look for a lively and enthusiastic Bingo caller to keep the energy high and make your event even more enjoyable.
• Think about adding some extra fundraising activities to your event, like a bake sale or silent auction, to boost your efforts!
• Make the most of your Friends of Dogs Inc fundraising page to easily collect donations and registration fees, so you can avoid handling cash.

5.) Silent Auctions

In-person silent auctions are a fantastic, low-pressure way to raise funds while engaging all kinds of donors! They can be stand-alone events or part of larger gatherings like golf tournaments or wine tastings. Guests have the fun opportunity to bid on items using bid sheets or online through a silent auction platform. The best part? Every single penny raised goes directly to support Dogs Inc.

• Be sure to check that your raffle complies with the laws in your state.
• Reach out to local businesses and ask if they would be willing to donate items, services, gift certificates, gift baskets, or unique experiences for your auction.
• Give a sneak peek! Share a few of the larger, more exciting items that will be available for bidding ahead of time to build excitement.

6.) Yard Sales

Isn’t it true that one person's trash can be another person's treasure? Hosting a garage sale is a fantastic way to raise funds right in your own backyard! You can invite your neighbors to join in the fun and encourage friends from other areas to bring their items to sell at your place. Popular items like clothing, toys, books, and furniture tend to attract buyers. With a little planning and preparation, this budget-friendly event can help you achieve your fundraising goals while having a blast—and declutter your home at the same time!

• Choose a location that’s easy for everyone to access and has plenty of foot traffic.
• Snap some photos and promote your sale in advance, including sneak peeks of the exciting items you’ll have available.
• Make sure to clearly label all items for sale with price tags or stickers ahead of time to ensure a smooth and quick selling process.

7.) Golf Tournaments

Golfers truly enjoy the game, and their passion, combined with their willingness to make generous donations, can turn this type of fundraising event into a fantastic success! Many tournaments kick off early in the day and conclude with a delightful meal, cocktail hour, or hors d'oeuvres where the winners are celebrated. Why not consider adding some raffles, auctions, and contests to keep the excitement going well into the afternoon or evening? It’s a great way to engage everyone! You can also reach out to sponsors to set up at each hole and share their promotional materials with participants. Be sure to calculate the costs ahead of time to figure out your tournament entry fee, and remember to set it at a level that allows for a nice profit.

• A mini-golf tournament is a wonderful choice for young families, while “Partnering with a Pro” would be perfect for those serious about their golf game.
• Form a volunteer committee to help make your event a success.
• Get creative and include fun activities throughout your event that will encourage donors to contribute to your fundraiser, like "Beat the Pro" putting and long-range contests.

8.) Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are a delightful place where everyone can find something to enjoy! They bring together a wonderful mix of customers and create a fantastic opportunity to connect with your community. Take some time to explore the markets in your area and pick the ones that are perfect for the unique products you want to share.

• Consider selling homemade dog treats, baked goods, crafts, plants, and jewelry—these are just a few of the popular items that can attract customers as a vendor.
• It’s a great idea to plan an eye-catching display for your space ahead of time.
• Be sure to check the market rules before applying to be a vendor so you’re aware of any fees or permits that might be your responsibility.

9.) Coin Drives

Coin Drives are a fun and easy way to raise funds, whether you're collecting spare change or sparking a friendly competition! Just set a goal, provide some labeled containers, and start gathering those pennies for pups!

• Gather coins from schools, businesses, neighborhoods, restaurants, or sports teams. Why not organize a friendly competition between classes, clubs, or departments?
• Encourage donations using the Business Donation Request Form that can be awarded to the top coin collector(s). Ice cream socials and pizza parties are fantastic motivators for groups!
• Look for a bank that offers free coin-counting services to make things even easier.

10.) Yappy Hour Events

Why not bring together friends and their furry companions by hosting a delightful dog-friendly Yappy Hour? You can choose a fun venue like a brewery or restaurant that can accommodate your gathering, and consider holding a small raffle with exciting giveaways to promote the business. If you're feeling creative, you could even host your own Yappy Hour at a local park or right on your patio! Selling admission tickets in advance is a fantastic way to gauge how many people and pets to expect. Don’t forget to place collection jars around the venue to gather some extra funds!

• To keep things manageable, limit guests to 1 pet per person and ensure all pets are vaccinated, well-behaved, and on a non-retractable leash.
• It’s a good idea to obtain a liability and/or insurance waiver.
• Consider asking the venue to whip up a special dog treat in exchange for a donation.

11.) Wine Tastings

Get everyone excited for a bigger event by teaming up with a local wine merchant to host a delightful wine tasting at a beautiful winery. Alternatively, you can ask your nearby wine distributor for donations or discounts and organize a cozy tasting at your home or a local venue. Both options offer a fantastic way to create a fun experience while exploring various fundraising opportunities. You can sell admission and drink tickets for a themed event, add in some judged shows, and include fun contests like a wine pull or raffle.

• Consider adding lighting, entertainment, and tasty small bites to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
• Don’t forget to ask your wine merchant for promotional items to share with your guests!
• Make sure to enforce a strict age limit of 21 or older, and think about a liability waiver if needed.