You play an important role in the overall health and well-being of the organization. By hosting a fundraising event for Noah’s Ark, you can help raise awareness and give your friends, family, and colleagues an opportunity to contribute and make a difference in the lives of homeless animals.

A fundraiser can be as simple as a garage or bake sale, a cocktail party or BBQ at your home. It can even be as complex as an auction, a golf event or an art show. Other ideas are listed below:

• Birthday party, Baby shower, Wedding (in lieu of gifts, ask friends and family to make a donation to Noah’s Ark)
• Garage Sale, Book Group, Arts & Crafts, Knitting and Crocheting, Scrap Booking, Baking, Beauty and Accessory Buying, or Chocolate Tasting Event
• Host a Candle Party, Car Wash, Carnival, Game Night, Dance Marathon, Singles Party, Movie Night, Wine or Beer Tasting Event, Spaghetti Dinner, Block Party, or Gift Swap Party
• Bowl-a-Thon, Cook Off, Talent Show, Host a Bachelor and Bachelorette Auction, Sell Holiday Candy-Grams, Concert with Local Band, Giant Twister Match, Scavenger Hunt,
• Prepare a Progressive or Themed Dinner
• Invite to your Friends and Family Members over to your House for Cocktails and Conversation.  

These fundraisers can also be dedicated to the memory of a loved one or in honor of someone’s accomplishments. It is an amazing thing to be able to turn a difficulty into a triumph and help homeless pets who need it most.

Download a Fundraising Event Proposal Form (PDF) here to let us know of your plans and how we can support you.

TIPS FOR HOSTING A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISING EVENT

1. Make a fundraising goal and then decide what type of event will be most effective to meet this goal. For example, would an art show, backyard barbecue or special guest speaker better suit your audience and your fundraising goal?
2. Ask yourself key questions: Will it be a “pay to get in” event or will you be asking for donations at the event, or both? What is the minimum number of people you’ll need to reach your financial goal? What’s the maximum number of people your venue can accommodate?
3. Consider what kind of resources you will need to make it a success: will you need catering or will it be a potluck? Do you have friends you can pull together to help make it a success?
4. Make a list of tasks, access your volunteer’s skills and give them tasks they’ll enjoy. Come up with a realistic timetable and give each task a deadline. Make sure everyone knows what their responsibilities are and follow up with regular check-ins to make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to.
5. Think about the best date. Avoid competing with a local function or a major sporting event, for example.
6. Think of ways to keep costs down and proceeds up. Try to get as much as you can for free — whether it’s volunteer’s time, a venue, food, publicity, printing, sponsorship or prizes. Send e-cards out if you want to avoid the expense of printed invitations.
7. On the invitations, include brief details about the organization and the need for donations.
8. Come up with a back-up plan. For example, what will you do if it rains? What if you can’t get a key item? Who will step in if one of your volunteers gets sick or is unable to fulfill their duties?
9. Bring materials about Noah’s Ark. Contact Noah's Ark for brochures, etc.
10. Remember to thank those who assist as well as your guests and let them know how much they’ve helped raised. Send the funds within 20 days of the end of the event.
11. Above all, make it fun!

MAKING THE “ASK”

If the event you are hosting has an appropriate and logical place for soliciting support, you can ask your guests to contribute. Limit your presentation to no more than 20 minutes. Your goal is to inform, engage and touch your guest’s hearts. To do this, it is best to balance personal stories with a sense of an organization with a great vision and a meaningful mission.

1. Identify the issue: What do we need and why do we need it.
2. Make a Problem Statement: You could say something like, “But we want – and need – to do more. Why? Because each year there are millions of adoptable dogs and cats that are euthanized in shelters in America because there are simply not enough homes for them all. But if we are to expand our programs, reach more people and help more animals, we need more funding – and we need your help.”
3. Inform your guests about Noah’s Ark: This is where you can talk about our mission and history and your grassroots effort to help support Noah’s Ark’s programs. If you have a personal adoption story, volunteer experience, or participate in a program this would be a good time to tell it.
4. Explain how your guests can help: “The need is overwhelming, but through Noah’s Ark and your support, we can make a difference, one homeless animal at a time.”
5. Tell them where the donation is going: “The money we raise tonight will go to support…” and choose what you would like to raise money for: the special needs animals, spay/neuter program to reduce overpopulation, humane education to inform children about bite prevention…..the possibilities are endless!
6. Follow up: Follow up should happen immediately. Guests are impressed when they hear from you within a week after the event – it reflects well on you and the organization. You can even prepare the thank you letters in advance and then personalize them at the end of the event. For guests that attend, but don’t donate, your letter can ask for a gift in your letter and include a pledge form or remittance envelope. For guests who did not attend or donate, send a letter telling them that they were missed, that it was a great event, and that you hope to see them at the next one, and include a pledge form or remittance envelope.

Your support helps us provide more care for homeless animals until they find their for ever home. Thank you for your generosity in helping make this possible!