Fundraising Ideas for a Cat Rescue

Individually owned and operated cat rescues and shelters often struggle to care for the many cats in need. Food, shelter, toys and medical care are expensive. However, fundraising may help you increase your cash flow, provide care to the cats in your shelter and meet members of the community interested in adopting.

  1. Pet Day

    • Raise money for your rescue with a pet day for the entire community. Ask local musicians to volunteer their time to provide live music for the event. Invite restaurants to serve food and local shops to sell items during the event. Charge admission and parking fees if applicable. Use the fun day as a chance to educate the community about your cat rescue and how they can help. Set up a donation jar and have several cats on hand for guests to meet and play with, according to the website Animal Shelter Tips.

    Charity Walk/Run

    • Raise money by sponsoring a walk or run, suggests the website Animal Shelter Tips. Plan events for people of all activity levels and ages, from a simple fun run for the children to a walk and 5K. Ask local grocery stores and restaurants to donate food and beverages for walkers and runners. Charge an entry fee for the event, and ask volunteers to hand out water and snacks along the trail. Ask a local artist to create t-shirts for all participants that advertise your shelter.

    Kibble For Cupcakes

    • Animal shelters need food for the animals in their care, and many pet owners are willing to donate food to needy animals. Plan a fundraiser designed to collect food for the hungry cats in your shelter. Ask local bakeries and grocery stores to donate cupcakes to your fundraising event. Create a "Kibble for Cupcakes" bake sale that gives donors an opportunity to trade a bag or several cans of food for a cupcake. Bring along a few of the cats from your shelter in case a donor is interested in adopting a new furry friend.

    Contests

    • Hold a "cutest cat" contest on your shelter's website, recommends Animal Shelter Tips. Ask participants to take a picture of their cat and submit it to the contest by paying a small fee. Ask a local pet store or boutique to donate items for a gift basket for the winner, to include treats, a collar, cat toys, cat nip and some prizes for the owner as well. Advertise the contest in the paper and in local businesses.