Third-Party Fundraisers Toolkit:
We love it when businesses, groups, and individuals host fundraisers to benefit Great River Rescue. These fundraisers make a big difference for the shelter pets. They can vary in type and size and can include lemonade stands, car washes, garage sales, and more.
If you are interested in organizing and hosting your own event to benefit Great River Rescue, please review our policies and procedures below, then check our tips and downloads to make your event a success. Finally, if you will be hosting a fundraiser, or are interested in other partnership opportunities, please send us some basic information through the following link and we will be in touch with you | Click Here
Fundraising Ideas:
- Athletic tournament (golf, volleyball, tennis, softball, bowling)
- 5K, 10K, or marathon (charge entry fee)
- Birthday party
- Carnival
- Pet wash
- Wine tasting (entry fee)
- Auction (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Car wash (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Bake sale (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Casual/jeans day (pay $10 to wear jeans to work)
- Holiday party (entry fee or suggested donation)
- Concession stand at little league games (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Loose change jar (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Dunk tank ($5 for 3 attempts)
- Pampered Chef or Tupperware party (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Book sale (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Talent show (entry fee)
- Garage sale (proceeds benefit GRR)
- House cleaning (for donations)
- Pet sitting (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Gift wrapping (for donations)
- Kissing booth (a dog kissing booth, of course!)
- Chili cook-off (entry fee)
- Lemonade stand (proceeds benefit GRR)
- Supply drive at work or school
Fundraiser Policies & Procedures:
In order to assure that Great River Rescue’s name, image, and reputation are properly represented, we ask that all third-party fundraisers abide by the following policies. Your cooperation will help us guarantee consistency and quality in the events that ultimately benefits our shelter. Thank you again for your efforts.
- Due to limited time and resources, Great River Rescue can not:
- Promote your event in our newsletter
- Set up and man a booth at your event
- Distribute posters or literature for your event
- Supply adoptable animals for your event
- While we may be able to provide guidance for your event, we do not have the personnel to handle the organizational and administrative tasks associated with third-party events. Therefore, you are responsible for all details of the event including: underwriting all of the related costs; recruiting volunteers to help out at the event; creating flyers to publicize the event; working at the actual event.
- The event must be promoted in a manner to avoid statements or the appearance of Great River Rescue endorsing any product, firm, organization, individual, or service.
- The name and logo must be used in accordance with Great River Rescue graphic standards. All promotional materials must clearly state the percentage of proceeds that will benefit Great River Rescue.
- Great River Rescue should receive a list of targeted sponsors for the event before they are approached to minimize overlap with other GRR events and/or fundraising campaigns that may be underway, if applicable.
- Great River Rescue may be able to provide informational materials promoting the organization, its goals and accomplishments as supplies last. Advance notice is needed regarding the quantities requested for the event. The following items are generally available:
- GRR Brochures
- GRR Newsletters
- GRR Magnets
- “Proud Supporter” Window Decals
- Event organizers are responsible for obtaining all permits, especially those for raffles and/or games of chance.
- Event organizers must obtain their own liability insurance to cover the event. GRR is not financially liable for the promotion and/or staging of third-party events.
- Under no circumstances should third-party event revenue and expenses flow through Great River Rescue books. Only the final net proceeds from the event are to be processed by Great River Rescue.
- Please note that third party fundraisers cannot be held at Great River Rescue.
10 Tips to Plan & Market Your Event:
Seek the help of friends & family: Getting help with an event will help you brainstorm creative ideas, divide the work and have more fun. This means you will be able to raise more money for Great River Rescue.
Crunch the numbers: In the early stages of planning, you will want to identify your expenses and potential sources of income and donations. You will also want to set a fundraising goal for your event.
Keep expenses low: A great way to increase the amount of money you raise at an event is to limit the amount of money you spend. Keep your event expenses low by asking people to donate or discount event-related expense items such as venue rental fees, entertainment, decorations, food and beverages. Ask for donations for auction items and raffle prizes.
Make a list, check it twice: Who will want to be involved in your event? Identify who those people are, how you want to get them involved, how you will ask them and if they will be available when you need them.
Reach out for support: Consider asking for sponsorships or underwriting for your event. Many companies look for opportunities to reach niche audiences by sponsoring community events. What kind of people are attending your event and what type of company might like to reach those people? Put together a short proposal with information about your event and the likely attendees. Make sure to include information about the benefits and recognition your sponsors will receive (signage, free tickets, etc.).
Shout it from the rooftops: Much of your success will depend on how well you spread the word about your event and the number of people you invite. How do you plan to let people know about your event? The more ways you can get the word out, the better.
Incorporate other ways to raise money: Think about what other things you can add on to your event to raise funds – live or silent auctions, raffles, 50-50 drawings, passing the hat, and sales of food or merchandise are just some examples of ways you can raise additional funds at an event. Don’t be shy to approach business owners to ask for donations – you’d be surprised at how generous people can be and how willing they are to help.
Don’t forget to say thanks: Send letters to all of the supporters and volunteers that helped make your event a success. You will probably want their help again next year!
Keep lists up-to-date: Having a list of your event contacts makes future planning much easier. Make sure all contact lists always have the most up-to-date information (e-mail, addresses and phone numbers).
Mark your calendar: If you know the date for next year’s event, be sure to let everyone know as soon as possible so they can plan to attend!
Branding Guidelines:
The following document provides a complete summary of appropriate uses of the Great River Rescue Brand | GRR Branding Guidelines
The following logo images may be used on promotional materials for your event. Right click the image and copy or save.
Black & White GRR Logo Download
Thank you so much for hosting an event to benefit Great River Rescue or otherwise promoting the organization. We can’t continue this life-saving work without your help. Please be sure to contact us about your fundraiser so we can support you any way possible.
