Need some help getting ideas on how to start raising money? Feel free to use the tips below to get started.

• Form a Team-  A team is a group of two or more walkers who work together to reach a fundraising goal. Forming a team is by far the fastest way to raise money…and it’s the most fun too! Appoint a team captain who can be responsible for encouraging team members in their personal fundraising efforts, share tips, and keep the team posted on the team’s progress.
• Find a matching donor- All top fundraisers secure a matching donor early on. Not only will it double your donations, but it will also motivate others to donate. Find out if your company will match the money you raise. If not, ask your company to match donations made by their employees. Or, put your money where your heart is and offer match donations yourself.
• Email, email, email!!!!- send a passionate plea to everyone in your email address book and provide links to your fundraising web page. Tell the story of your pet rescue or adoptions. Use humor and send the email from your pet!
• Send updates- Updates are an enjoyable read for those who have already supported your efforts, and a nudge for those who have not yet contributed. Keep your friends invested in your success by updating them often!
• Make your own raffle- Ask businesses that you frequent to donate prizes to raffle off to your supporters. Sell tickets for $10 or more and you’ll be well on your way to raising hundreds of dollars.
• Involve your neighborhood- Have a neighborhood dog wash…invite your neighbors over for a dog wash and have the proceeds go towards your pledges. Have fun shampoos, bandanas, or paper collars made by children to make it fun! Or host a neighborhood yard sale or bake sale with the proceeds going towards your pledges.
• Bring the fun to your work/church/club- Provide a lunch (donated or potluck) for your colleagues and set a minimum donation to partake. Or place a candy jar on your desk and collect pledges from those who dip in. Or create different teams and have a family rivalry …the options are endless!
• Make it a family affair- Challenge your family to collect pledges on your behalf. Set aside a weekend for your family to mow neighbor’s yards for a donation. Change your family’s answering machine message...let your kids make a plea and et the dog bark. Or have a letter-writing night and write to all your extended friend and family. The sky’s the limit.
• Make it a game- Host a poker game and dedicate half of the winnings towards your pledges. Or challenge another team to a showdown and see who can raise the most money. Make it interesting and set the stakes high!
• Put your money where your heart is- Nothing conveys your dedication more than your own donation. Offer to match donations financially or find another incentive to offer to your supporters. Be creative and get people excited!