Fundraising Tips & Tricks

We know asking for donations can feel a little awkward... but you don’t have to do it alone! We’re here to help with practical tips, creative ideas, and easy ways to feel more confident reaching out and making every ask count.

Let’s Get Those Tails Wagging! 

So, you signed up for Paws in the Park...now what?

First of all, THANK YOU! By fundraising for the Rhode Island SPCA, you're helping animals in our community get the care, love, and second chances they deserve.

And here's the good news: fundraising doesn't have to be hard.

You don't need to host a giant event or ask 100 people for money. A few texts, a social media post, and a little creativity can go a long way.

Start With a Goal

Pick a number that feels doable.

Maybe it's $100. Maybe it's $250. Maybe you're feeling ambitious and want to go for $500!

Whatever your goal, having one gives you something to work toward. Trust us - watching that little fundraising thermometer move is pretty satisfying.

Pro tip: Make the first donation yourself. Even $10 or $20 gets things started and shows people you're all in.

Ask Your People

Start with the people who already know and love you.

Think:

  • Your family
  • Your friends
  • Your coworkers
  • Your neighbors
  • Your fellow dog moms and dads
  • Literally anyone who has ever shown you a picture of their pet 

You don't need a fancy pitch. Just tell them you're participating in Paws in the Park and ask if they'd be willing to chip in.

$5 counts. $10 counts. Every single donation helps!

Tell People Why You're Doing It

This is probably your secret fundraising weapon.

Are you a lifelong animal lover? Is your dog your best friend? Did you adopt a pet who changed your life? Are you participating in honor of a special animal?

Tell people!

A quick, genuine story about why Paws in the Park matters to you is much more memorable than a generic “Please donate.”

Make Social Media Work for You

You don't have to become a full-time influencer. Promise. 

Just post your fundraising link and let people know what you're up to.

Try:

  • A cute photo of your pet
  • A throwback adoption photo
  • A quick video explaining why you're participating
  • A “Help me reach my goal!” update
  • A photo from Paws in the Park
  • A thank-you post for your donors

And don't worry about posting more than once. People miss things! A friendly reminder a week later is totally okay.

Steal This Post:

I'm fundraising for Paws in the Park to support the Rhode Island SPCA! ?

I'm trying to raise $___ to help animals in our community, and I'd love your help getting there. Even a few dollars makes a difference!

If you can, please donate here: [YOUR FUNDRAISING LINK] ❤️

And if you can't donate, sharing this post helps too!

Send a Few Texts

Honestly? Texting might be your easiest fundraising tool.

Pick 5–10 people and send them a quick message.

Something like:

Hey! I'm going to Paws in the Park this year and fundraising for the Rhode Island SPCA. Would you be willing to throw a few dollars toward my goal? No pressure at all, every little bit helps! ? [YOUR FUNDRASING LINK]

That's it. No 12-paragraph fundraising speech required.

Turn $5 Into a Big Deal

Here's a little math that might make fundraising feel less intimidating:

20 people × $5 = $100

10 people × $10 = $100

5 people × $20 = $100

See? You don't need one person to make a huge donation. A bunch of small donations can add up FAST.

Get Your Pet Involved

Let's be honest. Your pet is probably better at fundraising than you are.

Put them to work. 

Take a cute photo and make your pet the face of your fundraiser. Try something like:

“My human says I need 10 people to donate $10 so I can help raise $100 for the Rhode Island SPCA. Please don't make me beg.”

Cute pets + fundraising = hard to resist.

Make It a Little Weird. A Little Fun.

Want to do something beyond asking for donations?

Try a mini fundraiser!

  • Have a dog wash
  • Sell baked goods
  • Host a lemonade stand
  • Ask your workplace to match donations
  • Sell something you no longer need
  • Challenge a friend to a fundraising competition
  • Ask a local business to donate a percentage of a day's sales

It doesn't have to be fancy. The goal is to have fun while raising money for animals.

Ask Your Workplace

Your coworkers may be more willing to donate than you think!

Send an email, put a flyer in the break room, or ask your boss if your company offers donation matching.

You can even turn it into a little office competition:

Team Dog vs. Team Cat.

We won't pick sides.

Keep Your Donors in the Loop

Hit a milestone? Tell people!

Raised your first $50? Share it.

Halfway to your goal? Share it.

Reached your goal?! Absolutely share it.

People like seeing where their donation helped you get. And a progress update is also a great excuse to remind everyone that you're still fundraising.

And Don't Forget to Say Thanks!

A quick text, DM, email, or handwritten note goes a long way.

You can even send your donors a photo from Paws in the Park and say:

“You helped make this happen! Thanks for supporting the Rhode Island SPCA and helping animals in our community. ❤️”

Remember: You Don't Have to Be a Fundraising Expert

You just have to ask.

Start with one person.

Then another.

Post your link.

Ask again.

Share a cute pet photo.

And keep going.

Whether you raise $50, $500, or $5,000, you're helping the Rhode Island SPCA give animals the care and second chances they deserve.

And that's pretty pawsome.

Ready, Set, Fundraise!

P.S. Your pet is absolutely allowed to take credit for your fundraising.

In fact, we encourage it.