Fundraising is essential for animal shelters, rescues, and welfare organizations. It funds lifesaving work, from medical care to adoption programs. However, many organizations struggle to raise enough money because of a few common fundraising mistakes.
If your fundraising efforts aren’t bringing in the support you need, you might be making these five mistakes. But don’t worry—we’ll show you how to fix them and raise more money to help animals in need.
1. Not Setting a Specific, Measurable Goal
The Mistake:
Many organizations launch fundraising campaigns with vague goals like “Help us rescue more animals!” While the cause is important, this doesn’t tell potential donors what their money will accomplish.
How to Fix It:
Define a clear, specific goal with a deadline. Instead of saying, “We need more donations,” try:
✅ “Help us raise $10,000 by March 31 to cover medical bills for 20 injured strays!”
This approach creates urgency, helps donors visualize their impact, and encourages them to take action.
📌 Pro Tip: Break your goal into smaller milestones (e.g., “We’re halfway there—just $5,000 more to go!”) to keep momentum going.
2. Overlooking the Power of Storytelling
The Mistake:
Simply asking for money isn’t enough. Donors want to feel emotionally connected to your mission. If your campaign is just a request for funds without a compelling story, people may scroll past it.
How to Fix It:
Use storytelling to show the real impact of donations. Highlight individual animals your organization has helped and share their before-and-after journey.
Example: Instead of saying, “Donate to help stray animals,” tell a story:
🐶 “Meet Max. When we found him, he was starving and alone. Thanks to donor support, Max received the medical care he needed, and today, he’s thriving in his forever home! Your donation can help more dogs like Max get a second chance.”
📌 Pro Tip: Use powerful images and videos to bring your stories to life.
3. Not Offering Easy Online Giving Options
The Mistake:
Many organizations rely on in-person events or outdated donation methods. If donors can’t easily give online, they might not donate at all.
How to Fix It:
Make donating as simple as possible. Use a dedicated online fundraising page where supporters can contribute with just a few clicks.
✅ Set up a fundraising page on Doobert to collect donations effortlessly. It’s easy to create, customize, and share with your audience. Plus, it allows donors to give securely from anywhere!
👉 Start your fundraising page today: Doobert Fundraising Pages
📌 Pro Tip: Offer multiple payment options (credit card, PayPal, Venmo) to make donating convenient for everyone.
4. Forgetting to Follow Up with Donors
The Mistake:
Many organizations thank donors once but never follow up again. This can make donors feel unappreciated and less likely to give in the future.
How to Fix It:
💌 Send a thank-you email or handwritten note immediately after a donation.
📸 Share updates on how their contribution is making a difference (e.g., pictures of rescued animals).
💬 Invite them to stay involved through newsletters, social media, or volunteer opportunities.
📌 Pro Tip: Create a donor appreciation day where you spotlight your supporters and their impact!
5. Relying on the Same Fundraising Tactics Every Year
The Mistake:
If you’re using the same fundraising strategies year after year, your supporters may lose interest.
How to Fix It:
Try new and creative fundraising ideas to keep engagement high. Here are some ideas:
🎉 Virtual Events – Host an online auction, trivia night, or virtual 5K.
🐾 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising – Encourage supporters to create their own fundraising pages for your cause.
📅 Monthly Giving Program – Set up recurring donations so supporters can give automatically each month.
🛍️ Merchandise Sales – Sell branded shirts, mugs, or tote bags to raise funds.
📌 Pro Tip: Experiment with different campaigns to see what resonates best with your audience!
Start Fundraising Smarter with Doobert
Avoiding these common fundraising mistakes can help your organization raise more money and make a greater impact. Whether you’re rescuing animals, providing medical care, or supporting adoptions, having the right tools and strategies in place is key.
Ready to set up your fundraising page and reach more donors? Doobert makes it easy to create and manage your campaign!
Need help getting started? Check out this step-by-step guide on how to create a fundraising page on Doobert:
