Fundraising Ideas

To download and print our FUNDRAISING IDEAS, click HERE

Are you interested in doing something fun and different to help DFD rescue dogs and train them to help people with hearing loss and a variety of other challenges? If so, here are some great ideas to consider:

"DOGGY" BANK - This idea is courtesy of the Square Sam'ers of Northern California. Their chapter purchased plastic doggy banks and gave one to each member. At the end of each day members would insert their loose change. This idea is easy, painless and convenient.

RECYCLABLES - Many of our donors pick up cans and bottles along the side of the road and turn them into profit by returning them for deposit or to recycling centers. Not only is this a benefit to DFD, but it is also a wonderful benefit to the environment.

DOG WASHES - Veterinary clinics are great places to hold this event and may be done outside, weather permitting. Volunteers can wash the dogs while the owners hold them. Make sure you have lots of towels on hand! Get local groomers to donate their time so that pets may be groomed after washing.

CAR EVENTS - Car shows, poker runs, rallies and tours will all attract a lot of people and can raise funds for DFD.

SPORTS EVENTS - Amateur/pro-golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, walk-a-thons, and dog walks are just a few sport events that can be fun and bring in great donations. Sports stores and fitness clubs are possible sources of donated advertising and prizes.

RAFFLES and AUCTIONS - Obtain prizes donated by local merchants and crafters. Items auctioned off by a celebrity auctioneer, such as the mayor or a local media personality, will attract a larger quantity of prizes and more donors will participate.

BOOK SALES, BAKE SALES, GARAGE SALES - Have everyone in your group bake some pies, collect books they've already read, or gather up items around the house they no longer want and you have the start of an excellent fundraiser! Find a good location, advertise and have fun.

REST AREA COFFEE and COOKIE SALES - Get permission from local authorities and set up a stand at a nearby highway rest area. Have coffee, water, and cookies set up for sale or for a donation.

PHOTOS WITH SANTA or EASTER BUNNY - Do you have a good amateur photographer in your group? Find a local pet store that will let you use a space in the store, advertise, get a volunteer to be Santa or the Easter Bunny, and charge to have pets' photos taken with them.

PET SHOWS - Be sure to clearly advertise that ALL types of pets are welcome. An interesting mix of pets not only draws a larger contestant base but also more interested observers who are potential donors as well. We've found the local mall to be one of the best places to hold pet shows. Find a store in the mall to sponsor the event, donate the advertising and provide the prizes. Pet stores, or any store with an interest in pets, are usually interested in being part of such a unique event. Charge for each class entered and be sure to have ribbons to hand out for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Other prizes and a raffle add to the fun!

MISCELLANEOUS - Rummage sales, craft sales, bingo events, holiday events, and mystery or crime solving parties... just let your imagination guide you!

No-cost advertisement tips:

• Contact your local radio and TV stations. They often have community type listings/programs and will advertise your events for free. Radio stations may also have a talk show and they could interview you to help get the word out.
• Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask them to do an announcement on your behalf at their next meeting, or they may invite you to attend so that you can tell them a little about Dogs for the Deaf and your fundraising event.
• Contact, invite and ask for donations from your local braches or chapters of organizations like Rotary International Inc., Kiwanis International, Soroptimist, and Lions Clubs.

Remember, along with a well organized plan and dedicated volunteers, advertising is your most important facet of success. The public must be aware of your fundraising event in order for you to be successful.

DFD Fundraising Tools:

• Borrow or purchase DFD's video. This professionally produced video tells our story. It shows dogs in training and includes testimonials from some of our working teams. You may borrow the video for up to 2 weeks to who at one or more club/group meetings or events.
• Borrow a DFD banner to help highlight your event.
• We can provide handouts, such as newsletters and brochures.
• We can provide a merchandise item for auction.
• Your event can be feautured on DFD's website to help get the word out.

Please let us know what you need at least a month ahead of time.

If you have any questions or need some help, call Michelle, Kimberly or Robin at (541) 826-9220 or click HERE to send an email.