What am I doing wrong?

Missy Limkemann · Post by **Missy Limkemann** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:10 am

Ok, I keep reading newspaper clips, hearing on the radio about all these other rescues getting donations, money etc, and I have to wonder "what am i donig wrong?" These shelters make enough money to get new washer and dryers, pay their people and still have enough left over to roll naked in. (ok sorry but i had to say it)
So here I am, asking for fundraising ideas, any ideas to help get me out there. My brain is fried, and I seriously can't think of anything "outside the box" to say. I dont want to do the normal, I want to do something fun, and entertaining.
I would love to have an open house of sorts, but the rescue is in my house, and having my autistic son, strangers in the house would be enough to send him in to a tirade big enough to wipe out a 3rd world country, or the city. LOL. I also have a fear nipping dog who only likes women, and a fear pooping dog who is afraid of life but loves her treats and loves her ears scratched.
Thank you guys, I know you guys come up with great ideas, and I really want to hear them all!!!!! So put on your thinking caps, and lets think.

Bret Callentine · Post by **Bret Callentine** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:44 am

First, stop calling yourself a shelter.

Instead, get your house listed as: The First National Puppy Savings and Loan.

Second, stop trying to "place animals in good homes."

Instead, send out e-mails stating that you're trying to find placement for undocumented citizens

Third, don't list your expenses as "Dog Food".

Instead list everything as "healthcare for the abandoned and fatherless."

Fourth, Stop asking for monitary assistence.

Instead, call your congressman and tell them that if you don't get 4.3 million in TARP funds, you'll be forced to "let everyone go".

I'm guessing you'll have a half dozen politicians and television crews at your door in less than 48 hours.

Missy Limkemann · Post by **Missy Limkemann** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:46 am

Bret, again thank you for the laugh and I again I just spit out more of my coffee. My computer is getting more of my coffee than I am today. LOL.

Bret Callentine · Post by **Bret Callentine** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 7:57 am

actually, how about this...

contact all the local realtors, kind of like how some restaurants put a wine suggestion next to menu items, see if you can add a "suggested pet" for each home on the market.

"...yes, it's a three bedroom, one and a half bath, victorian, and with the size of the yard, we recommend a two year old yellow labrador..."

I know this isn't exactly the perfect time to rely on home buyers as your primary target, but I would think having a puppy at an open house would be more friendly than just the usual plate of cookies.

sharon kinsella · Post by **sharon kinsella** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:38 pm

Missy - First you need to get licensed as a shelter.

Next you need to file for non-profit status, that way people who donate to you can claim their donation.

You are mistaken if you think most shelters have enough to roll in. From what I know of no-kill shelters, they struggle day-to-day.

In these tough economic times all non-profits are having a very hard time.

At this point you are a private citizen doing rescue. If you want to do the shelter thing, the library is your friend.

Good luck to you.

Missy Limkemann · Post by **Missy Limkemann** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:29 pm

I am registered with the state and I am an official 501c3 organization.

I was checking guidestar today and looking at what the apl takes in. And now to hear on the radio about the radio pledge. Just tweaked me. They took in millions last year. And the director of the place gets a paycheck. I think after reading that, and then the radio my head just exploded. I am on guidestar too.

Ed Dickson · Post by **Ed Dickson** » Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:32 pm

When I worked at the APL the director got a sox figure paycheck. Not the same one as now so not sure if that's still the case but I thought that was just a bit excessive.

sharon kinsella · Post by **sharon kinsella** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 10:21 am

Going to have to start looking into grants - call the Cleveland Foundation and find out when there next class is to tell you how to use their library. They have info about thousands and thousand of grantors and what they fund.

If you have a board, get them to work with you on fundraising.

Can't do it all by yourself and do all the work yourself taking care of the animals, it's too much.

Justine Cooper · Post by **Justine Cooper** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 9:44 am

Have you thought about setting up at the new local Home Show at Harding? Since you are non-profit couldn't you sell 50-50 raffle tickets for the shelter and even solicit artist and business donations for a raffle?