Fundraising Toolkit

Barktoberfest

September 28, 2024

Fundraising Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know

 

Step 1:
Register for Barktoberfest to begin your journey.
 
Step 2:
Set up your fundraising page and use the tools below to inspire your community to donate to your page.
 
Step 3:
Join us at the festivalโ€”or wherever you areโ€”on September 28 to celebrate!

 

 

Fundraising Toolkit
 

We're biased, but we think animals are the best. If you agree, please tell your friends, family, coworkers, former classmates, and everyone who follows you on social media that you're helping animals in need!

 

Don't overthink it! Just be genuine and ask your community to support a cause that means a lot to you.

 

It's always a good idea to include a photo, too! So feel free to share a photo of your own pet or help yourself to any of the graphics below! We have also provided sample email and social media templates, sharable stories, and even posters you can print and distribute throughout your neighborhood.

 

 

Talking Points About the Humane Society of Utah

 

While animals are at the core of all we do, HSU serves the community in numerous ways beyond pet adoptions. Read on to learn more about our other programs and services so you can inspire your community to donate to a cause you care about!
 

Pet Resource Center (PRC): The PRC is our comprehensive animal sheltering, rehabilitation, fostering, and adoption program. In 2023, our PRC found homes for an impressive 5,529 companion animals. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing animals with a safe and loving environment. Healthy, treatable pets can stay at our PRC for as long as it takes to find a new home.
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  • Pet Retention: Our Pet Retention Program plays a crucial role in our mission, ensuring that families stay together and pets receive the care and support they need. We provide financial, veterinary, and behavioral support, addressing the diverse needs of pets and their owners. 
  • Veterinary Clinics: Our clinics and in-house veterinarians offer medical procedures for shelter animals, improving their quality of life and chances of adoption. We also provide low-cost animal care for members of our community. 
  • Foster Care: Our Foster Care program has been a resounding success in providing a temporary home for ill, shy, injured, or baby animals. In 2023, 411 foster families provided 1,438 animals with a nurturing environment to recover, instilling hope in their journey towards adoption.
  • Humane Education: Educating younger generations is the key to ensuring better lives for animals in the future. HSU serves children of all ages by providing various unique learning opportunities in and out of the classroom. In 2023, we visited 128 schools across Utah, teaching students in person and virtually, reaching 14,049 children. 
  • Behavior Program: Our Behavior Program works with 40% of the dogs and cats surrendered or transferred to HSU. We provide enrichment and training to ensure adopters have the information they need to help make a good match. We also offered 593 training and behavior consults in 2023, a 10% increase, for community members to work with their pets and keep them in homes with families who already love them.
  • Volunteer Program: Our Volunteer Program is the foundation of HSU. The dedication and commitment of our 1,312 volunteers contributed an impressive 25,689 hours of invaluable service, estimated to be worth $367,352. These volunteers are invaluable to us as they help us advance our programs and provide excellent care and support to the animals in our Pet Resource Center.
     
Humane Society of Utah Fun Facts
 
  • Date founded: 1960

  • Number of campuses: 2 (Murray and St. George)

  • Total annual adoptions: More than 5,000

  • Average length of stay for dogs (including foster): 7 days

  • Number of active volunteers (including youth volunteers): 300+

  • Length of time we will keep an animal in our care until they are adopted: unlimited

  • Average cost to care for one animal for one day, including staff time and general operating expenses: $150

 

Shareable Graphics


Use one of the images below or share a photo of your pet to spread the word about Barktoberfest and your fundraising efforts!
 

Barktoberfest Ad: Social Media Graphic

 

Email Template

Kick off your fundraising efforts by reaching out to your email contacts. Can't find the words? Use our sample email template to help you find your voice.

 

Tip: You can also send donation requests and thank you emails to your donors through your fundraising portal. Get a step-by-step tutorial.

 

Get The Email Template Button

 

Social Media Templates
 

Broadcast your fundraiser on social media! Use our sample social posts to craft your message. Be sure to include a photo of your pet or one of our shareable graphics below.
 

Facebook Caption:
Don't just dress up as a superhero for Halloween... BE a superhero by helping me raise money for animals in the care of the Humane Society of Utah! ๐Ÿฆธ๐Ÿพ
We have until October 31st! Visit (insert participant link) to make your donation today, and don't forget to snag tickets to HSU's Barktoberfest celebration for a scary good time! ๐ŸŽƒ *Add the link to your Barktoberfest donation page*
 
 
Instagram Caption:
Tip: Add the link to your Barktoberfest donation page in the bio of your profile.
Don't just dress up as a superhero for Halloween... BE a superhero by helping me raise money for animals in the care of the Humane Society of Utah! ๐Ÿฆธ๐ŸพWe have until October 31st! Visit the link in my bio to make your donation today, and don't forget to snag tickets to HSU's Barktoberfest celebration for a scary good time! ๐ŸŽƒ #barktoberfest24 #humanesocietyofutah

Instagram Stories:
Use story graphic provided. Link to your Barktoberfest donation page at the bottom of the story over the link currently in place.

 

 

Shareable Stories

Sharing a shelter pet's story can be immensely impactful in your fundraising outreach! Use one of our shareable stories featuring Humane Society of Utah shelter pets.

 

 Get The Stories

 

Printable Posters

Help spread the word about Barktoberfest and recruit new teammates! Pick a poster to print and place it at your favorite neighborhood spots (coffee shops, pet stores, dog parks, etc.). Click one of the images below to access the printable poster.