RAPS Third-Party Fundraising Toolkit
Helping Animals, One Community Event at a Time
Thank you for your interest in supporting the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS).
Community fundraisers organized by supporters play a vital role in helping RAPS save and improve the lives of animals.
At a time when animal welfare organizations are stretched to their limits, community-driven fundraising is not just helpful—it is essential.
Every bake sale, trivia night, or charity walk directly translates into food, medical care, and safe shelter for vulnerable animals.
What makes these projects especially powerful is their accessibility: anyone, anywhere, can turn compassion into action with simple, creative ideas that bring people together around a shared purpose.
Beyond raising funds, these initiatives build community, spark conversations about animal welfare, and give individuals a tangible way to make a difference. For many supporters, organizing an event is not just about donating—it’s about ownership, connection, and impact.
It’s the realization that you don’t have to be an expert or a major philanthropist to save lives—you just have to care enough to act. And when you do, the ripple effects extend far beyond a single event, strengthening a movement dedicated to protecting animals and supporting the people who love them.
This toolkit will help you plan a successful fundraising activity—whether it’s a simple bake sale or a larger community event.
And, while you take ownership of your fundraising initiative, know that the RAPS family is here to help you every step of the way.
Click on the buttons below for third-party fundraisers ideas.
Getting Started
What is Third-Party Fundraising?
Third-party fundraising occurs when individuals, schools, businesses or community groups organize their own events or activities to raise funds for RAPS.
Examples include:
- Bake sales
- Garage sales
- Charity runs or walk-a-thons
- Birthday fundraisers
- School events
- Online fundraising campaigns
Basic Steps to Organize Your Fundraiser
- Choose your fundraising idea
- Set a goal (for example: $500 to support sanctuary cats)
- Select a date and location
- Promote your event
- Collect donations
- Celebrate your success and share the results
Important Guidelines
Third-party fundraisers must:
- Clearly state the event is “in support of the Regional Animal Protection Society”
- Not represent themselves as official RAPS events
- Follow all local laws and permits
- Handle money responsibly
- Submit donations to RAPS after the event
1. Simple Fundraising Ideas
IDEA #1 – BAKE SALE
How to Organize
- Choose a location (school, office, farmers market)
- Ask friends to contribute baked goods
- Set clear prices ($2–$5 items)
- Display signage explaining the fundraiser (RAPS can provide this!)
- Accept cash, debit, or digital payments, if possible
Simple Bake Sale Recipes
Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2.5 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugars
- Add eggs and vanilla
- Mix in dry ingredients
- Stir in chocolate chips
- Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes
Banana Bread
Ingredients:
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
Bake at 350°F for 60 minutes.
RAPS can support you with …
- Printable bake sale posters
- Table signage explaining RAPS
- Social media posts, memes and graphics
IDEA #2 – GARAGE SALE / YARD SALE
How to Organize
- Collect gently used items from friends and family
- Price items clearly
- Promote locally (Facebook groups, neighbourhood apps)
- Publicize that revenues help save and improve the lives of animals through RAPS
- Donate any leftover items to the RAPS Thrift Stores!
Pro Tips
- Start early
- Post signage throughout the neighbourhood and online (such as Facebook Marketplace)
- Price each item using stickers from the dollar store
- Have a “float” of small change ready
- Post signs that donations to RAPS are welcome. (Keep donations safe)
RAPS can support you with …
- Printable donation signs
- Brochures about RAPS programs and how support saves animals
- Social media templates
- “All proceeds support RAPS animals” signage
IDEA #3 – BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER
Steps
Instead of gifts, ask guests to donate to RAPS.
- Choose your platform (Facebook fundraiser, donation jar)
- Set a fundraising goal
- Share your story: why animals matter to you and how RAPS shares your values
RAPS Can Provide
- Birthday invitations
- Donation QR code posters
- Social media graphics
2. Community Fundraising Events
IDEA #1 – CHARITY WALK OR RUN
How to Organize
- Choose a safe walking route
- Invite participants
- Ask each participant to raise sponsorships
Example:
$25 entry fee × 40 participants = $1,000
Add Fun Elements
- Dog costume contest
- Pet photo booth
- Raffle
RAPS can support you with …
- Participant pledge forms
- Event posters
- Sponsor sheets
- Media release template
IDEA #2 – PET PHOTO DAY
How It Works
Offer professional pet photos for donations.
Example:
$20 per pet photo × 75 pets = $1,500
What You Need
- Photographer
- Backdrop
- Props
RAPS can support you with …
- Branded photo backdrops
- Social media promotion graphics
- Event signage
IDEA #3 – TRIVIA NIGHT
How to Organize
- Partner with a local pub
- Charge entry fees
- Offer prizes
Example:
$10 entry × 60 participants = $600
ADD-ONS
- Raffle
- Silent auction
- Donation jars
IDEA #4 – MOVIE NIGHT
How to Organize
Screen a family-friendly film and sell snacks.
POSSIBLE THEMES
- Pet movies
- Animal documentaries
- Outdoor summer screenings
3. Workplace Fundraisers
IDEA #1 – CASUAL DRESS DAY
How it works
Employees donate $5 to dress casually.
Example:
100 employees × $5 = $500
IDEA #2 – OFFICE BAKE-OFF
How It Works
Staff compete for “Best Baker.”
Participants donate to taste and vote.
IDEA #3 – OFFICE PET PHOTO CONTEST
How It Works
Employees submit pet photos.
Coworkers vote with donations.
IDEA #4 – PAYROLL GIVING
How it works
Employees donate small amounts per paycheck. Discuss with your HR department.
raps resources
- Workplace posters
- Email templates
- HR partnership guide
4. School Fundraising Ideas
IDEA #1 – LEMONADE STAND
How it works
Kids sell lemonade with a “Help the Animals” theme.
IDEA #2 – READ-A-THON
How It Works
Students collect sponsorships for reading books.
IDEA #3 – PET SUPPLY DRIVE
How It Works
Collect:
- Cat food
- Blankets
- Towels
- Toys
IDEA #4 – ART SALE
How it works
Students create animal-themed art to sell.
5. Creative Fundraising Ideas
IDEA #1 – PET COSTUME CONTEST
How it works
Charge entry fees.
Categories:
- Funniest costume
- Best duo
- Most creative
IDEA #2 – CHARITY AUCTION
How It Works
Auction donated items like:
- Gift baskets
- Restaurant vouchers
- Artwork
- Pet services
IDEA #3 – CHARITY GAME TOURNAMENT
How It Works
Ideas:
- Video games
- Board games
- Chess
- Dungeons & Dragons
IDEA #4 – FITNESS CHALLENGE
How it works
Examples:
- 30-day run challenge
- Yoga fundraiser
- Charity spin class
6. Online Fundraising
IDEA #1 – SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
How it works
Ideas:
- “Post your pet” challenge
- Donation matching
- Livestream fundraiser
IDEA #2 – CROWDFUNDING
How It Works
Platforms:
- GoFundMe
- CanadaHelps
7. Business Fundraisers
IDEA #1 – RESTAURANT GIVE-BACK NIGHTS
How it works
Restaurant donates % of sales.
IDEA #2 – RETAIL ROUND-UP
How It Works
Customers round up purchases for RAPS.
IDEA #3 – CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP
How It Works
Businesses sponsor:
- Sanctuary cats
- Events
- Rescue initiatives
8. Seasonal Fundraisers
IDEA #1 –HOLIDAY GIFT WRAPPING
How it works
Set up at malls or stores.
IDEA #2 – VALENTINE'S DAY
How It Works
“Send a Valentine to a sanctuary cat.”
IDEA #3 – HALLOWEEN
How It Works
Pet costume parade.
IDEA #4 – CHRISTMAS MARKET BOOTH
How It Works
Sell crafts or pet treats.
Fundraising Supplies RAPS Can Provide
Ask us for:
Printable materials
- Event posters
- Donation forms
- Sponsorship sheets
- Event banners
Digital resources
- Social media graphics
- Email templates
- Instagram story templates
- Fundraising pages
Educational materials
- Brochures explaining RAPS programs
- Impact reports
- Information about the Cat Sanctuary
Brand materials
- Logos
- Photo libraries
- Story content about rescued animals
After your Fundraiser
Celebrate and Share
Send photos and results to RAPS.
Share:
- Total funds raised
- Event highlights
- Thank-you messages
Thank You for Supporting Animals
Your fundraiser helps provide:
- Lifelong sanctuary care for cats
- Veterinary treatment
- Rescue operations
- Adoption programs
- Community assistance initiatives
Every event—large or small—makes a difference.
