Building Shelter Partnerships That Drive Funding, Visibility, and Community Support

Partnerships are one of the most powerful tools in a shelter’s fundraising strategy. Whether you’re working with local businesses, schools, or national organizations, these relationships can provide funding, visibility, and long-term support. The key is to create win-win opportunities that align with your shelter’s mission and your partner’s goals.

Shelter Partnerships

Corporate Sponsorships

Corporate sponsors want to be seen as good community citizens—and animal shelters offer a meaningful way to make that happen. Create a sponsorship program with tiered giving levels and clear benefits, such as logo placement, social media shoutouts, and event participation. Use a personalized letter to invite businesses to join, emphasizing how their support helps build a more compassionate community. Sponsorships can be tied to specific campaigns, events, or even individual animals.

Dog Kennel Sponsorships

Offer businesses the opportunity to sponsor a dog kennel for a year. Their logo can be displayed prominently, and they’ll be recognized in shelter communications. This sponsorship helps cover the cost of food, medical care, and enrichment for the dogs housed there. It’s a visible, tangible way for companies to show their support and reach thousands of visitors annually.

Dog Sponsorships

Encourage individuals or businesses to sponsor specific dogs. This can include covering the cost of spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, heartworm treatment, or transport to a foster home. Share each sponsorship on social media to celebrate the donor and inspire others to contribute. It’s a great option for supporters who can’t adopt but still want to make a direct impact.

School Fundraisers

Partnering with local schools is a great way to raise funds and educate young people about animal welfare. Pegram Elementary School in Tennessee held a donation contest between classes, with the winning group visiting the shelter and naming a dog. Assign a volunteer liaison to coordinate with teachers and students, and offer age-appropriate activities like shelter tours or humane education presentations.

Community Foundations

Community foundations offer grant opportunities and donor networks that can benefit shelters. The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, for example, hosts The Big Payback—a 24-hour online giving event each May. Research similar foundations in your state and apply for funding or participate in regional campaigns. These organizations often provide marketing support and donor outreach tools.

Business Partnerships

Local businesses can support shelters in a variety of ways. A plumbing company in Nashville sponsored a shelter dog and promoted the adoption on its social media channels. Dog bakeries have donated treats and hosted photo shoots to help raise awareness. Restaurants can host dine-to-donate nights, donating a percentage of sales to the shelter. These partnerships build goodwill and connect shelters with new audiences.

Matching Gift Programs

Encourage donors to check if their employers offer matching gift programs. Many companies will match donations at a 1:1 or even 2:1 ratio. Provide clear instructions on how to submit a match request and highlight success stories. This strategy allows shelters to double or triple donations without asking supporters to give more.

Vendor Collaborations

Work with vendors to create co-branded products or promotions. For example, Joyride Harness offers donations through its Paw It Forward initiative, and Dog Tag Art provides custom ID tags to shelters. These collaborations can include product giveaways, affiliate fundraising, or event sponsorships. They also help shelters tap into existing customer bases.

Shelter Decals and Merchandise

Design magnetic or vinyl decals featuring your shelter’s logo and make them available for a donation. These can be sold online, at events, or given away as part of a sponsorship package. Merchandise helps promote your shelter and gives supporters a way to show their pride.

Highlighting Supporters Publicly

Always thank your partners and sponsors on social media, in newsletters, and at events. Share photos, tag their accounts, and explain how their support is making a difference. Public recognition builds loyalty and encourages others to get involved.

Why These Partnerships Matter

Partnerships are more than financial transactions—they’re relationships. They allow shelters to expand their reach, share their mission, and build a network of allies who care about animal welfare. When businesses, schools, and foundations see the impact of their support, they’re more likely to stay engaged and deepen their commitment.

These collaborations also help shelters diversify their funding sources, reducing reliance on any one stream. By building strong, strategic partnerships, shelters can create a more stable and sustainable future for the animals they serve.