Low-Cost, High-Impact Fundraising Ideas for Animal Shelters

Fundraising for animal shelters doesn’t have to mean big budgets or elaborate events. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective. Whether you're a small rural shelter or a larger urban rescue, these low-cost fundraising strategies can help you raise money, engage your community, and support the animals in your care.

Low-Cost Fundraising Ideas

Aluminum Can Collection

Recycling for a cause is a win-win. Shelters can run aluminum can collection drives and promote them on social media using catchy slogans like “Cans for Critters.” Butler County Animal Shelter in Kentucky uses this method to help fund food and housing for its animals. Encourage supporters to drop off cans at designated locations and assign volunteers to handle pickups and drop-offs at recycling centers.

Aluminum Pop Top Drives

Similar to can collection, pop top drives are easy to organize and require minimal resources. Place collection containers in local businesses, libraries, and schools. After a set period, volunteers can gather the tops and exchange them for cash at recycling centers. This is a great way to involve kids and families in shelter support.

Shoe Donation Drives

Partner with Funds2Orgs to run a shoe drive fundraiser. Supporters donate gently used or new shoes, and your shelter receives a check based on the number of bags collected. The shoes are then distributed to developing countries, making this a global goodwill effort. Promote the drive with posters, social media posts, and community outreach.

Community Donation Boxes

Create eye-catching donation boxes and place them in high-traffic areas like grocery stores, pharmacies, and pet supply shops. Include a wishlist of needed items and a QR code linking to your shelter’s donation page. Assign volunteers to monitor the boxes and ensure they remain visible. Posting updates and photos of full boxes on social media helps keep the momentum going.

Pop-Up Lobby Store

Turn donated pet items into a mini fundraising shop in your shelter’s lobby. Price items affordably or offer them in exchange for donations. This is a great way to repurpose items that aren’t suitable for shelter use but still valuable to pet owners. Teens and volunteers can help set up and manage the store, making it a great community project.

Pet Food and Supply Drives

Set up outside local stores with signs, a wishlist, and a friendly volunteer to answer questions. Promote the drive on social media and offer incentives like raffle entries for donors. These drives are especially effective during the holiday season or back-to-school months when people are already shopping.

Buy Nothing Groups

Join local Buy Nothing Facebook groups to request items or find giveaways that benefit your shelter. Encourage volunteers and supporters to do the same. These groups promote sustainability and community connection, making them ideal partners for shelters looking to stretch their resources.

Penny or Coin Drives

Organize a “Pennies for Paws” or “Dimes for Dogs” campaign. Set up collection jars in schools, stores, and community centers. These drives are especially effective when paired with educational outreach or youth service projects. Every coin counts, and the visual impact of full jars can inspire more giving.

Why These Ideas Matter

Low-cost fundraising ideas are accessible, repeatable, and community-driven. They allow shelters to raise money without straining resources and offer supporters easy ways to contribute. These campaigns also build visibility and trust, showing the public that every effort—no matter how small—helps save lives.

Stay tuned for the next blog post in this series, which will focus on creative event-based fundraisers that bring people and pets together. Let me know if you'd like this formatted for your CMS or paired with social media templates to promote each idea.