How to fundraise online for animal rescue and protection charities
Caring for animals doesn’t stop when the budget runs thin. Shelters and nonprofits face the constant weight of food costs, vet visits, safe housing, and the push for stronger protections. For many smaller groups, the challenge isn’t a lack of dedication; it’s finding the people who can back that work financially.
Online fundraising has opened new doors. Thanks to platforms such as GoFundMe, even the tiniest rescue can document its story, reach out to donors, and take animals out of harm’s way. If you’re struggling to decide which tools to use for animal welfare fundraising, this guide will walk you through them.
Which fundraising sites allow fundraisers for animal rescue charities?
If you’re raising money for animal rescue, the good news is there are several platforms built to support exactly that mission.
- GoFundMe is by far the most popular. It’s easy to set up, well-trusted, and has no platform fee, just standard processing costs. The tradeoff is that it doesn’t include a built-in donor CRM. Still, most users say it’s quick to launch and “intuitive” to use, which makes it an obvious choice for many rescues.
- GoFundMe Pro (formerly Classy) is a different story. It’s designed with nonprofits in mind, offering features like custom branding, recurring giving, event fundraising, and Salesforce integration. It’s best suited for mid-sized and larger organizations because pricing is custom, and the setup is more complex. Nonprofits that use it often highlight its strong analytics and advanced donor engagement tools.
- Fundly leans on visuals and storytelling. It’s great for small teams or urgent appeals, though the interface feels a bit dated. There is a standard processing fee (2.9% plus $0.30). Reviews are mixed: Some people like the simple setup, while others have criticized what they saw as a difficult setup.
- Donorbox works well for groups that already have a website and want to embed donation forms directly. It supports recurring giving, text-to-give, and integrations with major processors. The free plan is a bit limited, and the 2.95+% processing fee adds up, but users describe it as “clean and straightforward” and note that it blends well with tools they already use.
- Givebutter is another growing option. It’s free to use—relying on optional donor tips—and built with peer-to-peer fundraising in mind. It includes features for ticketing, team fundraisers, and even livestream integrations. Some nonprofits say there’s a learning curve with the more advanced tools, but reviews consistently note its “modern interface” and responsive customer service.
Here’s a side-by-side look at how the major platforms compare:
| Platform | Pros | Cons | Key Features | Pricing | Customer Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoFundMe | Simple setup, widely trusted, quick to launch | No built-in donor CRM | Personal fundraising pages, social sharing, donor protection | 0% platform fee + transaction fees | Reviewers say it’s “intuitive and quick to use.” |
| GoFundMe Pro (Classy) | Advanced nonprofit tools, recurring giving, strong analytics | Best suited for mid-sized or larger orgs | Custom branding, event fundraising, Salesforce integration | Custom pricing | Nonprofits highlight its donor engagement features and reliable reporting. |
| Fundly | Visual and story-driven, good for urgent needs | Older interface, platform fees apply | Mobile-friendly, social sharing | 0% platform fee + 2.9% +$0.30 processing | Feedback is mixed—some like the ease of setup, others mention difficulty in setup. |
| Donorbox | Easy to embed on websites, strong recurring options | Limited customization on free plan | Text-to-give, donor management, payment integrations | 2.95+% fee + standard processing | Users call it “clean and straightforward” and note how well it integrates with existing tools. |
| Givebutter | Free to use (donor tips), modern and social-friendly | Learning curve for advanced features | Peer-to-peer tools, ticketing, livestream integrations | 0% platform fee | Donors and nonprofits alike praise its “fresh design” and supportive customer service. |
How to fundraise online for an animal rights charity
If your mission leans toward advocacy (ending cruelty, improving laws, or driving awareness), your fundraiser should highlight both the animals you’re helping and the bigger cause.
A practical approach looks like this:
- Pick your platform. GoFundMe is a simple starting point. Nonprofits may prefer GoFundMe Pro for its advanced features.
- Set clear goals. Spell out what each donation supports: legal aid, education, outreach, or direct care.
- Share a real story. Photos, videos, and honest context connect people more than statistics ever could.
- Promote often. Use social media, email newsletters, and partner networks to keep your fundraiser visible.
- Follow up. Thank donors and show how their contributions made a difference.
For instance, a grassroots group could start a GoFundMe to raise funds for a spay/neuter clinic in their community. At the same time, they might leverage the fundraiser to call for better animal protection laws in their state. By pairing direct care with advocacy, groups help animals as the situation dictates, and champion reforms that can ease, and in some cases, eventually eliminate suffering.
What online tools support fundraising for animal habitat nonprofits?
Habitat protection requires consistent funding, not just one-time boosts. Online platforms make it easier to set that up.
- GoFundMe Pro lets nonprofits create branded donation pages and recurring giving programs.
- Peer-to-peer tools allow supporters to run their own mini-fundraisers to spread the mission further.
- Email and social integrations make sharing automatic and keep donors updated.
- Recurring donations build a reliable base for ongoing conservation work.
For organizations that safeguard habitats, these features have helped to maintain funding and community connection.
Which platforms can help me support fundraising for animal protection charities?
You don’t have to lead a nonprofit to have impact. Here’s what donors can do:
- Start a personal GoFundMe benefiting a registered animal protection charity.
- Give to nonprofit donation pages directly with GoFundMe Pro.
- Donate to existing wildlife rescues, sanctuaries, or advocacy groups.
Each choice offers a way to begin something yourself or to amplify an existing mission.
What are the most effective online solutions for raising money for an animal rescue nonprofit?
For smaller and mid-sized rescues, GoFundMe remains the most straightforward solution. It’s trusted, quick to set up, and doesn’t add platform fees.
Donorbox and Givebutter, on the other hand, are better suited for nonprofits that want more flexibility. Both allow custom branding, but Donorbox makes it easy to set up detailed donation tiers (like $25 for food, $100 for medical care). Givebutter leans into peer-to-peer fundraising and adds event ticketing, which can be a draw for rescues hosting adoption fairs or benefit events.
Recurring giving is available on both platforms, though Donorbox is often favored by groups that want a smooth, embedded donation form directly on their site. Givebutter shines with its modern interface and social features, making it easier to keep donors engaged and coming back.
Really, the right choice will simply depend on how much control you’d like to have over the donor experience. If speed and ease are your top priorities, GoFundMe is great. If you require deep engagement and multi-month donor management, Donorbox or Givebutter might be worth the setup.
What are the online options for donating to stray animal welfare charities?
Stray animal programs typically depend on contributions that are often made by local residents, but online giving has allowed those contributions to come from across the globe. Donors can:
- Donate money to local rescue efforts with GoFundMe fundraisers.
- Donate directly to GoFundMe Pro donation pages.
- Support long-term initiatives for shelters and street animal programs.
Online, someone on the other side of the world can pitch in to help cover the costs of food, medicine, and transportation for animals they will never meet but who still benefit directly.
Frequently asked questions about animal rescue fundraising
Can I use GoFundMe to raise money for animal rescue?
Absolutely. People commonly have GoFundMe pages for vet bills or adoption efforts to keep local rescues going. Nonprofit organizations can also use it to cast a wider net and share their stories.
How much does GoFundMe charge for animal charity fundraisers?
There’s no fee to use the platform itself. The only cost is the standard transaction fee that covers payment processing.
Can nonprofits for animal rights use GoFundMe Pro?
Yes. GoFundMe Pro gives nonprofits access to more advanced tools, like recurring donations, event fundraising, and email follow-ups that help keep supporters engaged.
Where can I donate to support stray animal charities?
You can donate directly to individual GoFundMe fundraisers for local rescues, or via the official nonprofit pages hosted on GoFundMe Pro. Both options funnel your support directly to the work on the ground.
Start your animal rescue fundraiser today
Animal welfare has always been dependent on money coming in, and now online platforms have radically lowered the barrier to entry for groups of any size. With robust tools, including GoFundMe and GoFundMe Pro that make storytelling even easier, it has never been a better time to share your (or your animal’s) story and raise what you need.
To try is to start. Make your page, share it with your community, and invite others to join you.
Start a fundraiser today and make a difference for animals in need.