If you are anything like me, you were not aware that there was a National Nonprofit Day. Or maybe, you did know, I don’t get out much. And why shouldn’t there be a National Nonprofit Day? There is National Chocolate Day, National Take Your Teddy Bear to Work Day and even Talk Like a Pirate Day. On August 17th, National Nonprofit Day (NND) recognizes the goals and positive impacts nonprofits have on communities and the world.
Nonprofits run the gamut from lawyers that help with low cost legal advice, to medical clinics to nonprofit funeral homes. Through nonprofits, awareness, research, and aid reach the people who need it most. Nonprofits also produce tremendous benefits to their surrounding communities and the broader world. Most nonprofits run on tight budgets, with little funding for program development, training, marketing and communications, or other specialized services.
Some famous non-profits that you may recognize are YMCAs, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Goodwill Industries National and Boys and Girls Club of America. But since we are an “animal minded” blog, let’s talk about some national animal nonprofits:
Austin Pets Alive: Founded in 2008, The Nonprofit is responsible for the formation of different programs like Parvo Puppy ICU and Dog Behavior Program which target the demographics of animals who were previously killed in municipal shelters due to their health or behavior problems. As an organization this non kill shelter has saved over 40,000 dogs and cats who faced euthanasia in other shelters.
Best Friends Animal Society: This nonprofits mission is to, “Bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets.” They thrive on 6 guiding principles like leadership, authenticity, and kindness which directs their efforts to, “demonstrate compassion and respect for all living animals.” Founded in the 1980s, by a group of like-minded friends, Best Friends Animal Society addresses the cruel and outdated management efforts of many shelters who use killing as a method of population control in their facilities. One of their major projects combats breed discriminatory laws, namely those regarding pit bull terriers, so that the disproportionately high number of those dogs can migrate from a shelter to home with owners who are helping to shatter the negative stereotype that certain breeds carry.
The Humane Society of the United States: This organization, the largest of its kind, helps over 100,000 animals each year with hands-on relief efforts. The Humane Society combats many large, extreme cases of animal cruelty like instances of animal fighting and wildlife trades. They recognize the importance of education on these issues and train others on the prevention of animal cruelty is better understood and more widespread. The Humane Society of the United States leads our nation in advocacy for the humane treatment of animals.
African Wildlife Association: One of the largest organizations currently working to combat the many dangers posed to Africa’s most vulnerable animals. These include the rhinoceros, the hippopotamus, the lion, the cheetah, and the gorillas, to name a few. In an effort to slow the decline of these animal populations to poaching, they use education to promote conservation.
Animal Rescue Corp: Animal Rescue Corps works towards the mission of ending “animal suffering through direct and compassionate action, and to inspire the highest ethical standards of humanity towards animals.” In other words, when an animal or animal population is in trouble, the Animal Rescue Corps shows up to help.
Of course, there are many local animal centered nonprofits as well, including:
Catz Angels: Catz Angels Rescue Effort is located in Fremont, Nebraska. CARE works locally to provide TNR (trap/neuter/release) services and rescue within the scope of TNR. CARE works to educate cat owners and the entire community about the importance of spay/neuter programs to effectively and humanely reduce the feral and community cat population in our area.
Scatter Joy Acres: Omaha NE Rescues, feeds, and cares for neglected, hungry, and abandoned animals to create healthy relationships in our communities. Utilizing the rescued animals to provide positive interactions and animal therapy for at-risk children, special needs adults and children, and many others
Nebraska Humane Society: The Nebraska Humane Society protects, saves and enriches the lives of animals in the communities we serve. We provide education, give sanctuary to animals, encourage adoptions and promote responsible pet ownership.
Taysia Blue Rescue: Omaha NE Taysia Blue Rescue strives to save lives by keeping Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes out of shelters. We provide them the with medical attention, socialization, exercise, food and a safe place to live with volunteer foster families until we can find them forever homes
H.U.G.S.: Heartland German Shepherd Rescue (HUGS) is a Nebraska-licensed, dog rescue organization founded in May 2015. We operate out of the Omaha-Lincoln, Nebraska area. Our focus is to save German shepherd dogs at risk of being euthanized in shelters or other dire situations. We also try to help other German Shepherds and mixes in need, as we are able to.
Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue: Omaha, NE: An all-breed rescue, who believes that every pet deserves to be happy & loved. Our goal is to give a SECOND CHANCE to any pet who needs it.
Hearts United for Animals: Omaha, NE- Hearts United for Animals is a national no-kill animal shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization. They rescue and take creatures who are lost, afraid, hungry or ill and give them a warm, soft bed, good food, medical care and most of all, love.
Jeanette Hunt Animal Shelter: Blair NE-Here to help animals through promoting the humane treatment of companion animals, minimizing the feral cat population through trap, neuter, and return (TNR), helping to reduce the number of injured and euthanized animals, increasing pet adoptions and supporting a safe and healthy pet with a friendly environment.
FurBaby Rescue: Norfolk, NE: Specialize in search and rescue of lost/missing/stolen pets. We rehabilitate, socialize and train animals and find them forever homes.
FurEver Home Inc.: Fremont NE--Works locally with the community to educate dog owners on spay/neuter programs, the importance of vaccinations as well as ways to promote good behavior. They pull and rescue dogs who are in danger of being euthanized, will rescue strays who have been abandoned by their not-so-good owner and make sure they are cared for medically, emotionally and made adoptable and help them find that perfect FurEver Home.
How can you celebrate National Nonprofit Day? Here are a few ways:
1. Give Voice to Your Cause: Use the hashtag #nationalnonprofitday on your social media channels to be seen and create awareness for your rescue.
2. Thank Your Volunteers: To commemorate this special day of recognition, thank your volunteers for their support and call those who are regularly active and advocating on their
3. Kick-Off Fall Fundraising Early: Preparing for fall fundraising activities yet? Get started now by launching a campaign with a short video that highlights results from a recent campaign and introduces a new initiative. Share it on social media, via email and on your website.
4. Display a Digital Donor Wall: From major donors to small donors, every donor counts when you’re trying to scale your organization’s impact. You can display a digital donor wall on your website or on stage at your next gala fundraiser. This scrolling donor list lends recognition to those who make it possible to achieve your organization’s goals.
5. Volunteer: donate your time to walk a dog, make something for a fundraiser, volunteer to transport animals to appointments or to their sister rescues. And of Course ALWAYS Foster, rescue, adopt.
There are many ways you can get involved with a nonprofit. If you have the money but don’t have the time, make a gift. If you have the time but don’t have the money, give your time. Take some time to learn more about nonprofits. Learn how they receive funding, what you can do to get involved, and how they change the world.
To get involved with FurEver Home Inc., head over to our website: https://www.fetchingfureverhomes.org/get-involved
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