(PRESS RELEASE) LOS ANGELES – As part of its commitment to saving animals and enriching lives, the animal welfare non-profit organization Michelson Found Animals Foundation announces that registration for the fifth annual Saving Pets Challenge is now open. The online competition, running May 1-31, encourages animal welfare organizations to raise money for the chance to win cash prizes to help fund life-saving programs for pets in their communities.
Since its inception in 2014, the Saving Pets Challenge has helped raise over $5 million. Last year, over 400 animal welfare organizations competed and raised $1.5 million. This year the program includes exciting updates. Participating charities will be split into two tiers – one for larger organizations and one for smaller ones – to make it easier for organizations to compete effectively. Also, there are more cash prizes as the prize pool has been increased to $250,000, up from $150,000 in 2017, which means that more money will go to save pets.
There are two ways for groups to compete. First, the top groups that raise the most money during the Challenge will be rewarded with cash grants from Michelson Found Animals, totaling $180,000. Second, there are weekly Bonus Challenges totaling $70,000, which are designed to encourage participation throughout the challenge.
“At Michelson Found Animals, we are committed to finding real and sustainable ways to advance the health and safety of pets, not only through our own programs, but by supporting other animal welfare organizations that are also working toward keeping pets safe in loving homes,” said Dr. Gary Michelson, founder of Michelson Found Animals Foundation. “We started the Saving Pets Challenge five years ago to inspire organizations to develop creative and compelling ways to raise funds and we are honored to be able support their great work through much needed grant money.”
After completing the application form, eligible organizations will receive a toolkit filled with helpful items and information including sample messaging, webinars, email and social media content and more to ensure that they have everything they need to clearly communicate the goals and objectives of the fundraiser with their community. Competitors have until May 31 to raise funds for their program and compete for donations and bonus prizes from Found Animals along the way.
For more information on the 2018 Saving Pets Challenge and the application process, click here. Eligibility restrictions apply.