Fundraising Ideas     |     15 September 2025

11 Wildlife Fundraising Ideas to Help Animals During Wildfires

Creative ways to support animals affected by wildfire smoke, habitat loss, and emergency rescues

10 minute read

It happens every summer. The sky turns hazy, air quality drops, and somewhere in the distance, acres of trees and brush are turning to ash. Wildfires are displacing and endangering wildlife at a staggering rate. While headlines focus on human evacuations and structural damage, countless animals are quietly caught in the chaos. If you're looking for ways to help, you're not alone. Volunteers, students, and community groups are stepping up in creative ways to raise funds and bring relief.

This guide is for anyone ready to jump in and make a difference but unsure where to start. Whether you're part of a school, a nonprofit, a neighborhood group, or just a team of friends who care, these wildlife fundraising ideas can help you take action and actually see results. If you need a hand with logistics, ticketing, or auction management, Silent Auction Pro is here to help make the process easier for everyone involved. 

What happens to animals during wildfires

Wildfires move fast. That speed is deadly for animals that can't outrun the flames or don't understand the danger. Fawns, burrowed creatures, and nesting birds are often left behind. Those who escape face a different set of threats: smoke inhalation, burned paws or wings, and the sudden loss of their habitat. Trees that once offered shade and food become blackened stumps. Rivers and creeks fill with ash.

It’s important to note that the danger doesn’t disappear once the fire is out. Recovery can take months, even years. Many animals are left without food sources, nesting areas, or safe shelter. Some are too injured to survive without human intervention. Rescue centers are quickly overwhelmed, operating on tight budgets and flooded with new intakes. Veterinary services, transport costs, temporary housing, and rehabilitation supplies are all in high demand during wildfire season.

The hidden impact of animals and wildfire smoke

Even animals far outside the burn zone can suffer. Smoke doesn't stop at fire lines. It spreads for hundreds of miles, clogging lungs and lowering oxygen levels. Birds often fall from the sky in thick smoke, disoriented and unable to breathe. Both pets and wildlife exhibit signs of respiratory distress. Wildfires may cause injuries and burns, but smoke impacts the health of an entire ecosystem.

Prolonged exposure to smoke can lead to long-term damage. Insects disappear, reducing food availability for birds and bats. Amphibians absorb toxins from polluted waterways. Scavenger animals venture into urban areas in search of food, risking vehicle collisions or interaction with humans. The ripple effects stretch well beyond the blaze itself.

That's where you come in.

Why wildlife fundraising matters more than ever

Every dollar raised helps a rescue center provide food, shelter, and emergency care to animals in need. It helps injured animals get the treatment they require. It keeps trained professionals in the field, doing what they do best. On a larger scale, it reminds people that wildlife isn’t just something we talk about. It’s part of our shared environment.

If you're considering launching a fundraiser but feel overwhelmed by the logistics, Silent Auction Pro offers tools that can simplify the process. From selling tickets to managing online auctions, it takes the technical stress off your plate so you can focus on the mission. You can also check out our recent article on LA wildfire relief fundraising ideas for more local inspiration.

Get clear on your goals before you start

Before choosing an idea, consider what you want your wildlife fundraising effort to accomplish. Are you supporting a specific rescue group? Raising funds for animal rehab supplies? Helping a local wildlife center rebuild fencing or expand an enclosure? When your goal is clear, it's easier to explain the impact to donors.

It also helps to match your fundraising idea to your audience. A virtual trivia night might be perfect for coworkers or friends across the country, while a local bake sale or art show could work better for a school community. Whatever you choose, the simpler the setup, the more energy you can devote to promotion and participation.

Finally, don’t go it alone. Use tools that support your efforts instead of piling more work onto your already full plate. Silent Auction Pro was built with volunteer fundraisers in mind, offering features to handle everything in a single app. 

11 wildlife fundraising ideas that actually help animals

Here are a few approaches that can raise real money while keeping your audience engaged and your mission at the forefront.

1. Sponsor-an-animal programs

Give donors the option to adopt an injured animal symbolically. Rescue centers often have existing sponsorship programs you can plug into. Donors get a photo and a short story of the animal they’re supporting. It’s a personal, meaningful connection that encourages ongoing donations. This is especially popular in classrooms, scout groups, and offices.

2. Wildlife-themed merchandise sales

Custom T-shirts, tote bags, mugs, and stickers with your logo or animal artwork can be sold through an online store or at in-person events. Utilize high-quality animal designs to align with your cause. Pro tip: link each merch item to a specific impact (e.g., “This mug helps pay for medicine for one injured owl”). You can even partner with local artists or schools to create the designs.

3. Virtual jungle trivia night

Make your trivia fundraiser themed around wildlife and wildfires. Include questions about animal tracks, endangered species, and forest ecosystems. Ask for a donation to participate, then award small prizes to the winning team. Use breakout rooms or chat for team communication if hosting on Zoom. Add a live donation tracker to keep energy high.

4. Nature-inspired auction events

Online auctions let you go big with minimal effort. Include local art, nature-themed gift baskets, trail passes, or handmade birdhouses. Silent Auction Pro makes mobile bidding simple, allowing people to participate even if they’re not attending your event in person. Add a paddle raise to quickly collect donations. Consider inviting a guest speaker or rescue partner to open the auction with a few words.

5. Pet photo contests

Invite supporters to submit their best pet photos and pay a small entry fee. Display the photos online and ask your community to vote. The pet with the most votes wins a prize. This is a great way to raise money and engage animal lovers without needing a large event space. You can also turn entries into a printed calendar to sell.

6. Outdoor movie night with animal documentaries

Set up an outdoor screening of a documentary like The Elephant Queen or Firestorm: The Story of the Australian Bushfires. Charge admission and sell snacks or drinks. You can even invite a local wildlife expert to speak briefly before the movie begins. This is a great way to combine learning and entertainment in a family-friendly setting.

7. Art show and silent auction for animals

Invite students, local artists, or kids in your community to create pieces inspired by animals and nature. Host a show where attendees can bid on their favorites. Silent Auction Pro can handle bidding and checkout, allowing you to focus on the experience. Feature a few rescue stories alongside the art to drive home the cause.

8. Wildlife donation stations at community events

If your area is hosting a farmer’s market, music night, or summer fair, ask to set up a donation table. Display photos of the animals you’re helping, include a Silent Auction Pro Giving Campaign QR codes for easy text-to-give options, and talk to people about your goal. Sometimes, face-to-face storytelling is what makes the difference. Hand out small thank-you tokens, such as buttons or paw print stickers.

9. Walk or ride for wildlife

Plan a simple 5K walk or bike ride where each participant raises pledges. This works well with families or fitness groups. Offer fun incentives, such as animal-themed water bottles or completion certificates. You can also turn it into a community festival with booths and games afterward. Include local wildlife groups or rehab centers as vendors or guests.

10. Wildlife education webinar

Host a live session with a local expert or wildlife rehabber. Share behind-the-scenes stories from recent rescues and talk about what animals need most after fire season. Promote it with a suggested donation to attend, and keep the tone informative but casual. Record the session to share with others who couldn’t attend live.

11. Animal-themed donation cards

Offer supporters a set of donation cards they can send or give as gifts. Each card features a photo or illustration of a rescued animal, accompanied by an explanation of what the donation helps cover. These make great birthday gifts, holiday thank-yous, or even memorial gestures. Include a link to your giving page on each card.

Making the Most of Your Fundraising Efforts

Regardless of what you decide to do, you want to make sure that you get the most return on your efforts. The last thing you want is to spend days planning and putting together a fundraiser only to break even, or even worse, lose money on the venture. Here are some tips that can help turn your wildlife fundraiser into a roaring success. 

Add a story that brings your fundraiser to life

Whether it’s a raccoon who limped out of a burned forest, a baby bird found disoriented on the side of the road, or a deer reunited with its herd after weeks of rehab, stories matter. Including a real example makes your fundraiser personal. You can even ask your local wildlife center for updates or permission to share an animal’s progress. Supporters are far more likely to give when they feel emotionally connected to the outcome.

You can also keep people involved by posting story updates to social media. Include photos, short captions, or even video clips. Highlight small wins, such as a healed wing or a new enclosure. These moments help people see how their donations make an actual difference.

Make the donor experience feel meaningful

Your donors want to feel like they’re part of something. Offer updates after the fundraiser ends. Send photos, share the amount raised, and let them know what comes next. Don’t just collect money. Put in the work to build a relationship. You can even spotlight a few supporters in your event recap or on your campaign page. This will ensure that your supporters understand the value of their gifts and that they’re likely to keep contributing at your next event. 

Silent Auction Pro makes it easy to send email and text updates to attendees and donors. You can schedule reminders, send thank-you notes, and track final totals with just a few clicks. Use your tools wisely, and the impact will last long after the event.

Don’t have to do this alone

Planning a fundraiser is a lot. Especially if you're juggling a full-time job, parenting, or other volunteer commitments. That’s why Silent Auction Pro was designed to take as much off your plate as possible. You can manage auctions, donations, ticketing, communication, and guest check-in all in one place without needing to become a tech expert overnight.

If you're organizing a fundraiser for the first time or want to make this one smoother than the last, request a free demo and see how easy it can be to build something that works. You focus on helping animals. We'll handle the details.

Keep the momentum going

Wildfires may be seasonal, but the impact on animals isn’t. With recurring donations, monthly sponsorships, or even a follow-up campaign for habitat restoration, your group can continue to support rescue work throughout the year.

Consider turning your summer fundraiser into an annual tradition. The connections and awareness you build now can fuel future success. Whether it’s a new batch of animal sponsorships or an updated art auction, your efforts will continue to make a difference.

Keep in touch with your supporters. Celebrate your success, but also share what's still needed. Wildfire season will come again, and when it does, your experience could make all the difference.

Let your next wildlife fundraising effort be the one that changes everything for a fox, a fawn, or a whole forest of animals waiting for a second chance.