Host an Event or Drive

• You must complete and submit your third-party fundraising application to HSSC no less than 30 days prior to the proposed event. Approval must be received before advertising is permitted.
• Applications are one-time only. If this is a recurring annual event, a new application will need to be submitted and approved each year.
• HSSC reserves the right to deny any application. Reasons for denial of application include but are not limited to: (1) does not support the HSSC mission or project a positive image for HSSC; (2) no system to ensure the accountability of funds raised; (3) the proposal would conflict with existing philanthropic relationships; (4) the project would conflict with a marketing or public relations campaign; or (5) the proposal is considered unethical or inappropriate.
• You must notify HSSC if another organization will benefit from this event/promotion.
• All sponsors need to be disclosed to HSSC. If your event includes soliciting local businesses for cash or in-kind support, please include your prospect list to ensure solicitations do not conflict with existing relationships or development plans.
• HSSC reserves the right at any time to revoke an approved event’s status if the event violates these third-party fundraising policies.
• In no case will the Humane Society of Sarasota County provide the names or contact information of our individual or corporate donors.

• On application approval, permission will be granted for the use of HSSC’s logo; however, promotional materials will need to be preapproved, and the logo cannot be used for any other purpose other than what is described in the third-party fundraising application. The logo cannot be altered in any way.
• It must be clearly stated on and in all promotional materials that the event is “In support of the Humane Society of Sarasota County” or “Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Sarasota County” followed by Getting Started - Guidelines & Policies the HSSC logo. Nowhere can it state that HSSC is a sponsor, co-sponsor, or producer of the event.
• When referencing the Humane Society of Sarasota County in promotional materials, please reference us by our full name and not the abbreviation HSSC. Also, we are not affiliated with the Humane Society of the United States, and referencing us as “Humane Society” instead of “Humane Society of Sarasota County” is also incorrect.
• As appropriate and approved, HSSC will include the third-party event in its marketing efforts.

• The Humane Society of Sarasota County is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or theft sustained
by event coordinators, volunteers, participants, or any other individuals related to a third-party event. We
cannot provide liability insurance or coverage for third-party events.
• Events and event organizers must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and obtain any necessary
permits or licenses.

• HSSC’s Federal Tax ID is 59-6014943
• Financial accounts set up in the name of HSSC are not permitted.
• HSSC cannot make any investment, pay for, or reimburse any expenses incurred as a result of a third-party event.

• As a fundraiser being promoted as benefiting HSSC, all proceeds (net revenue) after deducting expenses must be sent to HSSC. A paper donation form will be provided.

• If you are deducting expenses before sending net proceeds to HSSC, you may not state or imply to your donors that any funds given to you are tax-deductible. A donation solicited on our behalf is fully tax-deductible only when it is made directly and entirely to HSSC.
• Any form that attempts to solicit a contribution to HSSC must include our solicitation for contributions disclaimer: The Humane Society of Sarasota County, Inc., is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Registration Number CH239, and receives 100% of all donated funds. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 1-800-435-7352 within the state or online at www.freshfromflorida.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

• Checks made payable to “Humane Society of Sarasota County” must be sent immediately following the event to:
  Humane Society of Sarasota County
  2331 15th Street
  Sarasota, FL 34237
• Only checks made payable to “Humane Society of Sarasota County” will be provided with a tax-deductible acknowledgment letter. Donations made directly to an event or event host will not receive a tax deduction from the Humane Society of Sarasota County.
• If cash donations are taken (which is discouraged) and donors request acknowledgment of their gift for tax purposes, the following legible information must be collected and reconciled with the proceeds given to HSSC: name, address, amount given, and date given. Collection of information is the sole responsibility of event organizers; however, HSSC can provide donation forms for your use upon request.

There are plenty of ideas for creative fundraising! Here is a list of different activities you could do to help raise money for the shelter:

• Athletic tournament (golf, volleyball, tennis, softball, bowling)
• 5K, 10K, or marathon (charge entry fee)
• Birthday party
• Carnival
• Pet wash
• Wine tasting (entry fee)
• Auction (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Car wash (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Bake sale (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Casual/jeans day (pay $10 to wear jeans to work)
• Holiday party (entry fee or suggested donation)
• Concession stand at little league games (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Loose change jar (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Pampered Chef ® or Tupperware ® party (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Book sale (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Talent show (entry fee)
• Garage sale (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• House cleaning (for donations)
• Pet sitting (proceeds benefit HSSC)
• Gift wrapping (for donations)
• Kissing booth (a dog kissing booth, of course!)
• Chili cook-off (entry fee)
• Lemonade stand (proceeds benefit HSSC)

If you would like to support our mission without an event, please visit our Donation page.

Please fill out the Event Application form and submit it.

Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and a member of our staff will reach out to you.

We are grateful for the awareness, support, and funds raised through third-party efforts. However, due to our limited resources, we must carefully consider our level of involvement with these events. We ask to be notified at least 30 days before an event so that we can make sure your expectations are met, provide additional promotional support to the best of our ability, and give you proper recognition. Depending on the time of year, we may be able to accommodate requests with less notice.

Absolutely! You can create a Facebook Fundraiser on behalf of HSSC and set your own fundraising goal for your family and friends. HSSC will receive the funds within 90 days.

If you have any questions please reach out to Mercedes Cruz, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or 941.955.4131 x 109.