1. Create your individual fundraiser. 

• During Registration: Fundraising as a participant can take your impact the extra mile!
  • Navigate to the Events page and click Signup.
  • On the Donate page, click Become a Fundraiser.
• Outside of Registration: Not a runner or walker? No problem. You can still make a difference for animals!
  • Visit runsignup.com/sthuberts5K9 and navigate to Fundraise.
  • Next, click Become a Fundraiser.

2. Personalize your individual fundraiser.

• • Create a name for your Fundraiser.
  • Add a Tagline.
  • Set a goal that feels achievable for your personal fundraising goal.
  • Customize your page’s URL. e.g., runsignup.com/[YourName]
  • Add a Personal Message Heading. 
  • Add a Personal Message. Use this space to share what St. Hubert’s means to you—maybe you adopted your pet, are a volunteer or foster, or simply want to make a difference.
  • Click Set Up if you'd like to fundraise as an Individual only. Otherwise, navigate to Team Fundraiser to create or join a team.

3. Create a team fundraiser.

• Under the Team Fundraiser settings, choose one of the following options:
  • Join a Team Fundraiser: Using the dropdown menu, choose a team to join.
  • Create a Team Fundraiser: Become the leader of a new Team.
    • Create a name for your Team Fundraiser.
    • Set a goal that feels achievable for your personal fundraising goal.
    • Add a Personal Message to display on your page. Use this space to share what St. Hubert's means to your team—maybe you’ve volunteered with us or simply want to make a difference. 
• Click Set Up fundraiser.

Resources: Becoming a Fundraiser

For more information about creating a fundraiser, including step-by-step instructions and a how-to video, click the links below.

1. Activate your network.

• Use social media, text, and email to spark interest with your network. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues to support your fundraiser or join you as team members.
• Make it personal! Let them know why you are raising money for St. Hubert’s 5K-9 Run and Walk.
• Leverage our 5K-9 fundraising assets to make your messaging stand out.

2. Spread the word.

• Visit your favorite restaurant or local business. Ask if they'd like to support your cause. Many restaurants and bars will host “give back” campaigns or events where they donate a percentage of sales.
• Hang flyers up on community bulletins and event boards. You can typically find these at libraries, grocery stores, coffee shops, and other local businesses.

3. Engage your audience.

• Spark urgency by setting milestones, goals, and deadlines.
• Build connections by sharing specific programs or needs that your contributions will support (i.e., shelter, food, and veterinary care for vulnerable animals).
• Keep the momentum going by sharing your progress.

Resources: Managing Your Fundraiser

Update or review your fundraiser settings by following the instructions below.

Your leadership and passion for animals can help spread the word and inspire others to raise vital funds for shelter pets. The email and text templates below will help put the FUN in fundraising and make connecting with your network a breeze!

General

I’m fundraising for St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center’s 5K-9 because I want to make a difference for shelter pets. Will you help me reach my goal to ensure the shelter can provide safe shelter, veterinary care, and compassion to animals when they need it most? 

Professional/Acquaintance

Text:

Hi [Name], I’m excited to share that I’m participating in St. Hubert’s 5K-9 on 9/19. All funds raised will support their lifesaving programs for animals. Will you join me in ensuring second chances for animals by donating to my fundraiser at [link to your page]?

Email:

• Copy: 

Dear [Name],

I’m excited to share that I’ll be participating in St. Hubert’s 5K-9 Run and Walk for Animals this fall. On September 19, more than 250 runners and walkers and their canine companions will come together to raise funds for shelter animals. I’m participating because [your reason for participating here.] 

Will you join me in ensuring second chances for animals by donating to my fundraiser or [walking/running] beside me on race day? 

• • Donate to my fundraiser at: [link to your page]

  • Register to run or walk at: runsignup.com/sthuberts5K9

All funds raised will benefit St. Hubert’s lifesaving programs for animals. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

• Asset: Attach the 5K-9 flyer and add the “Support Me” graphic to your email signature.

Click below to download and customize this template.

Personal Connection

Text:

Hi [Name], I’m participating in St. Hubert’s 5K-9 on 9/19. It would mean so much if you’d help me ensure second chances for animals like [your/their pet’s name]. Will you kindly donate at [link to your page]? Thank you so much! 😊

Email:

• Copy:

Hi [Name],

As you may know, [Share what animals and/or St. Hubert’s mean to you here]. Which is why I’m excited to share that I’ll be participating in St. Hubert’s 5K-9 Run and Walk for Animals on September 19. I can’t wait to celebrate a cause that means so much to me!

It would mean even more if you’d join me in ensuring second chances for animals by donating to my fundraiser or walking/running beside me on race day.

• • Donate to my fundraiser at: [link to your page]

  • Register to run or walk at: runsignup.com/sthuberts5K9

All funds raised will benefit St. Hubert’s lifesaving programs for animals. Thank you so much for your support!

- [Your Name]

• Asset: Attach the 5K-9 flyer and/or add your favorite photo of your pet in line with the email body (if applicable).

Click below to download and customize this template.

Local Business

Verbal:

Hi [name]. On September 19, I’m participating in St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center’s 5K-9 Run and Walk in Madison. I’m wondering if [business name] would be interested in supporting my fundraiser or getting involved in another way that is meaningful to you. 

If the business is interested in…

• Donating to your fundraiser: share the link to your page or offer to email it to them.

• Donating in-kind items/services or sponsoring: please contact development@sthuberts.org.

Email:

• Copy:

Hi [name],

I hope you’re well! On September 19, I’m participating in St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center’s 5K-9 Run and Walk in Madison. I’m wondering if [business name] be interested in supporting my fundraiser or getting involved in another way that is meaningful to you. 

I’ve noted a few ways to support the 5K-9 below. Will you join me in supporting shelter animals in our community?

• • Donate to my fundraiser: [link here]

  • Donate in-kind items/services or become a sponsor: Please contact development@sthuberts.org.

All funds raised will support St. Hubert’s lifesaving programs for animals.

Thank you,

[Your Name]

• Asset: Attach the 5K-9 flyer.

Click below to download and customize this template.

Resources: Make the Ask

How to Link Your Fundraiser to Your Email Signature

1. Download our Support Me graphic. 
2. Open your email browser or app and navigate to your signature settings.
3. Insert the graphic and hyperlink it to your fundraising page URL.

Download the graphics mentioned in this section by clicking the links below.

Posting on social media is a great way to spread the word and engage with your network. Use the sample posts below to get started and keep an eye out for more fun post ideas in your inbox!

Instagram Tips

• Sample Bio Text: Dog parent raising funds for shelter pets. Join me at the 5K-9! [Your fundraising link here].
• Tip: Drive your followers to your bio when asking them to donate/register.
• Hashtags: Use the #StHuberts5k9 to connect with others who are participating
• Tag @sthubertsanimal: Feel free to tag us on your Stories, but please refrain from adding us as a collaborator. We simply cannot accept that many post submissions.

Sample Posts

Post #1: Introduction

• Content: Post a photo with your pet.
• Caption: I’m excited to share that I’ll be participating in St. Hubert’s 5K-9 Run and Walk for Animals. Join me in ensuring second chances for shelter pets! 
  • If posting on Facebook: Donate to my fundraiser here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Donate to my fundriser at the link in my bio!

Post #2: Invite your friends/family to join you

• Content: Post a photo of your pet or an animal that you love.
• Caption: I’m participating in the 5K-9 Run & Walk on 9/19—want to join? Register at runsignup.com/sthuberts5K9 and join my fundraising team [your team name here] to support shelter animals! 
  • If posting on Facebook: Donate here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Donate at the link in my bio!

Post #3: About St. Hubert’s

• Content: "About St. Hubert's" Graphic (Download Graphic Here)
• Caption: You might think of them as just an animal shelter, but they do much more. Every year St. Hubert’s helps thousands of homeless pets and pet families with their services. Will you help me raise the funds that will allow them to continue their great work? 
  • If posting on Facebook: Donate here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Donate at the link in my bio!

Post #4: Share your “why” (Adopter, Foster, Volunteer, etc.)

• Content: Post a picture of you volunteering or walking a dog, or record a quick video (about 45 seconds–1 minute) talking about your connection to St. Hubert’s and post it as a Reel.
• Caption: I'm participating in St. Hubert's 5K-9 Run & Walk because [your reason here]. Help me reach my fundraising goal for animals!
  • If posting on Facebook: Donate here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Donate at the link in my bio!

Post #5: How you can support

• Content: "How to Support the 5K-9" Graphics (Download Graphics Here)
• Caption: There are a few ways you can support my fundraiser and help shelter pets. #1 is to SHARE THIS POST! Swipe to view the other ways. Thank you for your support!
  • If posting on Facebook: If you would like donate, you may do so here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: If you would like to donate, use the the link in my bio!

Post #6: The impact of your donation

• Content: "Impact of Your Donation" Graphic (Download Graphic Here)
• Caption: When it comes to helping shelter animals, every dollar matters. Here are some ways your donation creates a positive impact for these homeless pets.
  • If posting on Facebook: Donate now: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Donate now using the the link in my bio!

Post #7: Reminder: St. Hubert's 5K-9 is next week! (9/13)

• Content: Photo of the 5k9 Sign Up Graphic
• Caption: In 7 days, I will be running/walking [X] miles for homeless pets.
  • If posting on Facebook: Help me reach my fundrasing goal by donating here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Help me reach my fundrasing goal by donating at the the link in my bio!

Post #8: Reminder: The 5K-9 is tomorrow! (9/18)

• Content: Photo of your sneakers or you in your 5K-9 or running/walking outfit.
• Caption: Tomorrow, I'm running/walking [x] miles for St. Hubert's shelter animals. 
  • If posting on Facebook: If you would like to support, please donate here: [your fundraising link]
  • If posting on Instagram: Donate now using the the link in my bio!

Click below to download an editable version of these sample posts.

Simply copy and paste or make them your own!

Resources: Social Media

Download the graphics mentioned in this section by clicking the links below.

Your support bolsters our 86-year legacy of supporting animals and the people who love them. Learn more about the cause you’re supporting below!

St. Hubert's...

• Helps over 2,700 animals find loving homes per year.

• Programs include adoptions, fostering, life-saving transports, support for families, humane education, and more!

• Provides safe shelter and resources for families with pets, such as low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuters, temporary boarding, and pet food.

• Has transported over 30,000 animals to safety through its WayStation Transport program.

To learn more about St. Hubert’s, visit www.sthuberts.org/home.