The Power of Community in Animal Welfare

Hi, my name is Ashley, and I am the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called Because We Matter, dedicated to exotic animal rescue and wildlife education.

As an exotic animal rescue—or any animal rescue—we all know the reality: the cost isn’t just financial. It’s mental, emotional, and physical, every single day. You never truly know if the rescue you’re working on will be your last. You’re constantly pivoting, adapting, and searching for people who believe in your mission as deeply as you do. Animal welfare comes with strong opinions and constant scrutiny, and worrying about how to fund the work should be the last thing on your plate—but it’s always there.

That’s why having the right tools matters. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to use Zeffy and the range of features it offers. From newsletters and donor management to campaigns, raffles, storefronts, and even art auctions, it’s allowed us to reach supporters in multiple ways and keep everything in one place. Being able to manage and run so much with a single platform has been one of the most valuable tools I’ve used in 27 years of fundraising.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You have to find what works for your community—what draws people in, what keeps them engaged, and what inspires them to support your mission. Some people connect with art auctions, others with campaign progress trackers, and many value consistent updates and follow-up emails that make them feel part of the journey.

One of the most important things I’ve found in animal welfare is building a community of supporters—people who are like-minded, who love animals, and who believe in your mission as much as you do.

Building a strong, supportive community is everything in animal welfare. It’s about finding people who stand beside you, who believe in what you’re doing, and who are willing to help you continue the work—even when it’s hard.

Because this work is hard. It’s not easy, and it’s not for the faint of heart. We all know we can’t save them all. But every life we do save matters. And in the end, that’s what keeps us going.