Using statistics to help fundraise

Here is a good post with some relevant data you might want to collect if trying to raise money:  http://animalsheltertips.com/blog/fundraising/using-statistics-to-help-homeless-pets. We like to spend a lot of time thinking about the statistics and math involved with helping animals because we are hoping to quantify the amount of need out there in order to bound the magnitude of the problem. Statistics seem to work on people as you can show them what kind of return they are getting for their investment. If you say, “please donate $500 and you will help save dogs,” that is more difficult than saying “if you donate $500, we will be able to save three dogs that are at kill shelters and put them in foster homes until they are adopted.” In general, we have found using statistics is both helpful in thinking about donating money and raising money. The problems just seem too large and obtuse otherwise.