Rescuing Wildlife and Mastering Fundraising during COVID-19: Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, FL has been dedicated to the protection and conservation of Florida’s wildlife and natural resources since 1983. They work to their two-fold mission of wildlife rehabilitation and environment education through providing free comprehensive medical and rehabilitative care to over 5,000 injured wild animals and offering community outreach programs to over 150,000 people annually.

The Sanctuary is a way for the community to learn about Florida’s wildlife and natural environment first-hand. While there is no admission fee to enjoy the Sanctuary, they encourage visitors to make a donation to help support Busch Wildlife Sanctuary’s mission during their visit.

“DipJars have really helped us in our fundraising efforts which has been especially great since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.” Lisa Wynne, Assistant Director of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary

Prior to 2018, the Sanctuary relied on cash donations from visitors. If a visitor didn’t have cash on hand, it was a missed giving opportunity. So, they decided to invest in two DipJars! When they first introduced their DipJars on-site, they raised over $10,000 in just two months! After seeing such great success with two Jars, they wondered what they could do with a third.

Their original intent was to put the third DipJar at a business partner location, but COVID-19 required them to change that plan. They placed their new Jar at the Sanctuary just in time for the re-opening to the public at the end of May 2020. Each DipJar is set at different donation amounts to allow the donor more options when making a donation. And, it’s been a hit! As visitors to the Sanctuary have increased and are almost back to normal, we know their new DipJar will continue to help increase their fundraising efforts!