On Target: Why Hands-On Fundraising Is Winning Over Serious Donors

The morning sun beats down on Oak Tree Gun Club in Valencia as business owners, police officers and community members shoulder their shotguns. This isn’t your typical charity scene – there are no evening gowns or silent auction paddles here. Instead, the crack of clay pigeons fills the air as participants take aim at targets and raise funds the old-fashioned way.

This is Clays for K9s, where the Simi Valley Police Foundation’s annual fundraiser puts donors directly in the action. On 13 June, dozens gathered for two rounds of trapshooting, a barbecue lunch and raffle prizes, all to support the police department’s K9 unit. Valley Alarm’s Sales Manager John Scott and team member David Turner were among those who traded boardroom attire for shooting vests, joining teams from across the local business community.

The Formula

The format is refreshingly straightforward. Teams compete in trapshooting rounds whilst funds flow directly to the Simi Valley Police Foundation, which supports programmes outside the standard city budget. Participants see exactly where their money goes: officer training, equipment upgrades and K9 programme expenses that municipal budgets can’t cover.

Instead of polite applause and programme listings, donors actively participate alongside the very people their contributions support. The Simi Valley PD K9 Unit team took first place, with Elks Lodge members claiming second – creating a competitive atmosphere that keeps things engaging whilst maintaining focus on the cause.

Why It Appeals to Serious Givers

Modern philanthropy faces a credibility crisis. Recent analyses show that traditional galas are seeing declining attendance, particularly among younger donors who prefer authentic, value-driven experiences over formal events. Donor retention rates average around 57% across nonprofits, but hands-on events consistently outperform this benchmark.

The appeal lies in transparency. Rather than receiving a tax receipt and hoping for the best, participants see their beneficiaries in action. They meet the K9 handlers, interact with the dogs and understand exactly what their contributions fund. Starting a K9 police unit typically costs between $20,000 and $29,000 per dog, covering purchase, training and equipment – figures that become meaningful when you’re sharing lunch with the handler who depends on that funding.

Making Real Connections

‘Events like Clays for K9s show how strong partnerships between law enforcement and the community truly are,’ said Ed Michel, Co-President of Valley Alarm. ‘We’re proud to stand with the men, women and K9s who protect our neighbourhoods.’

This direct connection matters more than traditional fundraising wisdom might suggest. Participants don’t just write cheques – they build relationships with the people their donations support. The transparency creates trust that extends beyond the event itself, often leading to ongoing support and deeper community engagement.

Police K9 units face significant challenges beyond initial funding. Many departments struggle with rising operational costs and the emotional toll when officers lose their canine partners in the line of duty.

Where the Money Goes

The financial clarity of events like Clays for K9s addresses a fundamental donor concern: impact visibility. Many police K9 units face budget cuts and rely heavily on grants and donations to maintain their programmes. The K9 LEAP Grant offers between $2,500 and $4,500 per unit, but ongoing expenses – including handler training, veterinary care, specialised vehicles and equipment maintenance – require consistent funding streams.

When participants at Oak Tree Gun Club see the K9 teams in action, they understand exactly what their contributions purchase. There’s no ambiguity about administrative overhead or programme effectiveness – the dogs and handlers are right there, demonstrating the direct result of community support.

Competition Drives Engagement

The competitive element adds another layer of engagement that traditional galas struggle to match. Teams vie for bragging rights alongside their charitable contributions, creating memorable experiences that participants discuss long after the event ends. Clay pigeon shooting events like Clays for Kids and Clays for Heroes harness this competitive spirit, often incorporating team-based competitions and sponsor involvement that maximises both engagement and fundraising potential.

Part of a Bigger Movement

Fundraising experts note a trend away from costly traditional galas toward hands-on donor engagement that builds authentic connections based on shared values. Modern philanthropy events focusing on direct impact and measurable outcomes are seeing increased participation from donors who want more than tax receipts and annual reports.

Effective hands-on fundraising events enhance donor retention by involving participants in meaningful roles rather than passive observation. Visual aids showing real-time impact – like seeing K9 units in action – create engaging experiences that distinguish these events from traditional charity approaches.

The success of skill-based fundraisers suggests donors want participation, transparency and direct connections with their chosen causes. Supporting law enforcement through community events builds relationships that extend far beyond a single afternoon at the gun club.