Reinvigorate your fundraising

Just 18 months after rebranding and relaunching its activities, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust is reaping the rewards. A fresh new look, an exciting suite of fundraising programmes and a record-breaking Appeal for Ukraine have reinvigorated the Charity’s fundraising activities.

Making a difference for dogs

The KCCT is all about making a difference for dogs. Since its foundation, the Trust has donated over £12 million to different dogs’ charities and pioneering research projects that exist to keep tails wagging around the UK. Getting this message across and giving donors a range of opportunities to support the Trust’s work were the key motivations behind the Charity’s relaunch in 2021.

“As a dog lover, this felt like a brief sent from heaven,” says Gifted’s Chief Executive, Amy Stevens. “The opportunity to support the KCCT in refreshing its brand and developing a transformative fundraising strategy, was the beginning of a valued partnership that continues to go from strength to strength.”

Introducing innovative ways to give

As one of the largest dogs’ charities in the country, the KCCT was keen that the new look should reflect its pedigree as a respected funder of canine health, welfare and research projects. The rebrand was also the catalyst behind the launch of exciting new fundraising programmes like Double the Pawprint and Our Canine Companions. The interest generated by these new ways of giving has drawn major donors to the Charity and inspired the foundation of funds dedicated to supporting vulnerable dogs and their owners.

The Chelsea & Mr French Fund

One such fund was set up in partnership with Ms Lisa Seymour, an enthusiastic supporter of the Trust who was keen to alleviate the suffering that happens when dogs are separated from their owners. Whether someone is facing illness, homelessness or struggling to escape from domestic violence, the Chelsea & Mr French Fund exists to offer immediate respite and relief.

The KCCT Appeal for Ukraine

Alongside its regular fundraising activities, the Trust has had enormous success with its Appeal for Ukraine, launched in March this year. In little more than six months the Appeal raised over £255,000 for dogs caught up in the horror of conflict. Working with the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) which is ideally placed to offer assistance through its network of kennel clubs in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, the Trust has been able to change countless dogs’ lives on the ground.

“I don’t think anyone anticipated just how successful this Appeal would be,” says Amy. “It’s a testament to the commitment of staff, trustees and overseas partners, as well as to the incredible generosity of the UK’s dog loving public.”

Here comes Santa Paws

Last year, the Trust’s Christmas Campaign raised a fantastic £66,000 which was distributed to a total of 12 dogs’ welfare charities. Working with targeted support from media experts The Ripple Effect, the Campaign’s success has also inspired the Trust’s thinking around its fundraising this Christmas. Plans are currently being finalised with this year’s celebrity supporter who will front the KCCT’s Christmas messaging. “We’ve learned just how important it is to make Christmas count for dogs as well as people,” says Amy. “Given the strength of support the Trust has received over the last 12 months, we’re hoping that this year’s seasonal appeal will be bigger than ever.”

To read more about the KCCT’s work and the various ways to give, go to www.kennelclubcharitabletrust.org. Or, contact us at Gifted to speak to one of our Directors about how to transform your charity.