Dooks All ~!~!
 
Sandi <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>The other reason, not mentioned, is that shelters which already have
>their own 501(c)(3) status, their own board of directors, their own
>standards and their own fund raising, don't need to be controlled by
>another non-profit organization. :-)
>
>The PFSN is really great for helping individuals who don't have the time,
>energy or wherewithall to run their own non-profit organization.
 
             -----------------
 
<Sheeesh...> Okay, so maybe I missed something . . . . None of us are
prefect . . . ummm perfunct . . Well nobody is 100% right all the time.
Actually I think it would be filed under ". . . .feel they would lose
their autonomy . . ."
 
Not certain if 'controlled' would be the phrase to use.  While the PFSN
does set standards on the maintenance and care of the ferrets, and
standards for the shelter, we do not make it a habit of telling people
how to run every aspect of their life oir shelter.  More of guidance.
 
One of the provisions of the PFSN contract is that shelters have or
obtain their own 501(c)3 non-profit status.  We even help new shelters
establish and obtain their 501(c)3.  <though it drives our accountant
nuts~!~!  She loves us anyway though> This helps them to become more
self sufficient and encourages donations and funding.
 
True, there are a lot of successful, autonomous shelters out there.  They
have been productive, have their own board, their own fundraising and are
doing quite well.  I truly believe that everyone would like to see all
shelters run in this fashion.
 
In one way or another, many shelters out there 'network', though maybe
not officially.  If you need help you can call on a friend for an extra
cage, ferret-vite, food ..  whatever.  The PFSN provides a 'hub'.  If a
shelter needs supplies or advice, the Shelter Coordinator can call around
to try and get what you need and get it to you.
 
Or let's say you're in a more remote area where fundraising consists of
what you can sell on eBay.  Not much in the way of local donations except
for the sleep sacks you sell to the people that have adopted from you.
Nice to think that a fundraiser carwash 50 miles away in Salem can help.
Or that the dinner in Beaverton can help get you money for new cages.
Some of our shelters couldn't make it to the Holiday Party yet they still
benefit because some of the money from the auctions will go to them.
 
No matter how well your individual operation is run, or how much you get
in your own fundraising, wouldn't it be nice to have someone give you
EXTRA funds or supplies?  At our Holiday Party alone over $1,000.00 was
authorized for disbursement to shelters in the network.  That was only
one of a few disbursements in the past year.  That could equate to a lot
of extra raisins in the Christmas Stockings.
 
Kevin B & The Way Kewl Kritter Crew    [log in to unmask]
Oregon Ferret Shelter volunteer http://www.OregonFerretShelter.com
Pacific Ferret Shelter Network member http://www.FERRETNET.ORG
[Posted in FML issue 4012]