Brief description of the project

This project was focused on raising funds and awareness for the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), a local no-kill animal shelter in Wheaton, Illinois. Our team planned and organized a few activities to support ARF, such as in-person fundraising event on campus, fundraising through social media, a donation drive, and an in-person service event at their rescue house. The goal was to help raise money and collect supplies for the shelter, as well as to get the community more involved in their mission of rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs.

Brief description of the charity

The Animal Rescue Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) no-kill shelter, and their website can be found here https://www.arf-il.org/. It is a local, Illinois-based organization located in Wheaton. It is a shelter that focuses on rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs. This means that when they find a cat or dog or someone brings them in, they house them, give them the proper nutrients and medication, and then rehome them to a foster family or wait for them to be adopted. Due to limited capacity, they host adoption events every other weekend to encourage adoption, so they can take in more cats and dogs. They accept both monetary donations and supply donations.

Factual analysis of success in terms of project objectives

What	How	Goal	Result
In-person Fundraising	Flyers & engagement table on campus	Increase awareness; >15 people at engagement table; >15 visits to Amazon wish list; Raise at least $200 (worst case) $350 (most likely) $500 (best case)	32 visits at engagement table & 7 made a monetary donation; 40 visits to Amazon wish list; Raised $479
Virtual Fundraising	Flyers on social media
In-person Service	Volunteer on-site	Provide assistance	Worked 4 volunteer hours
Donation Drive	Flyers, mass email, collection points	Increase awareness; Collect at least 20 items	188 items collected

 

Two or three lessons learned about managing projects

1. One of the most valuable lessons we learned during this project was the importance of constant and transparent communication among team members. As graduate students juggling coursework and other commitments, it wasn’t always feasible for everyone to attend team meetings and project events. In such cases, we found it essential to communicate conflicts in advance, allowing the team to adjust plans and assign responsibilities based on individual schedules. This emphasis on communication also extended to the organization we partnered with. Maintaining consistent contact with their team ensured they were informed of our efforts and progress.
2. Another significant takeaway was the importance of setting clear deadlines. Throughout the project, we remained committed to establishing timelines for both short-term and long-term tasks. This proactive approach kept us on track, which was particularly critical given the short duration of our class and the extensive workload required to complete the project.
3. Lastly, adaptability proved to be a crucial skill. The planning and execution stages of a project of this scale rarely align perfectly. When unexpected challenges arose, it was important for our team members to remain flexible, develop backup plans, and adjust as needed to stay focused on achieving our end goal.
4. Begin the project as soon as you can. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to troubleshoot unexpected challenges and make adjustments without feeling rushed. It also allows for more productive collaboration and feedback.

Advice for future teams doing similar projects

1. Identify potential risks during the initial planning phase and establish contingency plans. Having clear solutions in mind will prevent delays and ensure the project remains on track when obstacles arise.
2. Even the best-laid plans can face unexpected changes. Stay open to adjusting timelines, reallocating resources, or revising your approach when necessary. Flexibility is key to overcoming hurdles.
3. Develop a clear and organized breakdown of tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines. This will ensure accountability within the team, provide a clear roadmap for progress, and make it easier to track milestones.
4. While project management can be challenging, it’s also a valuable opportunity to learn, collaborate, and build new skills. Embrace the experience, support your teammates, and enjoy the process of bringing your project to life.

Event Photos