The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County is a private, non-profit organization. We provide services and programs that benefit thousands of animals in crisis each year. We are able to pursue our mission with support expressed through private donations and bequests from individuals and businesses, grants from foundations and trusts, and various fund-raising events.

We receive no funds from the federal, state, city or county governments.

We are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) organization for tax purposes, so all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

If you would like to make a donation to help the hundreds of injured and abused animals we receive every year, there are numerous ways.

One-Time or Recurring Donations

The Humane Society accepts one-time and recurring donations through this website. No matter the size of your donation, every little bit helps.

Employer Matching Donations

 If you donate to the Humane Society, check with your employer about matching dollars for charitable donations. If you volunteer your time at the Humane Society, check to see if your employer might match your hours with dollars. Some companies now include donations of your time as well as your money in their Matching Gifts programs.

Donate Stock and Appreciated Assets

Give the Humane Society appreciated securities, shares in a mutual fund or other types of appreciated property, and you can enjoy tax benefits and a charitable income tax deduction. By donating appreciated property instead of cash, you can usually deduct the current fair market value of the property and avoid capital gains tax on appreciation. Please call 901.937.3900 for more information on transferring gifts of stock.

Bequests

Bequests are the easiest and most common planned gift. With a bequest, you can leave all or part of your estate to the Humane Society. General unrestricted bequests will be used to support our endowment and operating budget. Restricted bequests can also be made for specific programs or uses. 

Donate Retirement Assets

Retirement accounts can be heavily taxed and can significantly reduce the value of your account when given to an individual.  If you name the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County as the beneficiary of your Individual Retirement Account, 401(k), 403(b), or other qualified pension plan, your estate will receive a charitable deduction for the funds' full amount.  Your gift can reduce the tax burden on your estate, increasing the amount your heirs may receive. 

In-kind Donations of Goods and Services 

NOTE: The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County does not intend to give legal, financial or tax advice. If you decide to make a charitable contribution to the Humane Society, please contact your legal, financial and/or tax advisor to determine the gift that will best meet your needs.