As we approach the end of the fiscal year, many companies are taking a hard look at their budgets, strategizing how to make every remaining dollar count. It’s a time when resources can feel tight, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to make even a small investment that can have a significant impact on our Veterinary community. It’s never too late to build a bridge and uplift the profession, and I’d love to share some of the most meaningful ways you can use your remaining 2024 funds to do just that.
Pay It Forward: Support Emerging Veterinary Professionals
Let’s begin with my personal favorite: paying it forward. Investing in the future of our profession is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Whether it’s purchasing a conference registration for a new graduate eager to attend their first major event or providing mentorship and financial support to an up-and-coming Veterinary entrepreneur, these actions create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire community. I’ve seen firsthand how a single gesture of support can be transformative, and I encourage you to think about how your company can make a difference in someone’s journey. These contributions not only change individual lives, but they also fortify the profession as a whole. If you need help in knowing what pay it forwards may have the greatest impact, reach out here.
Become a Sponsor: Support The Bridge Club and Our Signature Events
As the founder of The Bridge Club, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that collaboration and connection have on the Veterinary profession. We’ve hosted a variety of signature events, such as the ICON Event, Give Back Benefit, and Bright Minds, which foster community, inspire thought leadership, and drive real change. However, like many organizations, the current economic environment has posed challenges to the growth of our initiatives. By becoming a sponsor, you’re not only supporting our events, but you’re also directly contributing to a more unified and resilient Veterinary profession. Your sponsorship helps us continue to build bridges, share ideas, and drive positive change across the industry. To learn more, reach out here.
Make a Donation: Contribute to Not-for-Profits Making a Difference
The Veterinary profession is blessed with a range of incredible not-for-profits that work tirelessly to address the challenges we face. Two of my personal favorites are the Veterinary Industry Giving Tree and the Veterinary Hope Foundation, both of which offer invaluable support to our community.
- The Veterinary Industry Giving Tree provides crucial financial assistance to professionals in need, whether due to unexpected emergencies or personal hardships.
- The Veterinary Hope Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of our colleagues, offering vital resources and aid when it’s needed most.
Making a donation to these organizations—or any other not-for-profit in the Veterinary field—ensures that our community continues to thrive, even in challenging times.
Champion Mental Health: Support Project Sticker
Mental health is a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart, which is why I launched Project Sticker, a not-for-profit initiative aimed at supporting Veterinary professionals before they reach a mental health crisis. Our goal is to proactively address mental health challenges in two key ways: leveraging practice management software to explore the connection between technology and mental well-being, and creating an aggregated site called ‘STICK WITH US,’ which will serve as a comprehensive resource for mental health support. By contributing to Project Sticker, you’re helping us take meaningful steps to ensure that every Veterinary professional has access to the resources they need. To learn more, reach out here.
Empower Veterinary Technicians: Create Scholarships for Credentialed Veterinary Technicians
Veterinary technicians are truly the unsung heroes of our profession, yet their contributions are often overlooked. One of the most impactful ways you can support them is by funding scholarships for those pursuing their credentials. These scholarships provide financial relief and send a strong message that we value and support the vital role Veterinary technicians play in our industry. By empowering them, we are investing in a brighter, more inclusive future for Veterinary medicine. There are many opportunities in this area. To learn more, reach out here.
Your Impact Matters
I understand that as the fiscal year winds down, budgets may be shrinking, and decisions around where to allocate remaining funds become more difficult. However, I assure you that even the smallest contribution can create lasting change in Veterinary medicine. By choosing to support one or more of these initiatives, you’re not just spending what’s left in your budget—you’re investing in the future of our profession.
Let’s unite as a community, maximize our remaining funds, and close out 2024 with a meaningful impact that will resonate for years to come. After all, it’s never too late to build a bridge and make a difference in the Veterinary profession.