The figures were released at the start of RSPCA week (23-29 April) - the charity's largest annual fundraising drive.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Sharp increase in unwanted pets

Parents of a British boy killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in the USA are backing a fundraising drive for a Hampshire autism charity.

BBC: Dylan Hockley's parents back Hampshire Autistic Society

Mary Wittenberg, chief executive of the New York Road Runners, had attempted to recast the marathon as a "Race to Recovery" highlighted by a fundraising drive to support relief efforts.

WSJ: 2012 New York City Marathon Canceled After Becoming Lightning Rod For Criticism

Rep. Pete Lee, a Democrat from Colorado Springs who introduced the bill in January, says businesses that choose to become benefit corporations should be allowed to "promote the public good" through one-off projects, such as a fundraising drive for a local school or a day off for employees to do charitable work, that don't hurt profits.

WSJ: Can Firms Aim to Do Good if It Hurts Profit?

RocketHub, as readers of my column are likely aware, is a forward-thinking crowdfunding platform that is working drive education on the power of online fundraising.

FORBES: Television Meets Crowdfunding: A+E Networks and RocketHub Launch 'Project Startup' for Entrepreneurs

Rahim Kanani: In the Stanford Social Innovation Review feature article on your research, you discuss how brand management is not simply about fundraising and consistent colors, but that strategic branding can ultimately drive broad, long-term social goals, while strengthening internal identity, cohesion, and capacity.

FORBES: Branding for Nonprofits: New Research, New Insights