Have you ever volunteered for a rescue group (dog, cat, rabbit, anything)? I would suggest that you start with that so you will have some local rescue resources.

I had a small rabbit fostering group at one time – we applied for and got our 501c non-profit status from the IRS.

What I first did was help at some local rabbit rescues and I realize you don’t have that in San Antonio. However I also volunteered at a local no-kill shelter (dogs and cats only). And that helped me see what it took to start my own rabbit foster group.

I also was an educator and foster for the House Rabbit Society. I would recommend you apply as a volunteer with them as well – you will get access to their resources and you can also tell shelters and other rescues you are a volunteer with them.

I paid all my expenses out of my own pocket when I had a little foster group with 2 other friends. Fundraising is always the BIGGEST challenge of any of the rescue groups I had or helped with. I am currently a board member for a Guinea Pig rescue and run their rescue store and we are always in the red. In fact, any of the rescue groups I helped where always in the red.

As for getting a 501c – you first need to incorporate in the state of Texas and you will need a board of directors (at least 3 people) to incorporate. Once you are incorporated you can then apply for your 501c3 if you decide to go that route.

Sarita is the expert as far as this goes. There are quite a few hoops to jump thru, there is much more involved than buying cages and taking in rabbits. One of the biggest expenses is going to be vet-care and spay/neuter for all the rabbits you take in. You might be able to get a discounted rate, but it won’t be by much. Many rescues operate with the assistance of foster homes, but you’d need to have several people set up and willing to help if you did this on your own. I would strongly encourage you to first foster for an established rescue before venturing out on your own.

Why don’t you consider becoming an educator with them?

Here’s the link on how to do it:

http://www.surveymethods.com/Preview.aspx

I did that for awhile (no longer an educator) and met alot of people on-line and learned alot from the other educators.

I think that’s what I was going to suggest, ie. do some school and organization visits to tell people the facts about rabbits and their care. You might even connect with a local dog/cat shelter as someone they can contact if a homeless bunny comes in. Definitely proceed via the HRS.

It’s been ages since I was an educator – about 10 years ago so I really cannot remember. I don’t think it should take too terribly long though.