Grant writing and layout for Lil' Orphan Hammies.

1. Lil’ Orphan Hammies
Grant Request Submission to
--->Enter Name Here<---
Prepared for: --->Enter Name Here<---
Prepared by: Jane Mäger, Secretary, Lil’ Orphan Hammies
August 15, 2011

2. Contents
Summary........................................................................................................................................ 3
Organizational Information................................................................................................................. 4
Background................................................................................................................................... 5
Prior Achievements........................................................................................................................ 5
Anticipated Allocation................................................................................................................... 10
Needs & Target Population................................................................................................................ 11
Assets............................................................................................................................................. 13
Anticipated Results.............................................................................................................................. 14
Benchmarks ................................................................................................................................... 14
Barriers to Success.................................................................................................................... 15
Key Staff................................................................................................................................................. 15
Jon-Jon, a young owner-relinquished Pot-bellied Pig, enjoys a stroll around the sanctuary.

3. Summary
P ot-bellied pigs first originated as a breed in Vietnam.
Importation to North America began in the mid-
1980’s for the purpose of including them in zoos. Due to
their comparatively small size and wonderful personality,
breeders quickly recognized the marketability of the pot-
bellied pig as a pet. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous
breeders (often referred to as “backyard breeders”) have
perpetuated damaging practices and misinformation,
in the name of making an easy sale; with tragic results.
The first pet pig “craze” hit in the late 1980’s, resulting
in the neglect, abuse and abandonment of hundreds of
pot-bellied pigs who exceeded their owner’s expectations
for size, behavior, and care. Since then, the “craze” over
this fad pet has cycled through waves. We’re at the crest
of another big one. Sammy was systematically starved for 5 years after a breeder
told her owner to feed her just one cup of food per day.
The breeders have continued breeding. Many engage You can learn more about Sammy by visiting our page on
in a practice known as “line-breeding” — which, for Facebook at http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies
all practical purposes, is the same as inbreeding — in
the name of achieving smaller size. Others encourage take their toll on our ability to fully realize our mission.
intentional starvation, or provide “homemade” feed The quality of our outreach and education have
that has no nutritional value. Either practice stunts the plateaued. This must change.
pig’s growth; shortening it’s lifespan and often causing
painful and fatal health problems. Most provide false We are currently striving to raise a total of $75,000.00;
information as to the pig’s final size and needs; and, to assist us in covering our sanctuary operation necessary
once again the shelters and sanctuaries are bursting at upgrades and repairs, outreach, and educational costs
the seams, with many folding due to lack of funding. for the year 2012. Your donation will help us continue
to cover the costs of feed, veterinary care, general
What’s worse; this has become an international maintenance, and improvements for our very special
problem. A simple Google search produces a plethora sanctuary residents.
of ad links and URL’s for breeders across the globe; all
selling “Teacup Pigs,” “Micro Pigs,” “Micro-Mini Pigs,” Additional goals that will require funding include
“Pocket Pigs,” “Thimble Pigs,” “Nano Pigs,” “Tiny Pigs,” hiring laborers to assist with sanctuary maintenance;
and of course “Dandies” and “Pixies.” None of these staging an aggressive educational ad campaign via
names, conjured up by breeders to suggest a diminutive Facebook that will target users who have expressed
size, are true breeds of pig; nor do they accurately reflect interest in miniature pigs, the printing of a new quarterly
the final size or needs of the animal. publication that will provide both sanctuary news and
educational articles, printing for new informational
Lil’ Orphan Hammies has been fighting this battle pieces to mail and hand out, and the development of
since we were first founded by Susan Parkinson in 1992. a geographically targeted searchable online database
Since our incept, we have practiced regular outreach which will allow our website viewers to connect with
and actively sought to educate the public, in addition sanctuaries, vets, and other invaluable resources.
to rescuing more than one thousand pigs. The advent
and expansion of the internet has allowed breeders to It has also become imperative to replace our failed
extend their reach and saturate online resources with cargo van; a necessary tool for hauling feed and hay,
misinformation. It is time for us to up the ante. and safely transporting pigs to and from our sanctuary.
Should this goal come to fruition in 2012, we will also be
But we can’t do it without your generous support. While taking advantage of the advertising real estate provided
we manage our assets carefully in order to continue by the body of the van. The organization’s commute
providing excellent care for the pigs in our sanctuary; vehicle was treated with vinyl decals earlier in 2011, and
the ever rising costs of feed, gas, and veterinary services we are pleased to say that it has been turning heads and
amongst the falling level of donations in a bad economy prompting questions!
Page 3

4. Organizational
Information
N estled in the beautiful hills of Solvang, California;
our sanctuary is often the last stop for pigs that have
been neglected, abused, or abandoned. Our duty, above
all others, is to provide excellent care and enrichment to
the pot-bellied pigs that call Lil’ Orphan Hammies
their home. Elderly, infirm, or un-adoptable pigs all
find permanent respite here. We adhere to a strict “NO-
KILL” policy; we never euthanize an animal unless it is
suffering from a mortal wound or terminal illness.
Our dedicated 501(c)3 non-profit corporation is
headed by a small but active board. Susan Parkinson,
the CEO & Executive Director of Lil’ Orphan
Hammies, is also the founder of the organization. Jack Hanna and his wife Suzi took a moment to pose with
She is the primary caretaker for the pigs who reside in Jon-Jon during their visit in January. An episode of Into the
the sanctuary, as well as being the adoption coordinator Wild, featuring Lil’ Orphan Hammies, will be airing in 2012.
and a first responder for rescue efforts. CFO, Judy
Wilson and Vice President, Russell Alverson bring their as well. Specialized contractors and laborers are hired as
financial planning and accounting expertise to the table; needed on a per-project basis.
handling bookkeeping as well as educating others about
the needs of the animals. Their careful management of We are always busy and always seeking to do more.
Lil’ Orphan Hammies’ operating funds ensures that Many of our past accomplishments are a direct reflection
we continue to meet the needs of our pigs. Jane Mäger of the goals we set before us now. Since our humble
is the newest board member. She fills the position of beginning, Lil’ Orphan Hammies has facilitated the
Secretary; managing our page on Facebook, managing rescue — and adoption whenever possible — of more
our website, developing our materials for outreach, and than one thousand pot-bellied pigs. As we continue our
helping to coordinate rescue efforts. Susan Warner is a mission, we seek not only to rescue those who are in
regular volunteer who assists with care for the animals. need of rescuing, but to reach out and educate in the
From time to time, other volunteers serve our sanctuary hopes that one day rescue may no longer be necessary.
Our public outreach takes on many forms. While
we have always been involved with school visits and
demonstrations, the Danish Days parade in Solvang,
California, and other outreach opportunities; perhaps
our most notable achievements have been with our
involvement in the media. In past years, Lil’ Orphan
Hammies has been featured in news segments and
nature documentaries for PBS, CNN, and The Today
Show; as well as published in People, Potbellied Pig
Magazine, The Los Angeles Daily News, The Los Angeles
Times, and The Santa Barbara New Press. 2011 has
been no exception. We are pleased to announce that,
earlier in the year, Jack Hanna spent the day at our
sanctuary to film an episode for his popular TV nature
series Into the Wild. During 2012, we will be actively
seeking additional opportunities for media outreach as
well as continuing and building on our local and online
outreach activities. Our page on Facebook has produced
This student volunteer team from UCSB helped distribute hay nearly five-hundred followers in the short time that it
to pig shelters and cleared debris from the senior units and has been active, and we will be seeking to increase that
field after spring flooding caused sanctuary-wide problems. number via targeted ads.
Page 4

5. Our five-year plan includes production of a “care and
facts” book to combat misinformation being distributed
by unscrupulous breeders, as well as the launch of a
quarterly publication, implementation of an organized
sponsorship program to raise funds and awareness, and
the addition of an annual charity dinner.
Background
I n 1992, Susan Parkinson began opening her heart
and her home to unwanted pot-bellied pigs. By 1994,
Lil’ Orphan Hammies was a busy 501(c)3 non-
profit corporation. Although the faces of the board
members, volunteers, donors — and even the pigs! —
have changed over the years, our core values and our At the end of 2010, we launched a Lil’ Orphan Hammies
purpose remain the same. page on Facebook. It has proven a most useful tool and we
plan to make it work for us in every way possible. Facebook
For nearly twenty years we have been rescuing and estimates that targeted ads could reach more than 32, 000
caring for pot-bellied pigs; completing our due diligence new viewers who are interested in miniature pigs.
to ensure safe and happy adoptions, providing training
and rehabilitation services to pot-bellied pig owners and
Prior Achievements
fellow rescue organizations, networking with shelters
and rescues to ensure good outcomes for unwanted pigs,
protecting pigs and prospective owners by combating
the misinformation spread by unethical breeders, and
educating the public with regards size, zoning, and how
to meet the needs of their animals.
D
uring these past three years, Lil’ Orphan
Hammies has persevered to provide rescue
and adoption services, including the Purple Cow and
Winchester rescues highlighted last year.
While much of our focus in recent months has been
on the development of our new website and new tools
for outreach; our efforts have continued throughout
2010 and 2011 with the rescue of no less than seventeen
pigs, and another rescue on the way as I write. Some have
already moved on to loving new homes. Others will be
making Lil’ Orphan Hammies their “forever home.”
At least three will be serving as breed ambassadors to
further education, awareness, and respect for pot-bellied
pigs. We have also frequently covered spay, neuter, and
other veterinary costs incurred by fellow fosterers and
rescue organizations to assist them in their endeavors.
As 2010 came to a close we began to develop our new
website. In tandem with www.lilorphanhammies.org,
a page for Lil’ Orphan Hammies was started on
Facebook for the purpose of networking, outreach and
education. We are pleased to report that our page has
garnered members quickly; netting nearly five hundred
In 2010, we re-imagined and updated our identity. This followers in six month’s time. Our page has already
year, we applied our new logo to the sanctuary’s commute accomplished much that we hoped it would; distribution
vehicle. The “Hammie Wagon” has been turning heads and of news and facts, raising awareness, and the initiation
prompting questions; providing valuable opportunities to of intelligent discussion about pig issues. Additionally,
raise awareness through impromptu discussion! it has proven a valuable resource for rescue efforts!
Page 5

6. Sammy came into the sanctuary in February, 2011 weighing a scant 35 pounds. She had been systematically starved for 5 years
after the breeder responsible told her owner that she would never exceed 35 pounds and that she should only be fed 1 cup of food
per day. Sammy, now 80 pounds, is safe and greatly improved; but many pigs who have been branded with names such as “Teacup”
and “Micro” are out there suffering at the hands of well-intended yet ill-informed owners who are following bad instructions from
an unscrupulous breeder. In a case like Sammy’s, the pig is not the only victim. Ultimately, the well-intended owner suffers too.
Arnold came to us in April, 2011, after his owner went to jail We provided resources to assist with Susie’s rescue in
and he was left behind uncared for. He is still working out February, 2011. She was hungry, ill, and being kept in a filthy,
some aggression issues, but he should settle in nicely. uninsulated shed in Big Bear in zero-degree weather.
Now she has a happy new “forever home!”
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
Page 6

7. Wilma came to us in February, 2011. Her owner was moving Charlie and Zachary came to us in November, 2010. Both had
and could no longer care for her. Despite her age (18 years), gotten quite obese before being dumped in a shelter. Friends
Wilma was able to steal a heart and find a new “forever home!” of LOH helped get them out shortly before their time was up.
Officer came to us in November, 2010. LOH friends rescued him Chubby-Girl was also rescued from the “High-Kill” shelter in
from a “High-Kill” shelter with less than 24 hours left on the November, 2010. We had to put a healthy diet in place for her
clock! He is a shy boy, but happy here in Hammie Town. right away! She is such a sweet girl and she is very happy here!
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
Page 7

8. Gilbert came to us in October, 2010. He was being held in Jon-Jon came to us in September, 2010. His owners
a small muddy pen by friends of the owner, who had been relinquished him when they realized he would be more than 20
having zoning issues. Gilbert is so much happier at LOH! pounds and the breeder would not honor her return policy.
Tank came to us in September, 2010. He came to LOH from Valentine is was rescued in June, 2010 and is one of two farm
another rescue organization where there were difficulties pigs residing at the sanctuary. Weighing in at more than 900
with his aggressive behavior. He’s a sweetie now! pounds, he makes it easy to showcase the fact that a 200
pound pot-bellied pig truly is a miniature pig!
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
Page 8

9. Reno (and 3 others) came to us in March, 2010 as one of Gordita accompanied Gina and Reno from the “Purple Cow”
the infamous “Purple Cow” rescues. He has a wonderful rescue in March, 2010. She found a loving “forever home” at
personality and has become a famous face here at LOH. the beginning of February, 2011.
Ginormous Gina also came to us in March, 2010 from the Judge was a notable rescue from February, 2010. He was being
“Purple Cow” rescue. As her name implies, she is quite the kept in abominable conditions and was freezing, filthy, ill, and
large girl. Watch out! Her smile can win anyone over! starving. Now he lives his days happily, surrounded by friends.
You can read more about these rescues by visiting http://facebook.com/LilOrphanHammies and viewing our Rescue Log!
Page 9

10. Anticipated Allocation
O ur sanctuary has survived, grown, and evolved to
meet the needs of our porcine residents and pursue
new avenues of outreach. Cultural and social dynamics,
and the animal’s requirements as they age, change
perpetually; our work is no easy task. Without a generous
outpouring from donors like you, our ability to move
forward would cease. In years past, your contributions
have allowed us to ensure that all of our animals have a
healthy and plentiful diet, adequate shelter, and proper
veterinary attention. As this is our top priority, we
cannot thank you enough for your charity. In order to
continue meeting the needs of our charges, and to plan
for extensions in outreach and education, we have been
calculating and reviewing our present expenses, as well
as our projected expenses for 2012.
In January, 2011 we allocated funds to “Hammie Town”
Our first order is always to provide for our dependants; enclosures that were badly in need of repair and refurbishing
the sanctuary’s seventy-plus pot-bellied pigs. Feeding after years of heavy use and exposure to weather. This year,
and bedding constitute the bulk of our general operating we hope to make upgrades to field shelters and senior units.
expenses. Because our sanctuary population saw a slight
decline in 2011, we anticipate the total cost of feed and in 2012. As such, it will be important for us to set aside
bedding to see a slight reduction in 2012. Nonetheless, funds beyond those typically included in our general
it remains our largest and most highly prioritized operating expenses to cover costs of supplies and labor
operating expense. to satisfactorily complete these improvements.
General veterinary care, and spay and neuter services, In 2012, we also hope to increase our general funding
also comprise a significant amount of our annual in order to allocate money for regular part-time labor
expenditures. The health of our animals is paramount, and cover much needed assistance that cannot always
and caring for an aging population means taking on be completed by volunteers. Examples include repairs to
extra medical issues and treatment costs. Spaying and fences, enclosures, housing, and watering systems. This
neutering are also crucial to our program. In addition will make certain that regular maintenance and upkeep
to requiring the spay or neuter of all pigs residing at are completed in a timely fashion without undue wear
Lil’ Orphan Hammies, we assist other rescues and and tear on our CEO, Susan Parkinson. It will also allow
foster volunteers with spay and neuter costs for their Susan to dedicate more time to outreach and educational
pigs. We expect these costs to increase slightly in 2012 opportunities, as we plan to pursue additional media
as our senior pigs continue to age and as we continue outreach opportunities in this coming year.
reaching out to assist our fellow rescues.
The purchase of a new cargo van is now essential to
This year, repairs to “Hammie Town” units were a our continuing ability to function. Our current van is
necessity as they have withstood years of wear, tear, beyond economical repair, and we are in great need of
and weather. Next year, we must focus on the repair a vehicle for transporting hay and feed as well as safe
and replacement of shelter units in the field and transport for pigs. As previously mentioned, the new van
improvements to our senior enclosures. Many of our will also be used to promote our organization. Based on
field shelters suffered excessive water-wear during heavy recent review of vans for sale, we anticipate an expense
spring rains that resulted in flooding. Our senior center of $10,000 beyond our regular operating expenses in
is in need of general improvements as well. A number order to obtain a suitable vehicle.
of our sweet old-timers have disabilities, including
arthritis, and require special accommodations to ensure Our capacity for outreach has suffered in recent years;
their health and comfort. Customized feeding and but, in 2012, we will be taking our outreach, education,
bedding layouts are key for both our elderly pigs, and and fundraising activities to new heights. Our agenda
our field herd. And, while we have had to bid a fond to further online services, provide fact-based materials
farewell to some of our favorite oldsters this year, we and resources, and increase the diversity of our funding
can still expect to need placement for incoming rescues will be initiated in three separate stages.
Page 10

11. We will begin with the development of a geographically
targeted searchable database. This database will be the Hammie Town Herald
accessible through www.lilorphanhammies.org, and
will include listings for qualified pig vets as well as pre-
January, 2012
· Newsletter of Lil’ Orphan Hammies
· Volume 1, Number 1
screened rescue and foster organizations and other
related services. The geographical targeting program
will ensure that results appearing in response to a query
are local to the viewer initiating the search. Typically,
a project of this scope would run $15,000 to $20,000;
however, we are now in discussion with a programming
professional who has offered a discount of more than
sixty percent in honor of our status as a 501(c)3 non- in this
profit corporation. issue
2 LOREM IPSUM SIT
Stage two will see the completion and implementation DELOREM LOREM
of a sponsorship program designed to increase interest ES
in our programs and raise additional funds for our 4 LOREM IPSUM SIT
sanctuary and outreach. Sponsors will receive an annual
subscription to “the Hammie Town Herald,” a 6 LOREM IPSUM SIT
quarterly news and educational publication currently 7 LOREM IPSUM SIT
in development. We plan to include articles regarding DELORUM
pig care and training, veterinary advice, information cover
for prospective owners, sanctuary news, and more. story
We are presently reviewing quotes with a print shop
specializing in short run publication. Current figures 3 LOREM IPSUM SIT
suggest a rough annual cost of $6,000.00 to print and
mail a quarterly run of five hundred newsletters. While
this will initially result in extra expenses, our long-term www.LilOrphanHammies.org
goal is for paid sponsorships to cover the cost of printing
and mailing, as well as providing us with additional the Hammie Town Herald Template in Progress.
income for outreach and the care of our pigs.
Needs and
The third, and final, stage will involve paid advertising
via Facebook. Ads will be targeted towards Facebook
Target Populations
users who have expressed interest in miniature pigs in
order to drive them to our page and to our website for
information and resources. Of particular importance
will be redirection to information regarding the realities
of miniature pigs and their needs as a pet, and common
misinformation spread by bad breeders. Facebook ad
O ur organization serves three target populations, first
and foremost of which are the pot-bellied pigs that
call our sanctuary home. Every pig here is well cared for
tools indicate that targeted ads will reach more than and treated with the respect due all living creatures. We
32,000 miniature pig enthusiasts. While we do not expect ensure each pig a healthy and fitting diet. Young pigs,
to use the full amount, we hope to earmark $2,500.00 for seniors, pigs that are above or below a healthy weight,
this endeavor. After this series of operations has been pigs with eating disorders or other medical concerns;
completed, we will assess our level of success and explore all have different nutritional and feeding needs. Each
options for additional online resources. population’s needs are addressed and met with the
proper balance of appropriate miniature pig feed, fresh
As we advance and seek to promote positive change, veggies, fruits, and occasional treats. All of our spacious
and as inflation continues about it’s course, our expenses enclosures provide adequate access to sun, shade, shelter
inexorably increase. We find ourselves in the position of and bedding, and water. Our residents are provided with
needing more during a time when everyone has less to proper and timely veterinary attention. No matter how
give. Through the years, you have been a tremendous varied the needs, each is attended to with great care. Pigs
enabler for our mission, and your continuing gift is with social or behavioral issues receive special support
deeply appreciated. and training. Whether Lil’ Orphan Hammies is
Page 11

12. their “half-way house” or their “forever home,” we work
hard to provide our charges with a safe, wholesome and
comfortable place to live.
Our second target population is the public; particularly
pig owners, prospective pig owners, and pig enthusiasts.
We provide information and resources for pig owners in
need of assistance with general care and feeding; training
and behavioral issues, growth patterns and healthy
adult weight, finding a qualified veterinarian, zoning
ordinances, and much more. We provide prospective
pig owners and enthusiasts with talking points and
concerns to be aware of when considering the adoption
or purchase of a miniature pig and alert them to warning
signs that often go unnoticed. Often, we receive calls
from owners who have already purchased pigs, realized
that things are not going to be what they expected, and Jane posed as an interested party and contacted an
need assistance negotiating a return to the breeder or actively advertised breeder. You can see from this response
assistance rehoming their pet. When unscrupulous that breeders are able to sound very knowledgeable and
breeders provide misinformation to prospective convincing, even though the information provided is
owners, the pigs are not the only ones to suffer; well- incorrect, deliberately misleading, and ultimately damaging.
intended owners suffer when they have to separate with
their pet, deal with the stresses of unexpected damage Our third target population consists of fellow rescues,
to their property, are refused the refund or return policy sanctuaries, and volunteers who foster animals. We
on their high-priced designer pet, or when they learn actively network with our colleagues to exchange
that they have been providing improper care that has information and lend support to rescue and adoption
negatively effected their beloved pet’s health. In view of initiatives. We share information between veterinarians,
that fact, we plan to significantly expand our education Animal Regulation officers and other rescues and shelters
and outreach projects in the coming year. Consequently, to promote accurate facts and best practices among all
when we provide information and support to this second who may encounter pot-bellied pigs in their profession.
target population, we are subsequently helping our first We cover spay and neuter expenses for fellow rescues and
target population as well! fosterers in our local network. By engaging in an active
network, we are able to help other rescuers, and they
help us too. Our sanctuary is a finite space. Not every
pig in need will make it to Lil’ Orphan Hammies,
but utilizing an active network keeps us in the fight. We
are able to — rather quickly — scramble resources to
find foster or sanctuary placement and provide medical
services, and, later, adoption placement if all goes
perfectly. Every pig saved through our network is a pig
that will not: be euthanized in the pound; be used as a
bait animal in a fighting ring; be butchered and eaten
by an amateur; continue to suffer the neglect or abuse
of an uneducated or uncaring owner. By assisting our
colleagues we are, once again, automatically serving our
primary target population as well.
While our services are given freely, they are not
without cost. Every rescue, every outreach event, every
offered assistance, has a price tag attached that must be
Some of our community are polite enough to line up and paid through our organization. By default, our greatest
share a trough. Others are more aggressive eaters and must need takes the form of a financial gift. While in-kind
be penned away from the rest to eat. Many of our seniors donations are also welcome and useful, it is the level of
have to have their food delivered to their “bedside” and then outside financial support we receive that determines
cleared when they are finished supping. We cater to them all! our course and either deters or enables our success.
Page 12

13. Assets
Tangible: Intangible:
ȇȇ 5 acres of real estate in Solvang, California, the ȇȇ Susan Parkinson has more than 20 years experience
current location of our sanctuary working with pot-bellied pigs. She brings to the
table a unique vision and understanding as well as
ȇȇ Pig shelters, feeding and watering stations, and being the primary caretaker for the pigs.
fencing
ȇȇ Judy Wilson lends her financial skills to the
ȇȇ Out-building with office supplies management of our funds and bookkeeping.
ȇȇ Storage sheds ȇȇ Russell Alverson manages all tax paperwork and
filing related to our organization.
ȇȇ Scion XB (commute and publicity vehicle)
ȇȇ Jane Mäger provides graphic design and layout
ȇȇ PC Computer services for all collateral, published materials and
signage, website management, Facebook page
management, and advertising management.
Liquid :
ȇȇ Susan Warner assists in caretaking the pigs.
ȇȇ Financial gifts and grants
ȇȇ Our website, www.lilorphanhammies.com
I n 2011, we secured the funding required to keep our sanctuary on the map. Said funding was comprised almost
entirely of generous financial gifts, including your annual donation. In 2012, we hope to further diversify both
our financial resources and our physical assets to better serve our cause.
Part of the field herd gathered around a shelter.
Page 13

14. Anticipated Results
S hould we fully realize our 2012 funding goals,
significant progress will be made in upgrading and
managing our sanctuary, participation in rescue, and
the outreach programs we seek to implement in the
following year. As our work is continued this following
year, we anticipate:
ȇȇ Our Sanctuary Will Remain Open: All of our
general operations will be covered. Our pigs will
be happy, well fed, and well provided for.
ȇȇ Increased Participation in Rescue: More than
once during 2011, we were unable to participate
directly in rescue, or else had to depend on a
volunteer or service for use of a vehicle. In the
case of “Charlie” and “Zachary,” rescue almost Just one example of the new “PSA’s” (Potbelly Service
didn’t happen. A new cargo van will allow us to Announcements) that are currently in development.
be more active in rescue once again and, it will
restore our ability to transport animals, feed, and
Benchmarks
hay independently.
ȇȇ Increased Capacity for Intake: Completion
of new shelters to replace those that have been
damaged or overly worn will not only better the A s always, the primary measure of our success with
Lil’ Orphan Hammies is the health and
lives of pigs already in our care; it will allow us to happiness of our resident pigs. This is a benchmark that
provision for new arrivals as well. we meet each and every day. Additional benchmarks
that we will use to gauge our success in the coming year
ȇȇ Improved Image & Recognition: 2012 will be a are as follows:
year of rediscovery for Lil’ Orphan Hammies.
Armed with our new logo, new outreach collateral, ȇȇ The number of rescues in which we are able to
website, and Facebook we will be actively raising actively participate.
awareness and interest in our organization.
Not only do we want to be known; we want to ȇȇ The number of shelters that are replaced or
be recognized as a reliable resource and active rebuilt. As good weather and the availability of
rescue. Tangentially, the ability to replace and labor are contributing factors, the success of this
restore worn housing and fencing will also serve endeavor will be reviewed quarterly.
to improve our sanctuary’s image in addition to
ensuring that the pigs continue to have safe and ȇȇ Website visitation, which will be monitored
adequate shelter. via site traffic reports from our host. This will be
reviewed on a monthly basis.
ȇȇ A Greater Reach: Utilizing our new collateral,
paid ads through Facebook, and our website; we ȇȇ The number of positive responses to our
will extend our outreach capabilities. Our rescue Facebook advertisements. This will be reviewed
network will go from local to national. Viewers on a monthly basis. Facebook provides tools to
will have access to factual miniature pig resources monitor these numbers.
that are not currently available elsewhere. Our
messages of caution amidst the flurry of the ȇȇ The number of sponsorships we receive. While
“micro-pig craze” will reach more eyes and ears this will be reviewed monthly; comparing end-
than ever before. In the long run, we hope to of-year figures for multiple years will be most
provide finished print templates to other rescue important in determining success.
organizations in order to promote the distribution
of accurate information, promote solidarity, and ȇȇ The number of events and outreach activities in
promote best practices. which we participate. This will be reviewed annually.
Page 14

15. Barriers to Success
A lthough barriers to our success do exist, they are
not insurmountable. Challenges faced by our
organization include: insufficient funds for operations
and programs; public misconception; breeder-initiated
misinformation and backlash.
While we have continued to meet our most basic
operating costs and are grateful for every gift given,
we have experienced a steady decrease in funding in
recent years. We have been unable to realize certain
key sanctuary improvements or engage in outreach at a
desirable level. Donors are fewer in our present economy.
We expect to lose more donors before the end of 2011
owing to the fact that their relinquished pigs have aged
and passed on, and those who previously owned them
will no longer feel the need to provide support. Soon, our new website will be providing online resources not
currently accessible through other organizations.
Public misconception is an enormous challenge for
our organization. With the prevalence of “Micro-Pigs”
and “Tea-Cup Pigs” in the media it is often difficult to
Key Staff
convince pig enthusiasts that they do not truly exist.
Pig enthusiasts worldwide are clamoring over the
idea of a pig that will not exceed thirty pounds, but
this is not a healthy reality. As soon as pigs exceed
owner’s expectations for size and care, they are usually
relinquished, dumped, or mistreated before finding
O ur dedicated board of directors includes:
ȇȇ Susan Parkinson, CEO and Founder
their way into rescues and shelters. Once branded as Street Address
undesirable, they can be difficult to place for adoption. Solvang, CA 93464
Increasingly, we also encounter the attitude that “Rescue Phone: (000) 000-0000
pigs are damaged goods,” and therefore, “adoption is
not a good decision.” Between building and staging our ȇȇ Judy Wilson, CFO
outreach projects for 2012, and other aspects of our Street Address
five-year-plan, we believe that we can effectively chisel Buelton, CA 93427
away at these misconceptions. Phone: (000) 000-0000
Unscrupulous breeders remain a significant barrier. ȇȇ Russell Alverson, VP
Every time we “poke a hole” in the fiction spread by Street Address
“backyard breeders,” we are met with backlash, and the Buelton, CA 93427
further spread of misinformation. We often hear that Phone: (000) 000-0000
breeders have made comments such as, “The sanctuaries
are talking about pot-bellied pigs. My piglets are not pot- ȇȇ Jane Mäger, Secretary and Publicity
bellied pigs, they are [insert-fad-name-here].” or, “The Street Address
pigs in the sanctuaries are all overweight. They are not Concord, CA 94521
supposed to get that big. If you don’t overfeed your pig, Phone: (000) 000-0000
it will stay under forty pounds.” Once the prospective
owner agrees to purchase there is little chance that the
breeder will be amicable about a return or refund when
the pet pig gets “too big.” We have even come across bad
breeders posing as experts in online forums and paid
“ask” services. For those of us who are in the know about
pigs, reading the advice given by some of these breeders
is truly heartbreaking. We can combat this problem, but
it will require a comprehensive strategy and funding. Our sincere thanks for your time and consideration.
Page 15