When it comes to fundraising and spreading awareness through social media, are animal welfare organizations making the most of their own popularity?

The Ad Council blog, Ad Libbing, recently invited non-profit social media expert Heather Mansfield to walk organizations through “12 Must-Know Stats About Social Media, Fundraising, and Cause Awareness.” One of her main messages: Animal causes rank at the very top in terms of social media supporters, followers and fans.

Some of her key points:

• Donations made through social media are growing each year; the current average donation is $59 compared to only $38 two years ago.
• Using Twitter during fundraising events can increase online donations ten-fold.
• 57 percent of those who “like” an animal cause on Facebook do so to publicly show their support for an organization.

Get the big picture here.