How Custom T-Shirts and Merchandise Boost Fundraising
Fundraising is the backbone of non-profit organizations. Without donations, these brands will struggle to pursue their missions and serve their communities.
However, with increasing competition for donor attention, non-profits must adopt innovative ways to maximize donations and create lasting impressions. One such powerful tool is custom fundraiser t-shirts and merchandise.
Custom apparel doesn’t just raise funds ー it also fosters community spirit and enhances brand awareness. According to a 2022 study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), 85% of people who receive a branded promotional item can recall the organization associated with it for years afterward.
The bottom line: if you want to boost both fundraising and awareness for your brand, custom promotional products are the way to go. In this blog post, we’ll explore why and provide some pointers for your next campaign.
The Role of Custom Merchandise & Shirts in Fundraising
Custom merchandise refers to branded items such as t-shirts, hats, or tote bags that are personalized with a non-profit’s logo or message. Screen-printed apparel is a particularly popular choice due to its affordability, durability, and high-impact visibility.
Charities and other organizations often leverage custom merchandise in fundraising in several key ways, but here are the biggest two:
- Selling Merchandise at Events: Custom t-shirts and other items can be sold at fundraising events to generate immediate revenue while promoting the organization’s mission.
- Offering Merchandise as Incentives: Giving donors branded items as a thank-you gift or incentive encourages higher donation amounts and builds loyalty among supporters.
For example, during charity runs or walkathons, non-profits frequently provide participants with branded t-shirts, creating a sense of unity while raising additional funds through merchandise sales.
Boosting Organizational or Brand Awareness
Custom merchandise and t-shirt fundraising do more than raise money; these are powerful branding tools for your next fundraising campaign.
When supporters wear branded apparel, they act as walking billboards for the non-profit or a specific campaign. In 2019, a Global Ad Impressions Study found that promotional t-shirts generate at least 3,400 impressions throughout their lifetime. That’s a lot of exposure for your non-profit!
Additionally, that same study found that the average promo t-shirt is kept for about 14 months, and 47% of consumers keep theirs for two years or longer. Think about all the brand awareness they can generate in that timeframe!
A great example is the “I [Heart] NY” t-shirt, which became an iconic branding tool, helping to raise money and awareness for New York City tourism. Similarly, non-profits like the American Cancer Society have used branded t-shirts to boost awareness during fundraiser events like Relay for Life.
Enhancing Volunteer Engagement
Volunteers are the heart of any charity organization, and engaging them effectively is key to campaign success.
T-shirt fundraising plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of belonging and unity among volunteers. Branded t-shirts or hats create a shared identity for volunteers, making them feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission and campaign.
Additionally, Volunteer Hub reports that volunteers are 66% more likely to donate financially to the organization they support than those who do not volunteer their time. So, when you have more volunteers, you operate better and make more money.
Effective Fundraising Strategies Using Custom Merchandise
There are more than 1.8 million non-profit organizations in the United States. If you want your campaign and mission to stand out, you need to strategically use all the tools in your arsenal, including your custom merch.
Don’t just hand out t-shirts willy-nilly. Instead, consider using one of the following methods to maximize your clothing’s impact.
Offer Limited Edition Items
Creating limited edition or exclusive merchandise is an excellent way to generate excitement and urgency. A one-time t-shirt fundraiser is a perfect example of this approach. By advertising a specific design available only for a limited time, you can encourage supporters to act quickly.
Additionally, non-profits can sell t-shirts through an online team store, making it easy for supporters to shop and contribute from anywhere. Adding a “limited quantity” note or a countdown timer can further heighten urgency.
You may also want to pair the campaign with the option to accept donations at checkout to maximize the revenue generated from the fundraiser.
Consider this scenario: a school launches a special t-shirt fundraiser to celebrate its anniversary. The shirts are only available for purchase during a two-week window. Supporters buy the exclusive merchandise, and many add extra donations during checkout to further support the cause.
The result? A successful campaign that not only raised funds but also increased school spirit.
Leverage Social Media & Other Platforms
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are powerful tools for spreading the word about custom merchandise. Promoting your campaign online allows you to reach a broad audience and encourage more participation.
You can also use a t-shirt fundraising platform to streamline your campaign, making it easy for supporters to browse and buy. Then, encourage them to share online by posting photos of themselves wearing your t-shirts.
Branded hashtags, stories, and posts highlighting how the money raised will be used can create a ripple effect, inspiring their networks to join in.
For example, a charity might launch a “Wear It to Share It” campaign, asking supporters to upload selfies in their custom apparel with a designated hashtag. This simple strategy helps spread awareness while driving additional sales and donations.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
Building partnerships with local businesses is another effective strategy for enhancing your fundraising campaign. By working together, both parties can benefit while supporting a great cause.
For example, a local coffee shop might agree to host a pop-up shop where supporters can sell t-shirts for the fundraiser. In return, the non-profit could promote the business on social media and during the event. This kind of cross-promotion attracts new donors and creates a sense of community support.
Collaboration can also work well in schools. Imagine a school t-shirt fundraiser where students design a shirt, and local businesses sponsor it by contributing funds or offering discounts to people who wear the shirt. Not only does this help raise money, but it also builds strong connections between the school, its students, and the surrounding community.
Encourage friends, families, and local groups to participate by hosting t-shirt fundraisers that bring everyone together. Whether it’s a themed event or a collaborative design contest, these efforts can significantly amplify your campaign’s impact.
Design Custom Artwork for Your Fundraising Merch
Custom t-shirts and merchandise are more than fundraising tools; they’re a way to build community, increase visibility, and inspire loyalty among supporters. Non-profit organizations can leverage branded apparel to boost donations, foster volunteer engagement, and spread awareness about their mission.
If your St. Petersburg organization needs to elevate its fundraising efforts and find new ways to raise money, White House Custom Apparel & Graphics is here to help. We specialize in creating high-quality custom apparel that leaves a lasting impression at any community fundraiser.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and start the design process. A real person from our Florida-based team will get back to you shortly. Whether you’re interested in t-shirt fundraising or want to create other branded merchandise, we’ll help bring your vision to life.
