Affordable Merchandise Ideas for Fundraisers
By LogoSportswear
Custom merchandise helps bring in funds, attract supporters, and raise awareness for your cause. While they come with many benefits, they also cost money, which can pose a challenge to organizations that have a limited budget. If you're looking for affordable merchandise ideas, we've listed 10 options to help you generate money for your fundraiser.
Custom Apparel
1. T-shirts
T-shirts are a popular choice when it comes to fundraiser merch. They're inexpensive, versatile, and fully customizable, making them ideal branding tools and great souvenirs. Give your fundraiser more visibility by printing your logo or message on the T-shirts and sell them for a reasonable price.
Best used for: Charity walks or runs, community festivals, concerts, volunteer appreciation events, and bike races.
2. Hats
Hats offer sun protection while serving as walking advertisements for your nonprofit. Like T-shirts, they're wearable and can be customized with your logo or message. Hats are suitable for outdoor events and can be worn daily, which can help promote your cause and widen your reach even more.
Best used for: Outdoor fundraising events, fun runs, bike races, sports tournaments, and community picnics.
3. Sweatshirts or Hoodies
Sweatshirts or hoodies provide warmth and comfort, making them appealing for supporters, especially during cool weather. They serve as a great canvas for your nonprofit's branding and are ideal for casual wear, providing continued exposure for your cause.
Best used for: Fall or winter fundraisers, holiday charity drives, fundraising galas, and concerts.
Bags
4. Tote Bags
Tote bags are versatile, practical, reusable, and eco-friendly merch items. They have ample space for your nonprofit's logo or message and are perfect for a variety of uses, including grocery shopping, carrying books and souvenirs, or running errands. Tote bags can be used even after your fundraising event, which makes them long-lasting marketing tools.
Best used for: Farmers markets, community cleanup events, educational seminars, social and environmental causes.
5. Drawstring Bags
Drawstring bags are lightweight and convenient options for supporters to carry essentials like gym clothes or school supplies. They're suitable for individuals and students who are always on the go, and they can be customized with your nonprofit's message or logo. Drawstring bags are also stylish and trendy, making them great for drawing the attention of a younger demographic.
Best used for: School fundraisers, sports team sponsorships, and youth outreach programs.
Accessories and Stationery
6. Stickers
Stickers are affordable, handy, and impactful promotional tools for fundraisers. They can be distributed easily at events, mailed to supporters, or inserted in packages, which helps widen your reach. Stickers offer many branding opportunities - they can be applied to personal items like laptops, water bottles, notebooks, and more, spreading awareness for your cause wherever your supporters go. Stickers can also add a fun and playful touch to your message, making people more interested and engaged.
Best used for: Community outreach events, fundraising concerts, and political rallies.
7. Notebooks and Journals
Notebooks and journals allow supporters to write thoughts, ideas, and to-do lists. They are popular across different age groups, from children to adults and senior citizens. Notebooks and journals can be customized using your nonprofit's logo or message, which can help establish a meaningful connection between your supporters and your cause.
Best used for: Educational workshops, conferences, and fundraising seminars.
8. Keychains
Keychains offer a practical way for supporters to carry your nonprofit's logo wherever they go, serving as constant reminders of your cause and an effortless means to promote your fundraiser. They're compact, affordable, and can be attached to keys, bags, or backpacks.
Best used for: Donor appreciation dinners, volunteer recognition events, and charity golf tournaments.
Drinkware
9. Mugs
Mugs are essential items people use to enjoy their morning coffee or tea, whether at home or in the office. You can customize them using your nonprofit's logo or artwork, creating a daily reminder of your cause. Mugs are very versatile and a perfect fit for office settings, homes, and community events.
Best used for: Donor appreciation events, volunteer meetings, and charity auctions.
10. Water Bottles
Water bottles are practical and eco-friendly merch options to consider for your fundraiser. They serve as a reminder for supporters to stay hydrated and can be used anywhere - gyms, offices, schools, and even for travel. Customized water bottles not only promote your cause but also encourage reducing plastic waste and keeping the environment safe.
Best used for: Environmental awareness campaigns, outdoor fitness events, and health and wellness workshops.
Preparing for a fundraiser doesn't have to break the bank. When shopping for custom merchandise, always consider how they benefit your audience and how practical they are. We hope this listicle helps you save money and inspires you to select merchandise that not only enables you to raise funds but also increases awareness and support for your cause. Need design ideas? Check out our free design templates to start customizing your own merch.
Custom Merch for Fundraising FAQs
What are the best materials for custom T-shirts for fundraising events?
We recommend cotton or performance fabrics like polyester when choosing materials for custom T-shirts for fundraising events. These materials aren't only soft and comfortable to wear, but they are also breathable, moisture-wicking, and durable. This means that recipients of your custom T-shirts can wear them to outdoor events and use them for daily activities.
How do I choose the right size and fit for custom T-shirts for my fundraising event attendees?
When ordering custom T-shirts, get them in sizes ranging from XS to 4XL to accommodate different body types. You can also opt for unisex or men's sizes since they work well for most events.
What printing methods are best for custom T-shirts intended for fundraising events?
The best printing method may depend on the type of T-shirt material you'll print your design on, your style preference, and your budget. For large quantities, the most cost-effective method is screenprinting. Screenprinting offers crisp, vibrant prints that can last a long time. If you're printing smaller quantities, choose Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. This printing method works best for multicolored and detailed designs. If you prefer a premium and textured look for your design, choose embroidery to make your artwork stand out. If you're printing your design on polyester fabric, we recommend the sublimation method. However, keep in mind that we can only do sublimation on the color white for 100% polyester products.
What should I consider when designing artwork for T-shirts for fundraising purposes?
When designing artwork for custom T-shirts, keep it simple yet impactful. Use bold, high-contrast colors and ensure that the logo and messaging can be easily seen and read. It's also important that the overall design aligns with the brand, cause, and event.
What factors should I consider when designing a logo or message on custom caps for fundraising?
Custom caps offer less space to work with. When designing one, make sure that the logo or message is clean and recognizable. Choose a color and style that stands out and select a font that is easy to read, especially from a distance.
Can I get a sample cap before placing a full order for a fundraising event?
We don't offer samples for our products. However, you can preview your design when you upload it to our Online Designer so you can double-check its accuracy before proceeding to checkout. If you need a sample for a large order, you may contact our sales representative for assistance. We also offer blanks for some products.
What types of mugs are best for custom designs in fundraising events?
When choosing custom mugs for fundraising events, we recommend durable ceramic mugs. They provide a long-lasting surface for printing your design and are resistant to fading and damage. We also suggest that you select mugs that are microwave and dishwasher safe.
How can I ensure the printed design on the mugs lasts long?
To ensure the design on your mugs lasts long, follow proper care instructions like handwashing your mug and refraining from using abrasive cleaning materials.
