Non-profit organizations rely on fundraising to survive. Without donations, many organizations would not have the resources to serve their community or complete their mission. Unfortunately, fundraising can be difficult. One way to stand out among organizations is to use custom t-shirts. Not only can you sell the shirts, but you can also use them in other creative ways to boost your fundraising efforts. Here are six tips for using custom t-shirts as a fundraising opportunity.
1- Sell the Shirts
Selling t-shirts is the most direct way to make money. Use original art and create a message that is significant to your cause. Do not complicate the design. Use an easy-to-read font and stick to two or three colors. Print the shirts on quality material. People want a shirt that won’t fall apart or fade after a washing or two.
2- Plan an Event
3- Have a Design Contest
Get the community involved and hold a design contest. Set the criteria, such as incorporating a logo, a specific saying, or certain artistic elements. Once the winning design has been chosen, print the shirts and sell them. Make sure to give the winner or winners shirts for free.
4- Prepare For the Holidays
The holidays are a time of generosity and spending money. Most people make their charity donations during the holiday season. Sell a custom t-shirt that represents your organization in a holiday theme. For example, an organization that provides warm clothes to those in need can create a winter-themed t-shirt.
5- Make It a Business Partnership
Find a local business in your community and create a partnership. For example, a new bakery in town is looking to build its customer base. Design a shirt that promotes both your organization and the bakery. Sell the shirts and share the profits, or let the bakery run its own promotion. Customers who wear the shirt can receive a free cookie, coffee, or another treat when they visit the bakery.
6- Create Limited Editions
A gardening club wants to purchase a small piece of land within the community to create a garden but needs money to care for the land year-round. They decide to design garden-themed t-shirts for each season. In the spring, they design a spring-themed t-shirt and advertise it as a limited edition. At the same time, they tease that there will be shirts for all the upcoming seasons, encouraging people to collect them all. It is a way to keep money coming into your organization.
Custom t-shirts are a great way to raise money. The ways to use the shirts are limitless. It only takes a great shirt and a bit of creativity. Soon, you will wonder why you wasted time on other fundraising methods.
