Fundraising is essential for schools and non-profit organizations to support their missions and programs. From extracurricular activities to community outreach, fundraising provides the budget to turn ideas into reality. Selling custom branded merchandise is one effective way for schools and non-profits to raise money while increasing visibility and support.
Selling Custom Apparel
One of the most popular merchandise items for custom fundraising campaigns is printed apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats. Groups can design gear with their own logos or event imagery that supporters will enjoy wearing. Apparel is relatively affordable, especially when buying wholesale blank items in bulk. Customers feel part of the organization when they sport branded gear. Schools and non-profits can sell customized apparel as gifts or event memorabilia to generate ongoing fundraising revenue.
Selling Custom Accessories
Beyond apparel, schools and organizations can offer custom bags, lanyards, pens, keychains, and other practical branded items. Supporters receive useful products while funds are raised for programming and services. Accessories require lower minimum order quantities versus apparel. Groups can test customer demand with small accessory batches before scaling up. As supporters use custom bags, pens and keychains in daily life, valuable awareness arises for the group and its cause.
Sunglasses for Fundraising
One custom accessory opportunity to consider is sunglasses. The people at Olympic Eyewear recommend ordering bulk sunglasses that can be affordably branded with school or non-profit logos and imagery. Groups pay for the basic sunglasses and can then have them customized as required. Supporters obtain useful everyday sunglasses reminding them and others of the organization.
Bulk sunglasses fundraising helps schools and groups in two key ways. First, direct profit is raised from sales markups. Second, increased community awareness occurs when supporters use the sunglasses publicly.
As with apparel, groups must design appealing sunglasses that customers want to use. Vintage styles and bright colors are best for attracting supporters. Consider offering multiple sunglasses options at different price points.
Fundraising profits increase with larger orders, so gauge community demand initially. Promote the sunglasses across communication channels through the campaign. Supporters can gift custom sunglasses promoting their chosen organization as well.
Other Branded Merchandise Ideas
While apparel and accessories like sunglasses make excellent branded merchandise for fundraising, the possibilities abound. Schools and groups can sell custom drinkware, tech accessories, office supplies and more.
Supporters obtain useful products while funds are contributed. Merchandise can be designed for specific initiatives like new building projects or upcoming events needing support. Limited edition items create urgency to purchase from supporters.
Best Practices for Merchandise Fundraising
When planning any custom merchandise fundraising initiative, schools and organizations should follow certain best practices:
- Choose affordable merchandise able to be sold at a significant markup.
- Confirm minimum order quantities can be met to offset setup costs.
- Poll supporters to gauge interest in specific products being offered.
- Enable volume discounts for large single purchases from corporate sponsors.
- Promote merchandise actively through all marketing channels.
- Consider limited edition items to create exclusivity and urgency.
Following these best practices ensures merchandise campaigns align to supporter interests and fundraising financial targets are met. Longer term, branded merchandise generates continued visibility for schools and groups even after fundraising concludes. Alumni and community members visually promote their affiliation when using custom branded accessories and apparel in the community.
Conclusion
Selling custom branded merchandise presents an excellent recurring fundraising stream for schools and non-profits. Supporters receive appealing branded items reminding them of the organization while funds are raised for essential programming and services.
Apparel, sunglasses, drinkware, and other merchandise sell easily when groups survey supporters and offer attractive affordable options. Through effective branded merchandise campaigns, schools and non-profits gain invaluable visibility and vital fundraising dollars.