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T-Shirt Fundraising: What Nonprofits and Charities Need To Know

By ShirtSpace | Jun 28, 2024 |  Updated Jul 17, 2024

There are many ways to fundraise, but a good ol’ t-shirt fundraiser is a fantastic way to cost-effectively raise funds, spread awareness and provide value to the donors. This comprehensive guide about fundraising with t-shirts will discuss the various aspects of the strategy so that success is achieved, whether you are embarking on this project on behalf of a group or organization or as a personal endeavor.

Hero image credit: SDI Productions of Getty Images Signature

T-Shirt Fundraising: A Complete Guide for Nonprofits and Charities

What is T-Shirt Fundraising?

There are many different ways to fundraise and fundraising lingo, but t-shirt fundraising is a method used to raise money by selling custom-designed t-shirts. The motivations to give can stem from a number of reasons – but oftentimes, there is a charitable factor – such as fundraising for schools, helping those less fortunate, or offering support in response to a tragedy. Adults are also more likely to contribute to a charity their parents support(ed), so a multigenerational targeting strategy may prove to be successful. Yes, some people are more impressionable than others, but we tend to be highly influenced by our peers and those close to us. If you can create a trend where donating to your cause is an admirable or virtuous choice, then the effect will snowball in your favor.

By combining the cost of the merchandise and labor with the portion that will go to the cause, there is often room to price these items higher than a standard item. By selling t-shirts for money, the fundraiser can carefully leverage the commonplace usage and appeal of shirts for a good cause. Plus, fundraisers where the donor receives a tangible item in return for their contribution, versus fundraisers that rely solely on a charitable donation with nothing in return, can be more successful, as it awards value for their contribution. See quid pro quo regulations to be sure you are in compliance with requirements, as this sort of charitable donation often requires a disclosure statement. 

Benefits of T-Shirt Fundraisers for Nonprofits

A group of people wearing matching yellow printed t-shirts for a charity run.
Image credit: Sherise Vyn Dyke

With so many fundraising options available, why choose a clothing fundraiser? Read along to learn why t-shirt fundraising is a smart decision! 

  1. Tangible Support for the Cause

    Although charitable donations are not always made with the expectation of getting something in return, it’s always an added draw to receive something in return! This is why charity raffles do so well, since they offer the possibility that anyone who enters stands a chance at winning a prize. On a smaller scale, selling apparel like t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, hats, or other small items is a great way to raise money for your preferred cause. You can spin it to where the customer buys the t-shirt, and a portion or all proceeds go to the fundraiser. Or take the angle that donations of a certain amount receive a free t-shirt. 

  2. Increased Visibility and Awareness

    If the items you are selling have a strong design element, such as a logo or message with recognizable branding, then they provide many opportunities to be spotted in the real world, even long after the t-shirt fundraiser has come and gone. The organic, free, long-term, and mobile advertising achieved with t-shirt fundraising is not always measurable but is one of the best ways to be seen. 

  3. Community Building

    For t-shirt fundraisers, or even fundraisers that give free t-shirts to their participants or volunteers, such as charity walks or runs, wearing matching t-shirts brings a sense of camaraderie to a crowd. And afterward, it’s a conversation starter among the curious and those who have the same tee hanging in their closet. 

  4. Creative Control

    By creating custom t-shirts for a fundraiser, the organization controls the design and messaging. For organizations centered around achieving a certain goal, such as educating the public about a medical condition on the rise and raising money for research, sharing a political message and raising money for a candidate’s campaign, or even volunteers that work at a live charity event and need a uniform, the group is able to create any shirt that they see fit. 

  5. Profitability & Transparency

    Since wholesale t-shirts are relatively cheap to buy and decorate, donors will be willing to pay more, knowing that either all or a portion of the proceeds will go to a certain charity or fundraiser. Take into account all expenses when setting your price so that the fundraiser is set up to be profitable.

    Just be sure to be 100% transparent with your language when communicating where the funds are going. If you are donating 10% of the funds to the charity of your choice, you must be clear that only a portion of the profits will go to the cause.

    Additionally, if you only plan on donating that percentage on a portion of total sales, you must be very clear with your intentions and language so as not to violate any antitrust laws. Italian blogger and businesswoman Chiara Ferragni made this costly and embarrassing mistake and had to pay the hefty price. She had publicly claimed that sales from Pandoro Cakes she was selling would go to a children’s hospital, but in fact, a flat donation of 50,000 euros was made prior, regardless of how many sales were made. Her case cost her nearly 1.5 million euros in fines, an additional million in donations to Queen Margaret’s Children’s Fund, and over 200,000 social media followers.

    The lesson here? People expect honesty about where their donation is going, and rightfully so. Be as transparent as you can with the funds you are raising—not only for your integrity but also for the success of the fundraiser. 

How to Set Up a T-Shirt Fundraiser

A group of women wearing matching pink printed tank tops, embracing at a breast cancer awareness walk, put on by the Susan G. Komen foundation. 
Image credit: Susan G. Komen

There are multiple ways to set up a clothing fundraiser, such as an online campaign, live events, or by collaborating with a business or organization that will co-promote. Careful planning and execution will be required for whichever channel of t-shirt fundraising you happen to land on. Follow these steps to ensure successful results:
 

  1. Define Your Goals

    Set a clear object of the number of units you think you could reasonably sell. Consider the dollar amount you are aiming for when setting your price. If you can determine how much profit you will be making for each shirt sale, you might be able to estimate a net profit. Consider things like whether you need to hit a set amount or whether the fundraiser does not have a set goal, but rather anything achieved profits would be chalked up as a win. 

  2. Choose a Design & Shirt(s)

    You can use a pre-made design that you can find on the web and print yourself, or order a print online. Those that feel comfortable might use design software such as Creative Fabrica, Canva or Adobe programs to make the exact design they had pictured in their heads

    BEST SHIRTS FOR FUNDRAISERS
     

    Best Breast Cancer Tees Best Budget Friendly Tees to Turn a Profit
    • Gildan G500 Adult Heavy Cotton
    • Gildan G640 Softstyle
     
    • Port & Company PC54 Core Cotton
     
    • Port & Company PC55 Core Blend

  1. Select a Platform


    The following platforms can help you raise funds by selling t-shirts through various fundraising campaigns, online stores, and social media integrations. You would typically need to source or produce the t-shirts from a supplier and then handle the distribution yourself.

E-Commerce T-Shirt Fundraising Platforms

These platforms allow you to set up online stores where you can sell t-shirts directly to customers:

Crowdfunding Platforms

These platforms help you raise money for your fundraiser through individual contributions, often in exchange for rewards, or in this case, t-shirts:

Social Media and Community Fundraising Platforms

These platforms give you the power to leverage social media and community support to raise funds:

  1. Set Price(s)

    Determine the price of your t-shirts based on production costs, desired profit margins, and the purchasing power of your audience. Ensure the price is reasonable and competitive while still allowing you to achieve your t-shirt fundraising goals.

Making Shirts for Good Causes


Image credit: Peter Boccia
Alt text: A group of women wearing matching pink printed t-shirts for a breast cancer charity run. 

A thoughtful approach is the best strategy when selecting the design, messaging and garment choice. Here are some tips to make sure your t-shirts appeal to and represent your audience:

  1. Focus on Quality

    Although sometimes budgets are tight, we would encourage a t-shirt fundraiser to invest in the best quality tee that the budget allows. This is because the more premium the garment, the longer its likely lifespan. The more times a person wears a shirt, the more they themselves or others will be exposed to the messaging. It’s in the best interest of the fundraising group to invest in quality apparel in practical colors. For example, lightweight tees are more likely to develop holes, and white tees are more likely to get stained or turn dingy. This doesn’t mean you can’t go for these options – but it certainly proves something to think about it.

  2. Craft a Compelling Message

    Come up with a slogan, tagline, or meaningful quote that will resonate with the audience. Another option is an appealing image relevant to the event or organization’s mission as a whole. If done with thoughtful intention, a commemorative t-shirt for a certain event will evoke memories and remain in the wearer’s wardrobes for years to come. If the design is compelling enough, and the fit and feel remain satisfactory over time, a t-shirt might stay in a closet for years, if not decades.

  3. Involve Your Community

    Engage your supporters in the design process by hosting design contests or gathering input through surveys or polls. This creates a sense of ownership and ensures the final design appeals to a broader audience.

  4. Consider Eco-Friendly or USA Made Options to Align With Your Cause’s Values

    For many supporters, aspects such as sustainability or the origin of manufacture are important considerations when selecting apparel. To align with the values of production-conscious consumers, opt for eco-friendly materials and production methods or US-made styles. 

  5. Offer Size and Style Options

    Promote inclusivity by providing a variety of sizes and styles to cater to different fit preferences and body types. Offering unisex, women's, and children's sizes will make your fundraiser more inclusive, appeal to more prospective supporters, and make things run smoother when you don’t have to turn people away due to size restrictions in your inventory.

  6. Throw Some Fun into Your T-Shirt Fundraising Strategy

    Yes, on a serious note, selling shirts for a good cause can feel incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. But you also can’t spell fundraiser without the word “fun,” right? So, when it comes to the type of shirts you make, get creative! Incorporating a fun element could be as simple as the design itself. Or you can even pair the fundraising with an activity, challenge or event. 

CREATIVE T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER IDEAS


Image credit: Major Tom Agency

A woman dumping out a bucket of water onto a participant's head at a charity fundraising event.

  1. Custom Design Contest

    Hosting a design contest, with the winning design being featured, is a solid way to get the crowd more invested in the fundraiser. Allowing the public to vote on their favorite gets everyone involved. This also helps aid in growing the excitement around the fundraiser beforehand. There is something to be said about the power of hype.

  2. Limited Edition Series

    Propped up by the basic laws of supply and demand, releasing a limited number of each t-shirt design taps into the scarcity tactic commonly used by savvy marketers. Creating a sense of urgency is a great way to promote buy-in.  

  3. Event-Specific Shirts

    Shirts that were only created for a specific event can become collector’s items. This is another way to use the tactics of scarcity and urgency in order to make the person have all the FOMO feelings, and in turn, buy! 

  4. Collaboration with Artists

    Featuring the local artists’ work is a smart way to not only get some amazing artwork on your fundraiser t-shirts, but also serves as a way to get the local community involved. Not only are you supporting local artists by sourcing your artwork this way, but the perceived value of the shirt will be higher with the artist’s signature touch. Just be sure to discuss compensation before following through with the project so that everyone is on the same page. The artist may decide to participate free of charge out of the goodness of their heart and for free exposure, but it’s best to avoid making assumptions. Be sure to facilitate satisfactory compensation to all to avoid any bad blood or scandals that could tarnish your hard work. 

  5. Collaboration with Other Brands

    If you have a brand in mind that is in the same industry or is tied to your brand or cause, teaming up might not be a bad idea. Running a t-shirt fundraiser can be a lot of work, so partnering up with a person or organization that can help bear the brunt of the labor can be a smart call. Additionally, collaborating with another brand for a fundraiser will increase the overall exposure and visibility, leading to more sales and brand awareness. 

  6. Personalized T-Shirts

    Sure, you can create a limited run of t-shirts, but there is an even more exclusive option! A one-of-a-kind shirt that is personalized will surely do the trick. Consider air brush painting personalized shirts at a live event. Write their name, paint their likeness in a caricature, or allow them to choose a unique design that means something to them, personally.

  7. Throwback Designs

    Another commonly used marketing strategy is to draw on nostalgia. As Tech Target points out, “Nostalgia marketing also works because it feels uniquely personal but can be used on many people at the same time.” Bringing someone back to a pleasant memory or feeling they have experienced in the past works on a psychological level because the person associates the product that is evoking the nostalgic feelings with the pleasant memories of the past. This increases the odds of purchase.

  8. Celebrity Endorsements

    Getting celebrities, influencers, and other public figures on your side is another way to bring attention to your t-shirt fundraiser. If large-scale endorser’s fees are not feasible for the budget you are working with, think outside the box. Are there any local community members that might resonate with your customer base? This could be a person, such as a politician, public official, or well-known and respected native neighborhood member. Keep in mind that your endorser does not have to be a person. Consider a beloved pet or animal, animated character, prestigious group or brand. 

  9. Make Your Own T-Shirt Station

    A clever way to make your t-shirt fundraiser interactive is to set up a t-shirt decorating station. A tie-dye party is a fantastic option, as it is a family-friendly activity and something all skill levels can participate in. Printing is also another fun option. With a little guidance from an expert, participants can heat press a custom design. Heat transfer vinyl (HTV) would be a good choice for simple designs, as the weeding adds an extra element of involvement. Direct-to-film (DTF) printing is an awesome pick if you want something that is simple, fast and highly detailed. Decorating your own shirt will attach memories to the garment. This will likely result in more frequent wear and a longer lifespan living in the recipient’s closet. 


Promoting Your T-Shirt Fundraising Event

Three women embracing while wearing custom-decorated t-shirts for a Susan G. Komen breast cancer fundraising walk. 
Image credit: Susan G Komen

Your general marketing strategy really depends on what kind of budget you have to invest and the campaign goals, but at least some sort of well-rounded marketing strategy is essential to attract supporters to your t-shirt fundraiser. You can utilize various channels such as social media, email newsletters, your organization's website, and partnerships with influencers or businesses to spread the word about your t-shirt fundraiser.

  1. Leverage Social Media

    Use social media platforms to create buzz around your t-shirt fundraiser. Share engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes videos of the design process, stories of individuals impacted by your cause, and testimonials from supporters. Utilize both popular and niche hashtags. Also, encourage your followers to share your posts to increase visibility. You could even run a giveaway on social media with a prize of one of the shirts to increase exposure. You may be out the cost of one shirt, but this is likely to more than pay off with the additional impressions you get. 

  2. Email Marketing

    Email marketing is a powerful tool for reaching your existing supporters. Send out newsletters announcing your t-shirt fundraiser, highlighting the design, and explaining how the proceeds will support your cause. Include clear calls to action and direct links to your fundraising page.

  3. Influencer Marketing

    If your budget allows it, partner with influencers, bloggers, celebrities, or other brands that align with your cause. If a monetary budget to work with these influencers is in the budget, you can send them complementary products instead of cash in exchange for their review or for a feature in their piece of content. Be sure they follow FCC guidelines and provide backlinks to your website or online fundraising page. 

  4. Events

    Host or attend in-person or digital events to promote the t-shirt fundraiser. The more exposure your fundraiser gets, the better. Networking and word of mouth are some of the most effective ways to get the news out. Unfortunately, this part is more uncontrollable regarding results, but attending events and discussing your t-shirt fundraiser is a fantastic place to start. 

  5. Website Presence

    Create a unique landing page for your website specifically for the fundraiser. Include all relevant details, such as:

    • The purpose of the fundraiser

    • Important stakeholders and collaborators

    • The design

    • The price

    • Sizes offered

    • How to order 

    • The portion of their donation that goes to the cause

    • Any event details linked to the t-shirt fundraiser

    • Other ways to contribute/donate, if available

Make it easy to share the page on social media and via email. Consider creating a downloadable PDF and printable flier for the event, accessible from the landing page you created.
 

  1. Local Media

    You can always contact local media outlets such as newspapers, online forums, radio stations, and TV networks to cover your t-shirt fundraiser. A newsworthy feature or interview will expand your reach, attracting more supporters. You can also release a press release and have it syndicated, reaching a variety of audiences through various news agencies. 

Launching Your T-Shirt Fundraiser

A group of people clapping and cheering due to the success of their t-shirt fundraiser.
Image credit: Science Photo Library
 

  1. Finalize Details

    Double—or even triple-check everything before officially launching. Aspects to check include the finalized design, pricing, production, and distribution plans. Ensure you have all the materials and resources needed to execute accordingly and get the tees into the donors' hands.

  2. Create Plan

    This is where you get more granular with your t-shirt fundraising plans. Create a timeline and list of key responsibilities. If you are selling t-shirts at a live event, this will be even more essential to stay organized. Delegate tasks and create an overarching agenda for everyone involved to follow. 

  3. Create Hype

    Half the battle of fundraising with t-shirts is getting the word out there. People can’t purchase something they aren’t aware of. So, do your best to market your t-shirt fundraiser ideas leading up to the actual launch. The more anticipation you build leading up to the event, the more excitement you will generate. An environment of excitement will only help with your fundraising efforts. 

  4. Engage Audience

    When the launch time finally comes, you will want to interact with your audience as much as possible, responding to comments or questions that come your way. Always express gratitude for their inquiry or participation. Humanizing the fundraiser with a personal interaction is a great way to encourage others to get involved.

  5. Monitor Progress

    Track your sales progress. If you do not have software that tracks sales for you, consider creating a spreadsheet, either online or tangible, placed on a clipboard. If things are not going well, make any adjustments you see fit. An example would be reducing the price if sales are less than expected. Remember to report to your team and supporters when major milestones are accomplished.

  6. Celebrate & Share Results

    The time has come to launch your t-shirt fundraiser! Once the fundraiser has begun and orders have started to roll in, be sure to:

    • Monitor progress through data and sales tracking

    • Engage with your supporters

    • Analyze and make adjustments throughout when necessary to ensure success

Now Raise Those Funds! 

A woman volunteering for a fundraising event, while she wears a green t-shirt that says “volunteer” printed on the front.
Image credit: SDI Productions from Getty Images

Now that you know how to run a t-shirt fundraiser, it’s time to take action! Taking these t-shirt fundraiser ideas and putting them into practice is the only way to raise funds for your organization or cause. Fundraising with t-shirts can really make a positive impact, as we believe in you! Drop any t-shirt fundraising ideas we might have forgotten in the comments! 

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