Nonprofit organizations play an integral role in raising funds and awareness for worthy causes. National Nonprofit Day is an important reminder to recognize the organizations making a difference in communities across the country.
The organizations do a lot with the resources they have. That makes promo products, especially branded apparel, a particularly useful tool. It can raise money, unify a team, recognize supporters and keep an organization’s mission visible long after an event ends.
Whether you’re planning a fundraising campaign or looking for new ways to engage your supporters, here are a few ways nonprofits can put branded apparel to work for the cause.
Apparel Fundraising
Logoed apparel can be a fundraiser in itself. Instead of simply asking supporters to make a donation, give them something they’ll be excited to wear in return.
Create a custom T-shirt for a specific campaign, sell sweatshirts at a fundraising event or offer exclusive apparel to donors who reach a certain giving level. A limited-edition design can also create a sense of urgency and give supporters another reason to get involved.
A unisex short-sleeve tee is a classic choice for nonprofit fundraisers. For cooler weather, a comfy crewneck or hoodie can give supporters another way to show off their connection to your cause.
And the impact doesn’t have to stop once the donation is made. When supporters wear their shirts around town, they help introduce your organization to everyone they meet.
Volunteer Team
Volunteers are often the people making your events, fundraisers and community programs happen behind the scenes. Branded apparel can help them look like a team while making them easy for attendees to spot.
Polos are a great choice for volunteers working at community events or representing your organization in a more polished setting. Choosing both a men’s and women’s cut offers options for everyone and keeps a cohesive look.
For outdoor activities, consider layering pieces like quarter-zips and jackets. A midweight quarter zip or a lightweight softshell jacket are great choices for any event. Even consider a classic cap to add further protection in the elements.
You can use different apparel or colors to distinguish between event leaders, staff and general volunteers. Because when 100 people are running around a 5K, visually knowing who to seek out is a bonus.
Reward Supporters
Apparel doesn’t have to be reserved for fundraising campaigns and events. It can also be a meaningful way to recognize.
Consider offering branded retail apparel to donors who reach a certain giving milestone or gifting a name-brand jacket to recurring donors. Apparel can also recognize volunteer hours, celebrate employee milestones or thank board members for their service.
For a more casual thank-you, a branded Reebok hoodie or Nike fleece pullover offer comfortable options for every day. In addition, a trendy Carhartt jacket is an eye-catching piece and a branded Nike cap can fit into everyday wear and make an easy addition to a supporter gift.
The more useful the apparel, the more likely it is to become part of someone’s regular wardrobe — giving your organization continued visibility without requiring another marketing campaign.
Mission in Motion
For nonprofits, logoed apparel can serve a purpose at nearly every stage of a campaign. It can encourage someone to donate, help a volunteer feel like part of the team or give a longtime supporter a tangible way to show their commitment.
With the right pieces, your supporters don’t just wear your logo. They wear your mission. Find more branded apparel options and more in our Nonprofit Necessities collection.
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