By: Karl Ainsworth
It is easy to differentiate your cause with promotional charity merchandise that will be identified with your specific charity. One way to accomplish this is with branding, or imprinting your items with your charity name, logo, or event information. Most items are capable of handling an ink imprint, embroidery, embossing, or metal stamping, depending on what they are made from.Clothing items are some of the most identifiable gifts that can be given away or sold to raise money for charities and their events. You can also obtain a commercial sponsor, and have their company or product logo put onto your charity merchandise. This works two ways, because you can benefit from their commercial name and reputation, and with their sponsorship they will help pay for some or all of the costs of your event, including payment for the charity merchandise.
You can choose items that are representative of your charity, such as first aid kits, food items, artwork, or general merchandise such as sporting goods, clothing, bags, mugs, CD or DVD selections, and any number of other choices. Coordinate colors if that seems appropriate, and many items are available in color varieties and styles. Use the imprint color as a second color.
With so many charities competing for a limited audience and donations, it is important to try to differentiate your cause, and charity merchandise is one way to do this. One good idea is to settle on a theme, and bring into play several items that fit that theme, all with your imprint of your charity name or logo. You can use the items in successive promotions, or all at once in a tiered giving program where the most expensive items go out for the highest donations.
The good news is that there are hundreds of thousands of promotional items to select from, so it should be easy to find those that fit your charity cause and your special fundraising events throughout the year. And, there are items that will fit every type of donor and their budget, from pens, desk sets, and glassware to laptop bags, luggage and golf accessories.
If your charity is sponsoring a community event, you are building goodwill, but also can take advantage of that opportunity to raise funds by having a sale tent at the event. In this tent, you can include many more items that are personalized beyond the ones you offer for donor gift giving. The only things to watch for are the quantities you will need, and any shipping costs that may be needed.
