As a nonprofit organization, sometimes you need to get creative when it comes to funding options. Custom promotional products can be a cost-effective and fun way to spread your message and increase donations! Here are the benefits your nonprofit organization will experience from incorporating custom promotional products into your fundraising plans.
Benefit #1: Increased brand awareness
Branding is crucial to the sustainability and success of any nonprofit organization. According to research published by the Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, a strong brand helps to build operational capacity, galvanize support and maintain focus on the social mission. A strong brand brings greater credibility and trust, acting as a catalyst to inspire partner and donor action. But branding can only be effective if people are made aware of it!
Promotional products help to increase brand awareness across the area you serve and beyond. A cost-effective advertising solution you can give away or have people purchase at advocacy or fundraising events, promotional products reach beyond traditional marketing methods. Think about how many stickers, T-shirts or tote bags you see in a day. Each of these items provides an opportunity for your organization to be seen and for your volunteers, donors and supporters to show off their style. Your mission travels wherever the user goes, interacting with hundreds to thousands of potential connections. You never know when a creative logo or fun design will spark a conversation about your nonprofit!
Benefit #2: Donor appreciation and stewardship
Nonprofit organizations cannot succeed without the contributions and efforts of their donors. That is why it is important to practice donor stewardship, or the relationship-building process that occurs after a gift has been made. Promotional products can be a thoughtful way to engage in stewardship and build an environment that feels welcoming, inclusive and caring. Send a thank you gift to a new donor or specialized holiday gifts at the end of the year. Whether they donated time, effort or money, everyone deserves to feel appreciated. Providing products that donors will want to use will encourage a lasting relationship and boost retention rates.
Benefit #3: Widespread reach – even virtually!
To extend the reach of your brand even further, consider virtual solutions such as online stores. Online stores are creative, versatile ways to offer your promotional products to donors and supporters anywhere in the world. They’re also incredibly convenient! As a leader of your nonprofit organization, there are a million tasks on your to-do list. Online stores offer a quick and easy one-time set-up process and require no extra time spent on the tracking and processing of orders.
These virtual storefronts are ideal if your nonprofit organization has minimal operational space, as you do not have to store the physical products. There are two types of online stores best suited for nonprofit organizations: employee apparel stores and event or conference online stores.
An online employee apparel store is a great way to offer various sizing and style options to your team while maintaining control over your brand’s image. Especially in the nonprofit sector, your team is often likely out in the community, meeting with those you serve or potential partners and donors. An employee apparel store can make sure they look and feel their best while doing so.
Similarly, an online conference or event storefront can be a fun way to offer various promotional products to attendees and get them excited about the special event. Is your event a fundraiser? Rather than limiting your fundraising to a single day, products offered before (and after) the event can encourage additional donations and allow participation and inclusion for people not able to attend.
Quick tip: there are a lot of different products your online store can offer. Choose products that connect people to your organization and align with your mission. For example, if your nonprofit is dedicated to beach cleanup efforts, reusable water bottles would be a great product to offer.
At Full Press Apparel, we believe we have a responsibility to our community, and consider it an honor and a privilege to work with charitable causes and local efforts to give back. Considering custom promotional products for your nonprofit? Call us today at 850.222.1003 or contact us online to get started.
