Fundraiser t-shirts are one of the easiest ways to raise money for a school, team, church, or cause. People love to wear something that shows their support. With the right plan, fundraiser t-shirts can bring in hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here is how to do it well.
Step 1: Set Your Goal and Price
Start with a clear goal, for example $2,000 for new team uniforms. Then, compare your cost per shirt with a fair selling price. Most groups sell shirts for about $15 to $25. So, if a shirt costs you $8 and sells for $20, you raise $12 per shirt. In that case, you would need to sell about 170 shirts to reach $2,000.
Step 2: Design a Shirt People Want to Wear
- Keep it simple: bold text and one or two colors look great and cost less.
- Tell the story: include your cause, group name, or a fun slogan.
- Choose a soft shirt: people wear comfortable shirts more often, which spreads your message.
- Also, pick a popular color, such as heather gray, navy, or black.
Need a starting point? Try one of our free design templates.
Step 3: Take Pre-Orders
Pre-orders are the secret to profitable fundraiser t-shirts. First, collect orders and payments online or on paper. Then, order exactly the sizes people bought. As a result, you avoid leftover shirts and never risk your own money. Our t-shirt size breakdown guide can help if you order extras.
Step 4: Promote Your Fundraiser
Share photos of the design on social media, in newsletters, and in group chats. In addition, set a clear deadline, because urgency drives sales. For example, “Orders close Friday” works far better than “Order anytime.” Also, ask your most active members to post photos in their shirts.
Step 5: Order Fundraiser T-Shirts in Bulk to Save More
Larger orders lower your cost per shirt, which means more profit for your cause. For instance, 150 shirts cost much less per piece than 30. Learn more in our bulk t-shirt pricing guide. Also, plan around our turnaround time, which is about two weeks plus free shipping.
Fundraiser T-Shirt Ideas
- School spirit shirts and booster club shirts.
- Charity run and walk shirts.
- Mission trip and church youth group shirts.
- Animal rescue and community cause shirts.
- Memorial shirts to support a family in need.
Do You Need to Collect Sales Tax?
Rules depend on your state and your group’s status. For example, Texas has specific rules for nonprofit fundraisers. So, check with your state before you sell. The Texas Comptroller exemptions page is a helpful place to start for Texas groups.
With a good design, pre-orders, and a clear deadline, fundraiser t-shirts can hit your goal fast. Also consider custom hoodies, since they sell at a higher price in cooler months.
Ready to Order?
Browse our custom apparel catalog for instant pricing, or request a free quote. Every order includes a free proof and free shipping in the lower 48 states.
