How to Make a Fundraiser Shirt That People Actually Buy
Published by: Siobhan Ingram
Date: 05-11-2025
Let’s be honest—no one wants another boxy, scratchy T-shirt that ends up buried in the back of the closet. If you’re organizing a fundraiser, the goal isn't just to sell shirts—it's to create something people are genuinely excited to wear.
At FCE, we discovered that a touch of customization goes a long way toward turning community tees into community pride (and actually making some money). Here's how to create a fundraiser tee that actually sells—and maybe even sells out.
1. Start with a shirt that folks will actually want to wear
If the shirt isn't comfortable, it doesn't matter how great the cause is. Use fantastic fabric—consider ringspun cotton or blended fibers that folks love to live in. A little bit of fitted or relaxed fit (depending on your audience) also works.
-Tip: We always say comfort = loyalty here at FCE. A comfortable shirt becomes an individual's go-to rotation, meaning free word-of-mouth marketing for your cause.
2. Style Before Cause
It's tempting to plaster the name of the event all over the whole front—but don't. A cooler, more stylish look that alludes to the cause (not a promotion for it) sells great.
Try:
Simple, graphic lines
New fonts
Limited color palettes
Maybe even a little bit of mystery or inside joke if fitting for the group
-Tip: A design that makes people feel cool when they're wearing it will remember your fundraiser weeks after the event.
3. Keep It Easy to Buy (Seriously Easy)
Bulky order forms? No thank you. Hard-to-read size charts? No thanks. Keep it simple to buy with an online store (such as the custom stores we build at FCE). Easy to shop = more impulse buys, and when you cross-promote using email and social media, that's a winner.
-Pro Tip: Get your store open early and throw a countdown in there to build urgency!
4. Build a Sense of Belonging
When a supporter purchases your fundraiser shirt, they're part of something greater than themselves. Lean into that! Leverage your campaign copy to highlight community, pride, and shared values.
Pro Tip: Phrases such as join us, wear your support, or be part of the story strike a deeper chord than buy now.
Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than the Shirt
When it’s done right, a fundraiser shirt isn’t just another T-shirt—it’s a statement, a memory, and a symbol of support. By putting thought into the fit, design, and experience, you’re not just boosting sales—you’re building a stronger connection with your supporters.
And that? That’s what fundraising magic looks like.