More Merch! Fundraising With Custom Patches

For schools, teams, charities and other nonprofit organizations, raising necessary funds is a constant challenge. Many are turning to fundraising with custom patches as a way to supplement other funding methods.

Custom patches offer a unique and effective fundraising method that serves a dual purpose. Not only does selling the patches generate revenue, but the patches also help increase the organization’s visibility and attract supporters in the community.

Used properly, custom patches can greatly enhance virtually any organization’s fundraising efforts in an attractive, popular, cost effective way. No matter what group you represent, patches can make fundraising easier. Let’s look at how they can do that.

The Appeal of Custom Patches

What makes patches so popular to begin with? It’s simple – they’re wearable art. An attractive design draws lots of attention and interest. They add a little dash of flair to jeans, jackets, vests or backpacks.

Many people also like to publicize causes they support, to help persuade others to support it too. A well-designed patch can spark a conversation that leads to new team members, more volunteers and added community support. People want to be connected to something larger than themselves.

And let’s not forget the bottom line – patches are cheap. Not in quality, but in price. They cost little for an organization to buy, especially when they buy in bulk. That lowers the per-patch cost of the patches, enabling the organization to sell them at low cost to would-be buyers. They’re really one of the lowest-cost promotional products you can buy.

Groups That Can Benefit

Many nonprofit organizations of all kinds can benefit from fundraising with custom patches. Schools can raise needed cash for band, sports, academic programs and more. Fire departments and other first responders can raise money for their supported charities, or even for equipment for their own use.

Charity groups and political organizations can use fundraising with custom patches to increase awareness of their cause and benefit communities both locally and nationally. An attractive patch with a good logo or text will carry your message far and wide.

Designing the Right Patch for Your Cause

The key to successful fundraising with custom patches is having the right design.. Your design should clearly identify your organization and its mission in a way that draws the eye and attracts attention. 

The best place to start is with the logo, colors and symbols of your organization or cause. For example, if you’re raising money for a school club, band or team, be sure to include the school colors and maybe even the mascot in the patch design.

Don’t make your design too complicated, though. Too much art or text can clutter up the patch and lose visual impact. 

Choosing the Right Patch Type

Consider different patch types for maximum impact. Your patch provider can help you choose the right one for your specific patch design, size and style.

Your choice of patch type will affect both the cost and the appearance of your patches. The most common patch types to consider include:

Embroidered 

These patches feature the classic, textured look that many people associate with custom patches. The lowest cost type, it’s ideal for bold logos and straightforward designs. 

Woven 

Woven patches use a thinner thread than embroidered patches. That allows for more intricate designs and detail. They work well for nonprofits that want to feature detailed logos or icons without sacrificing clarity.

Printed

Printed patches capture photo-like detail. They’re ideal for designs with photographic elements or gradients.

PVC

These durable patches are the perfect choice for outdoor-oriented organizations or groups. If your organization is geared toward active members or volunteers who might place the patches on outerwear or backpacks, rugged PVC patches are the perfect choice.

Engaging Your Community Through Patches

Fundraising with custom patches is unique in that it not only raises money for your cause, but it also promotes community engagement. When your patch buyers wear them in public, and share photos of them on social media, it expands your potential audience and encouraging others to support you too.

You can also use social media to promote the patches directly, and to make a fundraising appeal. Link it to events your group is involved in, whether games, political rallies or awareness days. Give people a reason to wear and display their patches, and they’ll respond.

Patch Suppliers

When you want to order custom patches for your nonprofit organization, it pays to do some research on providers. To ensure you get the most value for your money, look for a company that has a solid reputation, preferably one that’s been around long enough to establish a solid base of satisfied customers. 

Be sure to specify that you want to do fundraising with custom patches. Some patch providers can offer better pricing if they know it is for a nonprofit group. And remember, ordering in bulk will almost always lead to lower production costs.

Pricing Your Patches

When you’re fundraising with custom patches, choosing the right price for your patches can help maximize your revenue. Calculate your cost for the patches, including production and shipping, then set a price that covers these costs while still allowing a meaningful profit. 

Remember, part of the appeal of custom patches is their affordability. You want them to appeal to as broad an audience as possible without underselling. People who believe in your cause will understand the price supports your organization’s mission.

The Bottom Line

Fundraising with custom patches is a  unique, powerful way to both raise money and increase awareness for nonprofits. With thoughtful design, custom patches can be a highly effective tool for nonprofit organizations of all kinds. Patches can tell your group’s story in a way that people can relate to and want to support. 

If you want to find out more about what custom patches can do for your organization, Patches4Less.com is here to help! Call us toll-free at 866-847-2824 or email us at [email protected]. You can also fill out our no-obligation free quote form if you have a design in mind. Let us show you how easy fundraising with custom patches can be!