Fundraising for non-profits can be a complicated business, but with promotional products, specifically hats, it becomes much simpler.

In 2014, the non-profit industry was worth nearly $900 billion.

In Part I, we will look at different types of charity classifications and events, so that you can have a better understanding of how promotional caps can influence participation and monetary donations.

In Part II, we’ll talk about the three distinct purposes promotional caps serve in the non-profit sector. You’ll learn how to include the wholesale cap price into fees so you can maximize the effectiveness of every event you host.

Fundraising for Non-Profits: Classifications

Every non-profit organization falls into at least one of the following eleven categories.

• Animal
• Environmental
• International NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
• Health
• Education
• Arts, Culture & Humanities
• Community Development
• Environment
• Human Services & Civil Rights
• Research & Public Policy
• Religion

Each classification has its own way of fundraising for non-profits within it. An environmental organization will not use the same rhetoric to reach the public as a religious group does.

What is your strategy for promoting awareness, volunteerism, or fundraising? Does it include headwear?

When it comes to advertising, caps speak a universal language. A jacket can hide a T-shirt. Mugs and pens sit idly on a desk; each of these may never be seen by anyone other than the owner.

Hats will never be covered up. Every time someone wears your hat it creates more impressions and gains more exposure. Additionally, people naturally trust one another. So, when someone wears your logo, essentially endorsing your, others will come to view it favorably and trust your brand.

Caps do all of this cost-effectively so that more of your donation dollars can go to your cause or put toward your next event.

The non-profit industry as a whole is well aware of the importance of promotional products. In 2015, SAGE named it number 4 in its top 10 promotional product buying markets.

Purchasing promotional products can be a particularly difficult decision for non-profits. I get it; your entire business model is built around raising funds, not spending them, right?

That’s why headwear is such a great investment. It’s inexpensive, especially when you look at the cost per impression. Your return on investment is practically guaranteed.

Not convinced yet?

• 85% of people did businesses with the advertiser after receiving a promotional product.
• Wearables are the most influential promotional product for consumers between the ages of 18 and 44.
  • This group is also likely to donate to causes they believe in.
• Hats were ranked in the top 5 products to influence a consumer positively.
• When asked what types of advertising they liked best, consumers preferred apparel in every age group under 55.
• Promo products are the most highly regarded form of advertising.

Fundraising for Non-Profits: Events

Fundraising for non-profits is so vital to their success. What do people wear during a cancer survivors’ walk?

The answer, of course, is hats branded with an awareness ribbon.

There are tons of opportunities non-profit organizations can use to raise money or awareness for their cause. One of the most popular ways is to hold an event.

Headwear is a logical way for you to show gratitude to event participants or volunteers, especially during outdoor events or physically challenging activities.

There are charitable events held practically every weekend in most cities, and branded hats can complement any of them.

In fact, many events are made possible because of promotional products.

• _____-a-thons
  • Bike-a-Thons
  • Bowl-a-Thons
  • Dance-a-Thons
  • Marathons
  • Read-a-Thons
  • Rock-a-Thons
  • Telethons
  • Skate-a-Thons
• Auctions
• Battle of the Bands
• Casino Nights
• Chores for Charity
• Flash Mobs
• Fun Runs (5Ks)
• Gala Dinners
• Golf Tournaments
• Philanthropic Pub Crawls
• Scavenger Hunts

Are you hosting any events in the coming months? Discuss your promotional product needs and your calendar with your sales rep to find out where caps fit best.

Did you know that only 33% of non-profits work with a distributor? Most of them buy their promotional products directly from on online retailer. There’s a huge opportunity here for you to show them why they should buy from you.

Check back next week as we look at Fundraising for Non-Profits Part II; we’ll dig deeper into how you can utilize promotional caps to increase awareness, volunteers, and funds.

What other industries would you like to see covered on Hatswork? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram using the hashtag #hatswork.