The role non-profit organizations play in society cannot be overstated. Churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques nurture our souls. Medical research centers save lives. Educational institutions prepare the next great minds. Mental health services keep us sane. Environmental groups steward our resources and protect endangered wildlife. Support groups remind us that we’re not alone. And aid organizations work to eradicate homelessness, hunger, and preventable diseases. It’s a beautiful tapestry displaying the best of humanity.

However, as anyone who works for or volunteers at a non-profit organization will tell you, they are not without their challenges. Tackling such monumental issues while simultaneously having to ensure there are enough funds to continue the work can be as overwhelming as it is commendable. Recruiting people who are willing to share their blood, sweat, and tears for free is both inspiring and exhausting. Raising awareness in a world where unending events, trends, and stories compete for the population’s attention and compassion is a worthwhile, albeit an uphill, battle.

But you know this. And you do it anyway. Thank you.

The least we can do is offer some advice to make the job a little easier. Promotional products may seem like a trivial extra, but their effectiveness could be game-changing when it comes to awareness, fundraising, and volunteer retention especially.

7 Ways to Use Promotional Products in the Non-Profit World

A lot of people think of promotional products as part of a sales gimmick, like the prizes in a cereal box. In reality, promotional products serve a variety of purposes. As they relate to non-profits, consider using promo items as:

• Fundraising incentives
• Thank-you gifts for donors
• Identification of staff members (paid or volunteer)
• Volunteer appreciation
• Publicity and awareness
• Giveaways at seminars, press conferences, or conventions
• A way to commemorate trips/events

Tips for Choosing Promotional Items

• Items that will be used or seen often (e.g. phone case)
• Items that last (e.g. silicon bracelets)
• Items that connect to the cause (e.g. tumblers for water wells)
• Items that grab attention (e.g. clever graphic T-shirts)
• Items that educate (e.g. bumper stickers)
• Items that commemorate an occasion (e.g. engraved picture frame)

Promo Ideas for Non-Profits

• Magnets. Refrigerators serve two purposes: keep food cold and hold magnets. The latter keeps your organization top of mind.
• Custom enamel pins. People can wear them on a hat, a lapel, a denim jacket, or a tie as tangible tokens.
• Key chains. Everyday items like keychains provide lasting impact.
• Potted plants. Growth, beauty, and (ideally) longevity to match your cause.
• Insulated lunch bags. Who doesn’t look forward to their lunch break? Carry that enthusiasm and your cause at the same time.
• First aid kits. “Thanks for helping people. We’d like to return the favor.”
• Portable phone chargers. Because your work EMPOWERS change.
• Coffee mugs. Cuppa for a cause.

Thanks to modern technology, you can put a logo and/or a message on just about anything. The key is to do so strategically and intentionally. Hopefully the tips in this article will help your cause. Literally.