Boost school fundraiser profits with custom shirts. Choose fun designs with your school colors and logo, set up easy online or in-person sales, and earn more per item than typical fundraisers. This guide shows how to plan, design, and sell school fundraiser apparel that raises more money with less stress.

Selling baked goods or raffle tickets can feel like endless work for small returns. Many schools struggle to find fresh ideas that excite families and raise enough money for trips, clubs, or new equipment. If you’ve been stuck with the same old fundraisers, you’re not alone. Custom school shirts are a simple, proven way to spark school pride and create real profits. 

In this article, we’ll show how to pick the right apparel, design eye-catching prints, and sell effectively—so your next school fundraiser can earn more with every shirt sold.

Why Custom Shirts Boost School Fundraisers

Custom shirts work because they tap into school pride and identity. When students, parents, and alumni wear apparel with their school’s colors and mascot, it creates unity and excitement. This emotional connection drives more people to purchase, making shirts a fundraiser that sells itself.

Another reason shirts succeed is their high profit margin. Compared to candy bars or discount cards, shirts have lower upfront costs when ordered in bulk and can be priced to generate significant returns. For example, a $7 shirt can easily sell for $20, leaving plenty of room for profit while still being affordable for families.

Schools across the country have already proven that shirts outperform traditional fundraisers. A single pep rally or sports season can generate hundreds or even thousands in revenue when supported by custom apparel. As National PTA highlights, effective fundraisers should engage the community while providing value—and custom shirts achieve both.

Choosing the Right Apparel for Maximum Profit

Not all apparel items bring in the same results. Selecting the right product mix can make or break a campaign. Consider the age group, climate, and timing of your fundraiser to maximize sales.

Apparel Option Best Use Profit Potential Notes
T-shirts Year-round, everyday wear High Most popular and budget-friendly
Hoodies & Sweatshirts Fall, winter, sports events Very High Higher upfront cost, but greater resale value
Long-sleeve shirts Seasonal transitions Moderate Great for layering and spirit wear
Hats & Caps Sports teams, outdoor events Moderate Lower production cost, easy add-on item
Eco-friendly options Green schools, sustainability clubs High Appeals to families who value sustainable choices

When possible, offer a mix. A core item like a t-shirt brings mass sales, while premium items like hoodies attract those willing to spend more. Schools that provide eco-friendly apparel often gain extra support from parents and community members who prioritize sustainability, a trend backed by EPA research on consumer choices.

Smart Design Tips to Sell More

A great design can double your sales. Families and students are more likely to buy apparel they actually want to wear outside of school.

Focus on school colors, mascots, and logos as your design foundation. These instantly connect the apparel with school pride. Adding memorable slogans or event-specific details (like “Class of 2025” or “Homecoming Week”) creates urgency and makes each item feel special.

Pay attention to current design trends. Bold retro fonts, simple line art, and oversized graphics are styles that resonate with students today. A minimal but modern design often appeals across all age groups, from elementary kids to high school alumni.

Finally, involve the students. Hosting a design contest is a fun way to get buy-in from the community and guarantee that the shirts reflect what students actually want to wear. When the design comes from the students themselves, sales usually surge because everyone feels connected to the product.

For more tips on fabric choices and printing methods, see Custom Apparel for Events & Groups Guide

Printing & Production: What Schools Should Know

Choosing the right printing method keeps costs low and quality high. The three most common options are screen printing, embroidery, and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing.

Printing Method Best For Pros Cons
Screen Printing Large bulk orders Durable, vibrant colors, cost-effective Requires larger minimum order
Embroidery Polo shirts, hats, premium apparel Professional look, long-lasting Higher cost, limited to simpler designs
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Small orders or detailed designs No minimums, full-color detail Higher cost per item, slower for big runs

For most fundraisers, screen printing offers the best balance of price and quality. It allows schools to place bulk orders and take advantage of volume discounts, which significantly increases profit margins. Before signing a contract, ask for samples and proof approvals to avoid costly reprints. For a deeper look at printing techniques, Screen Printing Magazine provides professional insights.

When deciding between local print shops and online vendors, weigh shipping costs and turnaround times. Local businesses may offer personalized service and community connections, while online platforms can streamline ordering and allow families to buy directly through an online store.

Selling Channels That Multiply Fundraising Results

The way you sell is just as important as what you sell. Offering multiple sales channels helps reach more people and raise more funds.

  • Online stores: Create a digital storefront on platforms like Bonfire or Shopify. Parents and alumni can order anytime, and pre-orders reduce upfront costs.

  • In-person events: Sell shirts at sports games, concerts, and school fairs to catch impulse buyers.

  • Pre-orders and limited editions: Announce a short window for orders to create urgency and excitement.

  • Bundles and upsells: Offer combo deals such as a t-shirt plus cap at a discounted price to increase the average purchase amount.

Combining online and offline strategies allows supporters near and far to participate. It also spreads out sales opportunities throughout the year instead of relying on one big event.

Marketing Your School Fundraiser Apparel

Even the best designs won’t sell themselves without a smart marketing plan. Build excitement well before launch and keep momentum going.

  • Social media campaigns: Share sneak peeks on Instagram and TikTok. Encourage students to post photos wearing early samples.

  • Email blasts: Use the school newsletter or tools like Mailchimp to send order reminders to parents and alumni.

  • Spirit week and game-day promotions: Offer on-site discounts or “buy today only” specials to drive immediate sales.

  • Community partners: Local businesses and alumni associations can help promote your fundraiser to a wider audience.

Strong visuals and clear calls to action are key. Post high-quality mockups and photos of students proudly wearing the shirts. Link directly to your order page to make buying quick and easy. For marketing inspiration, check out resources from the American Marketing Association on creating effective community campaigns.

Real-World Examples & Testimonials

Seeing how other schools succeed can inspire and guide your own campaign. For example, a Midwest high school booster club raised over $10,000 in one semester by selling limited-edition hoodies tied to a championship football game. A small elementary PTO in California doubled its usual fundraiser income by hosting a student design contest and offering both budget t-shirts and premium sweatshirts.

Parents and students consistently report that school pride drives purchases. One PTA member shared that “people lined up at the first pep rally to buy our shirts,” while another said, “online ordering made it easy for grandparents across the country to support our school.” Sharing success stories in your promotions builds trust and encourages more supporters to buy.

Action Steps: Launch Your Fundraiser Today

Getting started is easier than most schools expect. Here’s a simple step-by-step checklist to turn ideas into profit:

  1. Set goals: Decide how much money you want to raise and by when.

  2. Choose apparel mix: Pick your main item (like t-shirts) and optional premium items.

  3. Create the design: Use a student contest or online design tools for quick mockups.

  4. Select a printer or platform: Compare quotes and turnaround times before committing.

  5. Plan marketing: Schedule social posts, email blasts, and on-campus events.

  6. Launch sales: Open online orders and coordinate in-person selling dates.

  7. Deliver and celebrate: Hand out or ship items, then thank buyers and share results.

By following these steps, your school can quickly create a reliable, repeatable fundraiser that grows each year.

FAQ Section

What is the minimum order size for custom shirts?
 Many printers allow orders as low as 12 pieces, but larger quantities lower the cost per shirt and boost profits.

How much profit can we expect?
 Schools typically earn 30%–60% profit margins, depending on apparel type, order size, and selling price.

How long does production take?
 Standard turnaround is about 2–3 weeks after finalizing the design, though rush options may be available.

Can we run this fundraiser more than once a year?
 Yes. Many schools launch seasonal designs—such as back-to-school, winter spirit wear, or graduation gear—to keep excitement and revenue flowing.

Conclusion 

Custom school fundraiser apparel combines high profits, low risk, and strong community spirit. By choosing the right products, creating eye-catching designs, and selling through both online and in-person channels, your school can raise more money with less stress.

Ready to start? Contact a trusted custom shirt printer or fundraising platform today and watch your next school fundraiser earn more with every shirt sold.