Charity T-Shirts: Raise More and Waste Less
By The Velocity Wear Team
Charity t-shirts do a lot of jobs. They make fundraisers visible, give volunteers something to wear with pride, and look fantastic in the photos that go on social media afterwards. They can also quietly eat into the money raised if they're over-ordered. Here's how to keep them working for the cause.
Get permission to use the charity's logo
If you're a supporter fundraising for a charity, rather than the charity itself, ask before using their name or logo. Most charities have brand guidelines and a community fundraising team who are happy to help and send proper logo files. Some ask for wording like In aid of or Proudly supporting to make the relationship clear.
Decide what the shirt is for
- Fundraiser to sell: needs a design people want to wear beyond the day.
- Participant shirt for a run or challenge: needs to be light, comfortable and visible.
- Volunteer shirt: needs to identify helpers clearly.
- Thank-you gift: needs to feel good quality.
Designs that sell
Shirts that raise the most tend to look like proper clothing, not a slogan. A clean graphic, a date and place on the back, and the charity's logo in a sensible size. For personal fundraisers, like running for a relative, a name or a short message on the back makes it meaningful. Keep it respectful and check with family first.
Pre-order to protect the money
The quickest way to lose fundraising money is ordering 200 shirts and selling 90. Take pre-orders with payment, then order what's sold plus a small buffer for the day. Our minimum is 20 per design, with sizes mixed, so even a small group can take part.
Pricing a charity shirt
Find your cost per shirt at your expected quantity on the price calculator. Then set a price that includes a clear donation. Tell buyers how much of each sale goes to the charity. Transparency builds trust, and people often give more when they know.
Running events
For fun runs, walks and challenges, choose a lightweight tee in a bright colour so participants are easy to spot and photograph. Put the event name and year on the back. More detail in our fun run t-shirts guide.
Volunteers
Volunteer shirts should be instantly recognisable: a different colour from participants, with VOLUNTEER or HELPER in big letters on the back. It makes events safer and friendlier.
Gift Aid and legal bits
Buying a t-shirt isn't a donation in the same way as a gift, so Gift Aid rules differ. If you're a charity selling merchandise, check the guidance or ask your finance team. This is general information, not tax advice.
School and workplace charity days
Schools and workplaces often tie charity days to national appeals. A shirt designed for the day, sold in advance with a donation included, raises money and makes the day visible. Check the appeal's branding rules before using their logo.
Thank-you shirts for top fundraisers
Recognise your biggest fundraisers with a special shirt or hoodie. It motivates people to keep fundraising next year.
Sizes for charity events
Collect sizes when people register or pre-order, and keep a small buffer of common sizes for the day.
Timing
Production takes 10 to 15 working days after artwork approval, plus delivery. Give yourself at least four weeks before the event. Mock up the design in the design studio and see custom t-shirts.
