Why pins work for fundraising
A pin that costs $1.75 at 500 pieces can be offered for a $5 to $10 donation. It weighs almost nothing, so it is easy to sell at events or mail, and supporters wear it, which spreads the word.
Step 1: Design a pin people want
Supporters buy pins they like, not just pins for a cause. A mascot, a clever phrase, a local landmark or a cause ribbon with a strong design sells better than a plain logo. See how to design an enamel pin.
Step 2: Choose the quantity
| Scenario | Suggested quantity |
|---|---|
| School booster club, one season | 200 to 300 |
| Awareness walk with 500 participants | 500 to 600 |
| Nonprofit annual campaign | 500 to 1,000 |
| Small club | 100 |
Larger quantities lower the cost per pin, but unsold pins tie up money. Start with what you can realistically sell in one campaign.
Step 3: Set the price
$5 is the most common price for a 1-inch pin; $8 to $10 works for larger pins, limited editions or pins in a velvet pouch. Bundles ("two for $8") encourage bigger donations.
Step 4: Sell it
- At games, events, walks and school pickups
- At a counter or front desk with a small display
- Online with shipping
- As a thank-you for donations above a set amount
Step 5: Tell the story
A sign or flyer at the table explains the cause and where the money goes. That turns a pin into an awareness tool.
The numbers
500 pins at $1.75 each cost $875.00, delivered. Sold at $5 each, the campaign raises $2,500 before other costs. Even selling 300, you cover the order and raise more than half again.
Practical notes
Sales tax rules for fundraising sales vary by state and organization type; check with your treasurer. Keep a simple sales log. Store leftover pins for next year.
See charity and fundraising pins and awareness ribbon pins for designs.
Displaying pins for sale
At events, display pins on a board or banner so people can see every design, with the price and the cause clearly marked. A QR code to donate online helps people who do not carry cash. Have a cash box, a card reader and change ready, and a volunteer who can explain the cause in one sentence.
Making the second year easier
After your first campaign, note how many pins sold and where. Reorder the same design with a new year or color, or add a second design for supporters who already have the first. Reorders reuse the mold and skip the proof, so they arrive faster.
Volunteer Pins Collection: product animation of designs from our collection.
Written by the Enamelore team, who proof every order. Questions about this guide? Email hello@enamelore.com.
