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How Do You Create a Custom Pin for a Fundraiser? (Step-by-Step Guide)

06 Jul 2025
How Do You Create a Custom Pin for a Fundraiser? (Step-by-Step Guide)

You can create your own custom pin for a fundraiser by choosing a meaningful design, selecting the right pin style, and partnering with a trusted maker like Bella Forge. Pins are affordable, easy to sell, and perfect for raising money and awareness. Not sure where to start? Our team is happy to help with every step including design!

Why Pins Work So Well for Fundraisers

Custom enamel pins are one of the most effective — and overlooked — tools for fundraising. They’re affordable to make, simple to distribute, and highly collectible.

Whether you're raising money for a school, nonprofit, animal shelter, team, or personal cause, pins can:

  • Tell your story
  • Spark conversations
  • Raise awareness
  • Bring in real donations

And because people love wearing or displaying pins, they keep working long after the event is over.

Real-World Fundraising Examples

Bella Forge has helped hundreds of groups design pins for causes like:

  • Breast cancer walks
  • Mental health awareness campaigns
  • School band trips or clubs
  • Pet rescue shelters
  • Disaster relief efforts
  • Mission trips and church fundraisers

From $1,000 to $100,000+ raised — pins have proven they work.

Step-by-Step: How to Create a Fundraising Pin

1. Start With Your Cause

What are you raising money for? This will shape the design.

Ask:

  • What emotion or message should the pin convey?
  • Is there a symbol people associate with your cause? (e.g. ribbons, paws, hearts)
  • Can you tie it to a person, story, or community?

Even a simple message like “Stronger Together” or “Hope Lives Here” can connect with buyers.

2. Choose a Simple but Meaningful Design

You don’t need to be a designer — Bella Forge will work from a sketch or idea.

But here are tips to guide your concept:

  • Keep text short: 2–4 words
  • Use bold shapes and outlines
  • Choose 2–6 colors max
  • Consider symbols like hearts, hands, ribbons, animals, initials, or quotes
  • Make it universal enough that people want to wear it, even if they’re not directly affected by the cause

Need help? We’ll create a free digital proof and adjust it with you.

3. Select the Right Pin Style

Here’s a quick comparison to help choose what’s best:

Pin Type Best For
Soft Enamel Affordable, bold colors, textured surface
Hard Enamel Smooth, polished, slightly more upscale
UV Printed Best for complex images, gradients, or photos
Die Struck Classy, all-metal look — great for memorials

Most fundraisers use soft enamel for best price and color impact.

4. Decide How You’ll Sell or Distribute

Custom pins are flexible. You can:

  • Sell them online (Shopify, Etsy, social media)
  • Offer them for donations at events
  • Include them in thank-you gift bags
  • Bundle them with t-shirts, wristbands, or stickers
  • Use them as rewards for donors or volunteers

Price them at $5–$15 depending on design and cause.

5. Choose Quantity and Set Your Fundraising Goal

Here’s a sample planning table:

Quantity Cost per Pin (est.) Sell Price Profit Potential
100 $2.75 $10 $725
250 $2.25 $10 $1,937
500 $1.80 $10 $4,100

Larger orders = lower cost per pin = more profit.

6. Add Packaging or Messaging (Optional)

Want to include a short story or thank-you message?
Bella Forge can add custom backer cards behind each pin.

These:

  • Make the pin feel more official
  • Tell people what their purchase supports
  • Can include your logo, quote, QR code, or social media handle

Tips for a Successful Pin Fundraiser

  • Use a slogan — something catchy like “Paws for a Cause” or “Hope in Action”
  • Keep the design clean — simple shapes and words work best
  • Take good photos — we’ll provide mockups to help promote it online
  • Create urgency — limited-edition or time-sensitive campaigns work well
  • Tell your story — share why this cause matters to you

How Long Does It Take?

You’ll want to plan about 3–4 weeks total:

  • Design & proof: 2–5 business days
  • Production: 10–15 business days
  • Shipping: 2–5 business days

Bella Forge will guide you through the entire process — from idea to finished pin.

Why Pins Work Better Than Most Fundraising Products

Product Cost to Produce Emotional Value Long-Term Use Shelf Life
Enamel Pin ✓ Low ✓ High ✓ Yes ✓ Long
T-Shirts ✗ High ✓ Medium ✗ Size limits ✗ Short
Stickers ✓ Very low ✗ Low ✗ Disposable ✗ Short
Candy/Chocolates ✗ High ✗ None ✗ Eaten ✗ Very short

Pins are the only option that combine low cost, high emotion, and long shelf life.

Ready to Launch Your Fundraiser?

Bella Forge makes it easy to turn your idea into a fundraising pin that people will want to wear and support.

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