10 effective promotional products for cause marketing

By Laurie Frees

Consumers don’t just buy products—they buy into what brands stand for. Research shows 88% of U.S. consumers opens in new window say they purchase from brands that align with their values, making it more important than ever for companies to show support for the greater good.

88%

of consumers
purchase from brands that align with their values.

Cause marketing opens in new window—when a business partners with a nonprofit in support of a cause—is a powerful way to help brands to stand out, build community relationships, improve employee morale, increase brand loyalty and fulfill social responsibility goals. By embracing the most effective promotional products, you can supercharge your cause-marketing efforts.

Promotional apparel for community service

In a cause-marketing campaign, branded apparel can be a powerful tool in uniting a team and raising awareness. It can turn any event, gathering or volunteer engagement into a bold promotional opportunity for the cause. And with 71% of employees opens in new window saying it’s important for employers to give back, these actions can do wonders for attracting and retaining talent.

71%

of employees
say it's important for employers to give back.

For example, partner with a local animal shelter for a week dedicated to adoption awareness. Outfit team members in co-branded Gildan^® crew sweatshirts featuring a slogan like “Fetch happiness” or “Unleash joy.”

Or team with a food bank for a community service day. Employees can help assemble meal packs or hand out supplies at a grocery pickup event. If some of the work is outdoors, provide Carhartt^® vests or Crossland^® pom beanies so your brand stands out. These are great promo products that help ensure your team looks sharp in event photos.

Branded drinkware to draw interest

Tumblers and water bottles are both practical and popular, making branded drinkware a powerhouse promoter. Many cause-marketing campaigns rely on daily reinforcement, making these items important symbols to endorse hydration, physical well-being, community health initiatives and beyond.

Launch a “purchase with a purpose” program in partnership with an organization that helps underserved communities gain clean water access. Offer stainless water bottles for customers to purchase, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit. With sought-after promotional items for fundraising, you’ll quench their thirst for helping others!

A “coffee for a cause” promotion could follow a similar strategy. Sell coffee or other warm beverages in Yowie^® vacuum tumblers imprinted with a logo designed for the initiative. For every tumbler sold, donate the proceeds to your partner nonprofit. Offer free same-day refills as an extra perk.

Reusable totes and bags

From community drives to volunteer events to awareness campaigns, branded totes and bags can be effective promotional products for a variety of cause-marketing initiatives. They’re ideal for distributing materials, collecting donations, and providing tools or supplies needed for an activity.

Host a back-to-school supply drive and hand out tote bags that donors can fill and bring to drop-off locations. The recipient gets supplies plus a branded bag to carry them! Launch a round-up campaign, where shoppers can choose to donate their change to a cause. Or simply give an option to donate any amount during checkout.

Offer co-branded grocery totes as an incentive for donors. If they contribute to the cause, they take home a bag. Nearly 84% of consumers opens in new window will recommend a brand based on its values, and a thoughtful fundraising incentive could encourage them to share their experience.

84%

of consumers
will recommend a brand based on its values.

Everyday essentials and other effective promotional items

When looking for great cause marketing promo products that won’t break the bank, desktop items and other small giveaways are budget-friendly and boost visibility—especially when they become part of recipients’ daily routines. For example, imprint a positive message on beloved Sharpie^® gel pens for a mental health awareness campaign. Include them in promotional swag bags for customers, clients or community partners.

Promote an annual fundraiser by giving customers or trade show attendees lip balms or Koozie^® can coolers. Imprint a QR code that directs recipients to a registration or donation page. Or include in gift packs given to community members who donate or sign up to attend the event. Pro tip: Build mystery swag bags to add an element of fun and surprise.

Great promo products can move the needle

From apparel and drinkware to totes and everyday essentials, cause-marketing campaigns thrive when they incorporate products people use and value. By thoughtfully selecting effective promotional products, businesses can boost visibility, engage the community and drive success—all while reinforcing brand values. Wins all around!

Laurie Frees

Laurie Frees is a merchandising category manager at 4imprint who specializes in apparel. With over 25 years of experience in merchandising and product development—plus four years in the promotional products industry—she brings deep expertise in fabric construction and logo application. Laurie manages the product assortment across all apparel categories, including T-shirts, polos, outerwear, dress shirts, sweatshirts and more. Her role includes tracking trends, building supplier partnerships and analyzing data to guide decisions. With a strong focus on products made from sustainable materials, Laurie helps drive innovation in core apparel offerings that customers rely on to showcase their brands.

Trademarks & Sources