Traditional fundraising products like candy bars and cookie dough feel tired. They deliver modest profits and are quickly forgotten. In contrast, reusable drinkware has become one of the most popular promotional categories. Research from the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) notes that branded drinkware is kept longer than other promo items and generates more than 3 ,162 brand impressions over its lifetime . Consumers actively request drinkware—88 % of survey respondents place mugs and cups among their most desired promotional items  .

Demand is growing on the supply side too. U.S. distributors recorded $26.8 billion in promotional products sales in 2024 . Drinkware sales are booming, accounting for nearly 11 % of total promotional products revenue—about $2.8 billion—and are second only to T‑shirts . That combination of high consumer demand and strong industry growth makes mugs ideal for fundraising.

 Custom mug campaigns also deliver superior profitability. A 20‑oz tumbler costs roughly $8–12 to produce, yet supporters willingly pay $25–50 for high‑end brands like Stanley or Yeti. Those economics translate to gross profit margins of 50–75 %, leaving traditional candy fundraisers (typically 40–60 % before expenses  ) far behind. More important, every cup of coffee keeps your cause in front of donors for months, turning one‑time buyers into daily brand ambassadors.

What Is Custom Mug Fundraising?

Custom mug fundraising refers to selling personalized drinkware—mugs, tumblers, travel cups or gift sets—emblazoned with your school’s mascot or your nonprofit’s logo. Supporters buy the items because they are useful, not just because they are donating. According to ASI’s Ad Impressions Study, people keep drinkware for about a year and average more than 3 ,162 impressions per item . In plain language, that means each mug repeatedly reminds the user (and everyone who sees it) about your mission. 

Why mugs deliver higher profit margins

Favorable production economics – Many ceramic and stainless‑steel mugs can be ordered for $8–12 per unit in bulk. Popular retail brands such as Stanley and Yeti can be marked up to $45–50 because supporters recognize their quality. Even budget travel mugs sell for $20–28. The gap between production cost and selling price yields a healthy 50–75 % gross margin, which our internal analysis confirms.

Volume discounts – Promotional Product Inc. offer price breaks as quantities increase. For example, ordering 48–99 units often reduces cost by 25–40 %, pushing margins above 60 %. At 100+ units, margins often climb into the 65–75 % range. For comparison, candy fundraisers typically top out at 60 % even when buying full cases.

Sustained brand exposure – Unlike consumables that are gone in a day, mugs remain on desks and kitchen shelves. ASI’s research notes that drinkware items generate over 3 ,162 impressions, and people keep promotional items—especially drinkware—for about 12 months. This built‑in advertising value encourages supporters to pay premium prices.

Consumer preference – Data compiled by the gift‑industry research site GiftAFeeling shows that drinkware is the second most desired promotional product, ranked just behind pens and ahead of tote bags, outerwear and backpacks. Knowing that the majority of people actually want a mug makes your campaign easier to sell.

 Market demand continues growing rapidly. The promotional drinkware segment represents 10.2% of the $26.1 billion promotional products market, with major brands like Stanley and Yeti driving massive consumer interest in premium tumblers and travel mugs.

How much can you earn? (Typical profit scenarios)

Every organization’s results will vary, but the following examples illustrate realistic profit scenarios based on our clients’ experiences.

24–47 units (smaller starter orders)

• Retail price range: $20–25, typically ceramic or basic travel mugs
• Typical gross margin: 45–50%
• Profit per mug: $11–13
• Best for: first-time fundraisers or smaller groups testing demand before scaling

48–99 units (medium-sized campaigns)

• Retail price range: $25–30, often larger travel mugs with upgraded features
• Typical gross margin: 55–65%
• Profit per mug: $14–17
• Best for: schools, churches, or community organizations looking for stronger returns with manageable order volumes

100+ units (large-scale drives)

• Retail price range: $35–50, usually premium brands like Stanley or Yeti
• Typical gross margin: 65–75%
• Profit per mug: $17–22
• Best for: established campaigns with wide supporter bases—ideal for sports teams, nonprofit drives, or seasonal holiday pushes where premium items sell quickly

Success Stories from our Clients

Lincoln Elementary School – Last autumn, Lincoln Elementary used custom stainless‑steel tumblers as part of its spirit wear program. By launching the sale during back‑to‑school nights, they sold 200 tumblers and raised more than $3,000. According to the PTA president, “Parents kept asking if we’d do the sale again because they loved using the mugs every day.”

St. Mary’s Church – Facing declining participation in its annual bake sale, the church introduced a limited‑edition coffee mug featuring a Bible verse and the church’s logo. They sold out of 126 mugs within three Sundays, netting roughly $1,900. “Seeing our supporters drink coffee from those mugs every week reminds us that our mission is part of their daily lives,” noted the pastor.

Riverside High Athletics – To fund new uniforms, the booster club offered Stanley‑style tumblers in school colors. By promoting through social media and alumni newsletters, the campaign sold over 100 tumblers, generating about $4,000 in net revenue. A booster parent commented, “We’re switching from cookie dough to tumblers permanently—our profit per supporter doubled.”

These anecdotes illustrate how aligning your product with your community can transform a fundraiser.

Step-by-step Guide to Launching a Mug Fundraiser

Step 1: Set Goals & Build Your Team (Week 1-2)

Define a clear financial target. Determine how much money you need to raise, then work backward to figure out how many mugs you must sell at your chosen price point. For example, raising $5,000 may require selling 200–250 mugs at $20–25 each with 60 % margins.

Assemble a small committee. Typical roles include a campaign coordinator (oversees timelines), a design/marketing lead (develops artwork and messaging), a sales coordinator (manages orders and payment collection), a volunteer coordinator, and a treasurer. Dividing responsibilities prevents burnout and improves accountability.

Research suppliers. Ask for product samples before committing to large orders and verify shipping times, minimum order quantities and design services. Choose vendors that provide free proofs, transparent pricing and reliable lead times to protect your profit margins. Our team at Promotional Product Inc. offers sample kits and 110 % price‑match guarantees to simplify this step.

Step 2: Select the Right Mugs (Week 3-4)

Choosing the right product mix is critical. Each mug type targets different demographics and price points:

Premium tumblers (Stanley or Yeti) – Retail for $40–50 and generate $18–25 profit per piece. Ideal for high‑income supporters, alumni or corporate partners. The popularity of the Stanley Quencher has turned these into status symbols.

Travel mugs – Retail for $20–28 and yield $12–18 profit. They balance affordability with quality and are perfect for PTA drives, church fundraisers and community events.

Ceramic coffee mugs – Retail for $15–20 with $8–13 profit. These work well for broad audiences and encourage multiple purchases because of their low price point.

Campfire mugs – Retail for $22–30 and produce $12–18 profit. Their vintage enamel design appeals to outdoor clubs and scout groups.

Glass mugs – Retail for $18–25 with $10–15 profit. These feel upscale and suit professional associations or arts organizations.

Gift sets – By bundling a mug with coasters, coffee beans or branded accessories, you can sell packages for $35–65, earning $20–40 per set. Bundles increase average order values by 40–60 % and make excellent holiday gifts.

When designing artwork, think beyond logos. Incorporate mission statements, mascots or local landmarks to create an emotional connection. Before finalizing, show two or three design options to a small focus group and gather honest feedback. This simple test can prevent costly reprints.

Select fundraising mug design ideas that align with your audience preferences and revenue goals. Each option targets different demographics for maximum success.

Step 3: Market Your Campaign (Week 5-6)

Start promoting 2–3 weeks before the ordering deadline. Use email newsletters, social media posts, your website and printed flyers with QR codes to reach different audiences. Highlight both the functional value of the mugs and the impact of the fundraiser.

Show social proof early. Post photos of sample mugs, share enthusiastic testimonials from early buyers and provide updates on your progress. Remember that 96 % of people want advance notice when companies give away promotional products and 8 out of 10 people love receiving them. Share those statistics to build urgency and credibility.

Create ethical scarcity. Offer an “early‑bird” discount of $3–5 for orders placed within the first 72 hours or produce a limited‑edition design available only during the campaign. Scarcity boosts conversion without exploiting supporters.

Step 4: Managing Orders and Sales Execution (Week 7-8)

Use digital tools to simplify ordering and payment collection. Google Forms, JotForm or Typeform allow supporters to select mug styles, colors and quantities while automatically calculating totals. Pair these forms with payment processors like PayPal, Square or Stripe to minimize cash handling and instantly record transactions. Many processors offer reduced fees for registered nonprofits.

Track your inventory in real time using spreadsheets or free inventory‑tracking apps. Include columns for orders received, payments cleared and units remaining. Weekly reports help your team spot shortfalls or overselling before they become problems.

Follow up politely with people who expressed interest but haven’t placed an order. A personal reminder—whether via email, phone call or text—often converts undecided supporters.

Step 5: Distribute and Maximize Profits (Week 9-12)

Coordinate production schedules with your supplier to ensure on‑time delivery. Standard ceramic mugs usually ship within 7–10 business days, while custom‑branded premium tumblers can require 10–14 days. Always build in extra time for quality checks and unforeseen delays.

Whenever possible, arrange in‑person pickup events to avoid shipping costs. Sending mugs individually can cost $8–15 per package, which quickly erodes profits. A centralized pickup at a church hall or school gym creates community engagement and protects your margin.

Inspect every mug before distribution. Check printing quality, packaging and order accuracy. Replacing defective items promptly helps maintain trust and encourages repeat participation.

Pricing strategies to maximize revenue

Value‑based pricing

Price your mugs according to the value they deliver rather than a simple cost‑plus formula. Explain to supporters that every purchase provides daily utility and demonstrates community pride. People willingly pay more when they understand how their purchase supports a cause they care about.

Bundling with other products

Bundling increases average order value by 15–25 %. Combine mugs with accessories that match your mission—for example, pair coffee mugs with fair‑trade coffee beans or include coasters and pens in a “teacher appreciation” set. For schools, bundle tumblers with spirit wear like keychains and car magnets. For corporate partners, create professional gift sets combining travel mugs with branded tote bags or wellness kits.

Early‑bird discounts and volume incentives

Offer a small discount for orders placed within the first few days to create momentum. Encourage multiple purchases by offering “buy 3, get 1 free” or a percentage discount on four or more mugs. These incentives not only raise total revenue but also extend your reach as supporters purchase gifts for friends and family.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Underestimating hidden costs – Remember to include payment processor fees (usually 2.9–3.5 %), shipping supplies, packaging and marketing materials when calculating margins. These costs can consume 10–15 % of your revenue if left unaccounted for.

Ordering too little inventory – Always order 10–15 % more mugs than pre‑ordered to cover late orders or replacements. Running out of stock frustrates supporters and reduces your overall profit.

Skipping quality control – Low‑quality print jobs or chipped mugs damage your organization’s reputation. Insist on sample approval and incorporate quality standards into your supplier contract. Budget a small contingency fund for replacements.

Technology tools to streamline the process

Online forms – Google Forms, Typeform and JotForm capture orders, calculate totals, apply volume discounts and send automatic confirmations. They provide a professional ordering experience and reduce administrative work.

Payment processors – PayPal, Square and Stripe process credit‑card payments securely and deposit funds into your account within days. Many offer special rates for verified nonprofits. Digital payments also simplify bookkeeping and minimize cash handling risk.

Social media integrations – Facebook and Instagram shops let supporters purchase mugs without leaving the platform. Use a dedicated campaign hashtag to encourage supporters to post photos with their new mugs.

Crowdfunding platforms – Sites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter are not limited to emergencies or product launches. They showcase your story, display progress toward your goal and use countdown timers to build urgency. A mug becomes both a physical thank‑you gift and a digital badge of support.

Mobile‑first ordering – Ensure your ordering forms work on smartphones. Consider text‑to‑give solutions and place QR codes on flyers, posters and email signatures so supporters can order instantly. According to ASI, people respond quickly when they know a promotional product is being offered.

Measuring success beyond dollars raised

Effective fundraisers are about more than just the immediate profit. Track these metrics to gauge long‑term impact:

Donor acquisition cost – Divide your total marketing spend by the number of first‑time supporters. Mug fundraisers often achieve $15–25 per new donor, and those supporters typically give $180 or more annually when they stay engaged.

Lifetime value – Monitor giving patterns over two or three years. Many organizations find that mug buyers become recurring donors, multiplying their initial contribution several times over.

Brand awareness – Survey your community six months after the campaign. Ask whether supporters remember your mission, how often they use the mug, and whether they’ve referred friends or family. Over 3 ,162 impressions per mug means plenty of opportunities for your cause to stay top‑of‑mind.

Community engagement – Track increases in event attendance, volunteer sign‑ups and social media mentions. Drinkware is a conversation starter; supporters often share photos of their mugs online, giving your organization free exposure.

Donor Acquisition Cost Analysis

Divide total marketing expenses by new supporters gained to determine cost per acquisition. Effective mug campaigns achieve $15-25 acquisition costs for supporters who give $187 annually on average.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mug Fundraising

What are the most profitable fundraising products?

Branded drinkware consistently ranks among the top promotional product categories. ASI reports that drinkware generates over 3 ,162 impressions and is the second most desired promotional item. Because of the high perceived value and low production cost, profit margins of 50–75 % are achievable.

How much can we earn from custom mugs?

Organizations typically earn $15–25 per mug depending on product selection, order volume and pricing. A 200‑unit sale of premium tumblers at $45 each can net about $3,000–4,000 in profit.

When is the best time to run a mug fundraiser?

September and January campaigns often perform best. Back‑to‑school energy boosts fall sales, while New Year resolutions encourage supporters to invest in reusable drinkware. Holiday seasons also drive higher average order values as people buy mugs as gifts.

How long does a campaign take?

Most campaigns run 8–12 weeks from planning to distribution: 2 weeks for planning, 4 weeks for marketing and orders, 2 weeks for production and 2–4 weeks for distribution.

Can we offer other products alongside mugs?

Yes. Complementary items such as water bottles, tote bags, T‑shirts, keychains, car magnets, pens and coasters appeal to different audiences and increase overall revenue. Bundling these products with mugs often boosts profits by 15–25 %.

Final Words - Conclusion

Custom mug fundraising offers a scalable, high‑profit alternative to traditional fundraisers. Because drinkware is both practical and popular, supporters are willing to pay a premium, generating margins up to 75 % and creating thousands of brand impressions . With thoughtful planning, focused marketing and careful execution, schools and nonprofits can raise substantial funds while strengthening community connections.

If you’d like personalized guidance for your next campaign, Promotional Product Inc. provides free visual proofs, complimentary logo assistance, product samples and a 110 % price‑match guarantee. Our goal is to ensure that every dollar you raise stays where it belongs—supporting your mission.