Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated or performative. In fact, it can be one of the most rewarding things you do with your business, both for yourself and your customers.

Here’s why I choose to donate a portion of my sales, how I do it in a sustainable and authentic way, and how you can start giving back (even if you’re a super small biz).

1. ❤️ Your Values Matter (and Your Customers’ Do Too)

I sell products that donate to:

• 🏳️‍🌈 My local LGBTQ+ nonprofits

• 🩺 Medical Aid for Palestine

• 👛 Planned Parenthood

My audience is primarily queer people, and as a queer person, I want my business to reflect that. So do my customers. They want to support businesses that align with their beliefs and identity. It’s not just about the product, it’s about where their money goes.

2. 💸 You’re Never Too Small to Start Giving Back

Some people think they have to be a huge brand or wildly profitable before they can start giving back. That’s not true.

• Start small—donate a portion of a launch or collection

• Under-promise and over-deliver

• Give quarterly, monthly, or seasonally—whatever feels doable

I do most of mine quarterly. Some products donate 20%, others up to 50%. And I always make it clear where the money is going.

3. 🧾 Be Transparent With Your Donations

It’s not enough to say “a portion of proceeds will be donated.” Customers are (rightfully) skeptical of vague claims.

• Post receipts when you donate (blur private info)

• Name the specific org or fund you’re donating to

• Share the actual percentage or amount donated when possible

Customers need to know you’re legit. Be honest, clear, and specific.

4. 🛍️ Design Products That Match the Cause

Don’t just slap a donation onto a random item. My donation items visibly support the cause.

Examples:

• Stickers that say “Protect Trans Kids” or “Queer Joy” go to LGBTQ orgs

• Palestinian flag items go toward medical aid funds

• Reproductive rights items support Planned Parenthood

That way, the item itself aligns with the mission.

5. 🧠 Set It Up in a Way That’s Sustainable

• You can donate manually (that’s what I do)

• Or use Shopify apps like Shop for Good or Pledge to automate giving

• Create a donation tracker in your biz spreadsheet

Just make sure you don’t overextend yourself financially. Your business comes first, and the giving should enhance, not drain it.

6. 🚫 Don’t Use Donations as a Sales Tactic

This is a big one. Giving back should be something you believe in, not just a way to increase sales. I always tell my customers: you don’t need to buy from me to support a cause, donate directly.

The donation is a bonus to buying something they already wanted and not the main reason.

You can stand for something and still run a profitable business. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, giving back can deepen your connection with your audience and give you even more purpose behind your products.

If you’ve been wanting to do more with your biz, this is your sign. Even a little bit matters.

Want help getting started? Download our freebie: Give-Back Product Planning Template to help you:

• 💖 Choose a cause that aligns with your brand

• 📦 Design a product that makes sense

• 📈 Set up a system that actually works