Which T-shirt crowdfunding platform delivers the most backers? We compare Bonfire, Shopify, Fundly, and Custom Ink to help you choose the right one.
The T-shirt crowdfunding boom isn’t just a trend, it’s a battlefield. Dozens of platforms now claim to help you raise money fast without upfront costs. But which ones actually deliver backers? Which ones burn time and bleed profit?
If you’re serious about launching a high-performing campaign, platform choice matters more than you think. We reviewed the most popular T-shirt crowdfunding platforms of 2025 to see which ones give you the edge.
1. Bonfire: Best Overall for Fast Backer Growth
Bonfire sits at the top of the T-shirt crowdfunding food chain for one reason, it works. Their streamlined setup, zero-cost launch model, and campaign-focused design make it ideal for beginners and pros alike.
Highlights:
- No upfront cost, no minimum orders
- Campaign page includes donation meters and social proof
- High-volume success stories with thousands of shirts sold
Backer magnet rating: ★★★★★
Bonfire’s social tools and viral mechanics consistently outperform the competition in short-burst campaigns.
Downside:
Less flexibility for long-term branding or shop customization.
View Bonfire’s full breakdown here.
2. Fundly: Best for Combining Donations + Merch
Fundly merges traditional crowdfunding with T-shirt sales, offering a dual path to revenue. It shines when you need storytelling, urgency, and layered contribution options.
Highlights:
- Donation-first mindset, T-shirts as bonuses or tiers
- Supports video, donor walls, updates
- Perfect for cause-based and emergency campaigns
Backer magnet rating: ★★★★☆
Less optimized for T-shirt sales, but excels at building emotional urgency and multi-channel backer support.
Downside:
Limited shirt customization and weaker design tools compared to Bonfire.
3. Shopify + Printful: Best for Scale and Branding
If you want full control, scalability, and branding freedom, Shopify wins. When connected with a print-on-demand app like Printful, it transforms into a powerful T-shirt crowdfunding machine, if you know what you’re doing.
Highlights:
- Create your own branded store
- Full design, upsell, and pixel tracking capabilities
- Great for long-term campaigns and repeat sales
Backer magnet rating: ★★★★☆
Not ideal for quick-launch crowdfunds, but unmatched for building a fanbase and recurring support.
Downside:
Monthly cost, tech complexity, and setup time.
4. Custom Ink Fundraising: Best for Schools and Local Teams
Custom Ink offers a polished platform designed for communities, clubs, and schools looking to raise without tech stress. While it lacks growth hacking features, it wins on reliability and support.
Highlights:
- Trusted name in shirt printing
- Simple campaign builder
- Dedicated rep support available
Backer magnet rating: ★★★☆☆
It performs well in known communities but struggles with reach and social virality.
Downside:
Limited flexibility and weaker integration for digital marketers.
Platform T-Shirt Crowdfunding Summary: Which One Should You Use?
| Platform | Best For | Cost Model | Viral Tools | Setup Ease | Backer Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonfire | Beginners + viral campaigns | Free | ✅✅✅ | ★★★★★ | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Fundly | Nonprofits + donors | Free + fees | ✅✅ | ★★★★☆ | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Shopify | Brands + long-term creators | Monthly fee | ✅✅✅✅ | ★★★☆☆ | 🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
| Custom Ink | Schools + small groups | Free | ✅ | ★★★★☆ | 🔥🔥🔥 |
Final Thoughts: ROI Over Hype
Choosing the right T-shirt crowdfunding platform isn’t about flash, it’s about fit. If you want speed and social reach, Bonfire is your weapon. For structured donor campaigns, Fundly has the emotional leverage. Need brand control? Shopify delivers. Just looking for an easy school fundraiser? Go with Custom Ink.
Whichever route you take, the key is movement. T-shirt crowdfunding works, but the results scale with how fast and how well you launch.
For deeper monetization tips and platform comparisons, explore Pi Trade Center’s blog where fundraising gets tactical.
