Omri Bojko is the Co-founder of TVP.NYC and Total Commerce Partners.
A few months ago, I attended an AccessWave event in New York. It was much more than a typical networking gathering. Instead of the usual exchanges about industry updates or business cards, the conversations had a depth that surprised me. Many attendees proudly shared their involvement in non-profit organizations.
At events, whether business or social, it can be small talk or business talk. After introductions comes the usual, “What do you do?,” or “What are you busy with currently?” At this event, I was happy to hear most people responding with details about social initiatives rather than their business ventures or vacation plans. This stood out as a testament to their dedication to making a difference.
For me, hearing this was a powerful reminder of why Jason and I launched TVP NYC. We’re deeply committed to supporting non-profits, not just as a business strategy but as a core belief. From the beginning, The Vanity Project (TVP) had one goal: to empower non-profits by designing and producing value-oriented merchandise. This wasn’t a fleeting idea; it was a conscious decision to leverage the power of non-profits to create meaningful change in communities.
The Joy of Giving Back
If you’ve ever supported an NGO or volunteered for a cause, you know the unique satisfaction that comes with giving back to society. This feeling isn’t just fleeting; scientific research backs its long-term impact. Studies show that acts of generosity, such as volunteering or donating, enhance overall life satisfaction. These activities trigger the release of oxytocin and dopamine in the brain, which improve mood and foster connection.
This ripple effect extends beyond individuals. NGOs create a domino effect in their communities. By choosing to support or donate, one person’s actions can positively impact countless others, building networks of change. At TVP NYC, we witness this effect daily in the projects we collaborate on with non-profits.
Purposeful Swag with Impact
For non-profits, connection is vital—whether to raise awareness, rally supporters, or cultivate a sense of belonging. Surprisingly, something as simple as a well-designed t-shirt or tote bag can play a pivotal role in building those connections.
Branded merchandise is more than just a product. When we work with non-profits, the goal isn’t just to create items; it’s to craft tools for engagement. A volunteer wearing a hoodie or a donor carrying a tote bag sparks conversations. Strangers notice swag and some ask, “What’s this organization about?” and that’s where the story begins.
This isn’t anecdotal. People tend to remember an organization’s name after receiving promotional merchandise, especially when the item is cool enough to hang onto, reminding them of the name. For non-profits, every branded item becomes a mobile billboard—a powerful tool to spread their message and expand their reach, even when they’re not physically present.
Our Commitment
Over the past decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of non-profits, from small local initiatives to large global organizations. Despite their varied missions, one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to their causes.
Passion is at the heart of all non-profit work. Unlike the business sector, where profits often take precedence, non-profits are driven by an unyielding belief in their missions. This passion is contagious. When someone pours their heart into a cause, it’s hard not to feel inspired and compelled to act.
Creating a t-shirt or tote bag might seem small, but it’s a way to contribute to something far greater. These items are more than products; they’re tools that help non-profits expand their reach, rally followers, and further their goals.
A Lasting Impression
The AccessWave event underscored the importance of non-profits in our lives. They provide purpose and inspire action. Witnessing so many individuals passionately champion their causes was a poignant reminder of why we do what we do at TVP NYC.
For non-profits, merchandise isn’t just functional; it’s symbolic. It represents pride, helps build a sense of community, and drives impact. Swag is more than products; it helps build stories, values, and connections.
To everyone engaged in non-profit work: keep going. Your efforts make a difference, and the world is better because of you. Because when passion meets purpose, there are no limits to what we can achieve.
Here’s to passion, purpose, and the transformative power of a simple t-shirt.