Engraved brick projects are a popular fundraising idea used by universities, charitable organizations, hospitals, schools and municipal parks. Supporters donate a small amount of money and have their names or short messages engraved on brick pavers that are implanted into walkways, paths and walls.

Brick campaigns reach out to alumni, current donors/members, volunteers and local businesses. They are also an inspired way to honor friends and family or to memorialize a loved one.

Memorial Walls

Memorial walls are built to remember a specific group of people. This is typically in the case of a group that was killed or missing in a particular war, conflict, or disaster. Engraved brick is a common method for memorializing these people. Engraved brick is a long-lasting and durable material that is able to withstand the elements. Engraved bricks are popular for projects like memorial walls, walkways, and pathways. These types of projects are commonly found in parks, museums, and donor recognition areas. Engraved bricks are also used in fundraising campaigns for nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, and colleges.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, is a memorial to the 58,282 American service personnel who lost their lives or were Missing in Action in the Vietnam War. Designed by Maya Lin, the wall consists of two 200-foot-long walls in a V shape and contains the names of those who died in the war. The open design of the walls is meant to represent the depth of grief associated with war, and the name-filled surface is intended to connect the living to those who have died.

Each of the 70 separate panels that make up the Vietnam Memorial are engraved with the names of those who died in the war. These names are listed in chronological order by date of casualty and begin at panel number one on the left-hand side of the memorial, moving right toward the center where the two walls meet. The name-listing process is reminiscent of the way that books are arranged in a library, with each panel representing a page.

In addition to the engraved names, a sculpture of three servicemen stands nearby to depict the range of emotions that these men experienced while serving their country. There is also a plaque, called the In Memory plaque, that recognizes those who were not listed on The Wall but died as a result of their service in the war.

The memorial was made possible by donations from the public and from foundations. A traveling three-quarter scale replica of the wall is operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and is displayed at locations across the country. The replica includes an Education Center that displays letters and memorabilia left by visitors at The Wall in Washington, DC.

Donor Walkways

A donor recognition display that honors your organization’s supporters also provides a way to incite future donations. People who see other donors being recognized for their generosity will be more likely to donate to your project. This is particularly true if the donation wall, sign, or plaque features your organization’s branding. Adding color to your design also strengthens brand recognition and ensures that your donor recognition display fits with the rest of your organization’s identity.

When choosing your material for a donor wall, sign, or plaque, consider the environment in which you’ll build it. If your location is historic, traditional materials may blend in better. But if you’re building a new capital campaign, contemporary designs might be more appropriate. Additionally, it’s important to consider the maintenance required for your preferred material. If your bricks are exposed to a lot of traffic, you’ll want them to be durable and resistant to wear.

Engraved bricks, pavers, and tiles are a great option for fundraisers because they’re long-lasting and easily customizable. Laser engraving is an environmentally friendly process that uses a high-energy laser beam to create dark, glass-like marks on the surface of bricks. It’s also a more precise method than other engraving techniques, which leave crevices that can dry out and crack over time.

Moreover, laser-engraved bricks are easy to maintain. While non-laser engraved bricks may require epoxy fillers to smooth over the surface of the brick, laser engraved bricks are self-maintaining. In fact, they can actually be washed down with soap and water to keep them looking fresh.

Another benefit of laser-engraved bricks is that they’re highly durable and guaranteed to last a lifetime. That’s especially true for bricks that are engraved using the LaserSketch® laser engraving process, which is an advanced, eco-friendly technology that guarantees the stability of the mark on your brick pavers.

Donor walls, signs, and plaques are a great way to show appreciation for your donors. They can also inspire others to support your cause. But there are many other ways to show your supporters that you care about them. For example, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center has an Honor Walk that commemorates organ donors and their families.

Business Recognition

Engraved bricks are an excellent way to honor employees and celebrate milestones. They also serve as an excellent motivator and help companies grow. Numerous studies have shown that recognition programs increase employee satisfaction, productivity, job engagement and psychological safety, and drive business outcomes like customer loyalty, market share and revenue. But despite these clear benefits, fewer than half of all organizations implement recognition programs.

Whether you need to recognize a special professional or an entire department, custom laser etching on a brick wall is an attractive and unique way to show your appreciation for the hard work of your employees. Unlike traditional recognition methods, laser engraving offers lifelong stability. Other methods like sandblasting or pantographing can chip or wear away the lettering, making it illegible and susceptible to the elements. Engraving with a laser is much more efficient and environmentally responsible. Unlike the sandblasting process, which involves toxic substances and harsh solvents, laser engraving uses water and a laser beam to create an engraved mark on the brick surface. LaserSketch’s red brick and paver engravers are even considered “Green,” since there is no need for paint or other chemical fillers.

Regardless of industry, every organization can benefit from a meaningful recognition program. But it’s important to consider how your recognition program fits with your company’s culture and goals. Programs that are aligned with your company’s values are more than two times more likely to be focused on reinforcing and driving business goals, 33% more likely to focus on empowering employees and 29% more likely to be designed to improve the employer brand.

In addition to boosting employee morale, a brick etching campaign can be an inspired fundraising method for your nonprofit or charitable organization. Personalized inscriptions allow donors to “buy” their own brick and be recognized for supporting your cause, while commemorative inscriptions can be used to honor loved ones or fallen heroes. Engraved bricks are the perfect way to demonstrate the impact of a donation, as well as a great way to attract new donors and keep current supporters engaged.

Community Enhancement

Community Enhancement is the work of a group of people in an area to improve the quality of life for everyone. It involves the residents working together on projects that are important to them, such as beautifying public spaces, organizing cultural events, or creating communal gardens. Ultimately, these projects give the community a sense of social solidarity and bind people together. In addition to being a great way to build a sense of community, these projects are also useful for attracting tourists and investors.

These projects are typically multi-year initiatives that require a significant amount of time and dedication. They often include multiple groups, organizations, and volunteers. For example, they may include neighborhood associations, school groups, business and industry associations, local philanthropic organizations, or religious or charitable organizations. They may also involve the City Council, Mayor, or other elected officials.

One of the most popular community enhancement activities is building parks and other public spaces. These areas can provide recreational activities for residents and visitors. They can also serve as a focal point for community events, such as festivals and parades. In addition, they can be used for education and training. For instance, some of these projects involve educating the public about the environment and the importance of sustainability.

Many of these projects are made possible through grant funding. There are a variety of federal grants available to support community initiatives. Using the tools and resources found at GrantWatch, it is easy to find grants that can help meet your community’s specific needs.

In addition to these programs, there are other ways for residents to get involved in their communities. For instance, they can participate in community dialogues and workshops to address issues like racism. The goal of these events is to educate the community and encourage people to be proactive in addressing discrimination and prejudice.

The Wilsonville Community Enhancement Program (External link) provides up to $80,000 in funding each year for small community improvement projects. The funds come from a per-ton charge on biodegradable solid waste processed at the region’s waste transfer facilities. The money is reinvested into communities in Forest Grove, Gresham, Portland, Sherwood, Troutdale and Wilsonville. The Community Enhancement Committee evaluates proposals and allocates funds annually.