Fund Closing Award Cost Guide
A fund closing award is priced around the design and the complete order: quantity, size, materials, personalization, packaging and delivery. A simple form with thoughtful graphics is usually the most economical approach; original sculptural pieces require more development and production work.
The useful starting point is your total budget and recipient count. Polaris quotes each project against an agreed specification, rather than a single standard price.
What changes the price?
Quantity and setup. Custom models, molds and tooling can involve costs shared across the order. More pieces may spread those costs further, but the total project cost still rises. Ask for pricing at your realistic quantity and one larger quantity if the recipient list is still developing.
Size, materials and construction. Dimensions, weight, machining, casting, polishing and assembly all matter. A mixed-material design can be straightforward or intricate; material alone does not determine price. Compare the complete design, not just crystal versus acrylic or metal.
Decoration and personalization. Fund names, closing details, logos and individual recipient names affect artwork and production. One core design with changing names can be more efficient than several distinct designs. Confirm how many versions the quote includes.
Packaging and delivery. Presentation boxes, fitted interiors, cards and individual shipments belong in the budget from the outset. Weight, fragility, destination count and delivery speed can change the total. Ask whether shipping and any applicable taxes or duties are included.
Classic, Distinctive or Sculptural?
Classic: a refined crystal or Lucite form made specific through typography, color and personalization. Usually the most efficient starting point for budget and timing.
Distinctive: a custom base, layered construction, dimensional detail or combination of materials. Added manufacturing and assembly can increase cost while giving the piece a stronger connection to the fund.
Sculptural: an original model, cast form or intricate assembly inspired by the strategy or firm. Allow for development, tooling, sampling and longer production. Quantity has particular importance when setup is substantial.
Explore design and materials or see completed Polaris work.
Work backward from the total budget
Start with the total amount available. Reserve what is needed for setup, packaging, delivery and applicable taxes, then divide the remaining amount by the number of awards. This gives a planning allowance to discuss with the design team.
Illustrative arithmetic only: if a hypothetical total budget is $6,000 and $1,000 is reserved for costs outside the awards themselves, $5,000 remains. Across 40 recipients, that is $125 per award. These figures are not Polaris prices or a quote; actual allowances depend on the project.
Compare quotes on the same basis
Confirm the quantity, dimensions, material, decoration, recipient versions, prototype arrangements, packaging and delivery destinations. Ask which setup charges are separate, what the total includes and how a later reorder would be priced. A lower unit price may exclude items another quote includes.
Share the required arrival date early. Many projects need approximately 3–4 weeks for prototyping and production after artwork approval, with shipping additional. Complex designs can take longer. See How It Works for the process.
Make the budget work harder
Choose one strong design idea, finalize the recipient list early and consider a small reserve before production. Simplifying an assembly, adjusting size or using one core design may preserve the meaning of the award while reducing cost. Compare bulk delivery with individual shipping before committing.
Get a project-specific estimate
Send the fund or milestone, estimated quantity, target arrival date, total or per-award budget, and any packaging or delivery requirements. Include a logo or reference image if available; you do not need a finished design.
Prepared by the Polaris Custom Awards team, the design and production expertise behind Fund Closing Awards.