If you’re involved in fundraising, incorporating videos can significantly enhance your efforts. Unlike text or images, videos can emotionally connect with your audience. They can convey your mission in compelling ways and, as a result, encourage donations. The numbers back this up, with 72 percent of donors (Lynch Moriah. Harnessing Video Advertising for Nonprofit Impact. NonProfit PRO. 2024) saying that they are “very likely” to donate to a charity after watching a video about their work.
And to top it all off, they can appeal to people’s very short attention spans.
In this article, we’re going to dive deep into the best fundraising video ideas. We’ll also talk about some of the most effective ways to distribute your fundraising videos for maximum impact. 🚀
Summary
- How videos can boost your fundraising strategy
- 10 best fundraising video ideas for your campaign
- Leveraging fundraising videos for maximum impact
- How “Blue Carrot” can help your business
How videos can boost your fundraising strategy
Videos are a powerful means of communication and can supercharge your fundraising strategy. Here are some specific ways that fundraising videos can help you:
📌 Convey emotional stories
Videos can convey emotion in ways that other communication mediums, like plain text, can’t. A well-produced video, with compelling shots and accompanying music, can pull at the heartstrings and move people to take action. Videos impact people at an emotional, visceral level and can evoke empathy and compassion.
Videos also allow you to show the human impact of your cause. You can illustrate to people in graphic detail why action is needed and the effect that those actions have. For example, a video featuring testimonials from recipients or donors can illustrate the tangible, real-life result of donations.
📌 Build trust and credibility
Fundraising videos also help you build trust and credibility. You can show potential investors exactly what your organization is doing, why it’s being done, and the influence you’re having. People don’t have to wonder how their donations are being used. They can see their donations in action.
Behind-the-scenes videos allow donors to see the hard work and dedication that go into your organization’s efforts. This can help donors feel more connected to your cause.
📌 Expand your reach
Having your cause shared across social media platforms is a great way to increase exposure and generate more enthusiasm for the work you’re doing. Videos, even more so than text or images, are highly shareable. If you post a video on social media and it goes viral, suddenly, you’re reaching a huge audience you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.
Plus, social media profiles like Instagram and TikTok prioritize video content because it keeps people engaged for a longer period of time. So, if you’re able to consistently share videos related to your fundraising work, you’re likely to see an increase in reach and engagement.
📌 Simplify complex messages
Sometimes, it can be difficult to explain complex messages in text alone. Fundraising videos can make explaining intricate, detailed issues much easier and in engaging and easy-to-understand formats. You can use animations or infographics to break down statistics or complex processes. This not only helps donors understand your work better, but it can also make them more invested.
For content manager: insert a screenshot from our video:
10 best fundraising video ideas for your campaign
Now that you know how and why fundraising videos are so effective, let’s talk about some of the ideas for fundraising videos you can use during your next campaign.
1. Impact story
Few things are more powerful than an impact video in which you show the journey of someone positively impacted by the work you’re doing. When people see the real, human impact of your work, they’re much more likely to donate to your cause.
The unfortunate reality is that fundraising can often feel abstract, cut off from the actual work that is being done. It can be challenging for people to make the connection between the money they give and the impact those donations have on real people.
Impact story videos break down that barrier and bring people up-close and personal to both the need for your work and its benefits.
Here is a great example of an impact fundraising video:
2. Behind-the-scenes tour
Another creative video idea for fundraising is a behind-the-scenes tour that brings people into the work you’re doing and shows them exactly how their donations are being used. Behind-the-scenes charity videos tend to be a little more practical than impact videos, often showing each step of the journey in how the donations are used.
For example, if you’re fundraising for a clean water project, a behind-the-scenes tour might show the process of digging and installing a well. This type of video not only shows donors the impact of their donations but also builds trust by being transparent with how the funds are being used.
3. Mission statement video
Your mission and accompanying mission statement are at the heart of your organization. They drive everything you do and are the organizing force behind all of your campaigns. So why not create a video that highlights your mission and the work you’re doing to fulfill it?
A video puts material form on your mission statement. It gives context and helps people see what it means to fulfill your mission. In a mission statement video, you get the opportunity to explain, in detail, what your mission statement is, what it means, and why it’s so important. This can be hard to do in just text alone.
Explainer videos with creative visuals tend to work really well for mission statement videos. They allow you to break down complex ideas and concepts into easily digestible pieces, making your mission statement more relatable and understandable for viewers.
Here’s a good example of a mission statement video:
4. Call-to-action video
Another idea to make a fundraising video is a call-to-action video. Sometimes, what potential donors need most is a clear, compelling, straight-to-the-point call to action. While they may already be familiar with your mission and the impactful work you’re doing, they might still hesitate to take the next step. What they need is explicit guidance on how to get involved and make a difference. Hence, a need for a good call-to-action video.
The best call-to-action videos are crystal clear and leave no doubt what is being asked of the viewer. Whether it’s to make a donation, sign a pledge, or volunteer, the call to action should be presented in a way that is easy to understand and act upon. There should also be a strong sense of urgency, making the viewer feel like it’s important that they take action right now.
2D animation videos can work really well for call-to-action videos. They’re visually appealing and can effectively convey a clear message and call to action in a short amount of time. And if there are multiple steps to be taken, the animated video can break down those steps in an easy-to-understand manner.
Here’s a great example of a strong call-to-action video:
5. Organizational promo video
A promo video can be a powerful tool for fundraising and a good way to build relationships with donors. This type of video is used to showcase the overall impact and success of your organization, highlighting all the good work you do and how it has made a difference in people’s lives.
It can cover everything from your mission statement to who you serve to the specific needs you are facing. Promo videos are great for introducing new people to your organization and giving them a sense of all that you’re doing.
A promo video can also be used to attract potential donors, volunteers, or even new partnerships with other organizations. It should capture the essence of your organization and convey your mission and values in an engaging way.
Here’s a good example of an organizational promo fundraising video:
6. Donor testimonials
Donor testimonial videos are another compelling type of video that can be used to increase donations. It’s a well-known psychological concept that we are more compelled to take action when we see others taking action. This is even more the case if we see someone we respect doing a particular action.
Donor testimonial videos tap into this psychological phenomenon. They show real people who have donated to your organization, sharing personal stories and experiences. This can be a powerful tool in convincing others to join in and support your cause.
For example, a donor who gave to your cause might talk about how they felt good about making a difference and the impact their donation had on the community. This can inspire others to follow suit and donate as well.
7. Project progress update
Progress update videos allow you to give your audience key updates on specific projects you’re working on. The videos can include interviews with beneficiaries, shots of the project site, and progress reports. They’re a great way to show donors how their support is making an impact on the ground.
They also help grow engagement and keep your audience informed about the progress of your project. It’s not enough to ask people to contribute to your organization and then not talk to them again until the project is over. It’s important to show tangible results to donors so they feel confident in continuing their support.
Explainer videos work well for progress update videos, especially if the updates are on the complex side. Each step of the update can be explained and broken down, making it easy for everyone to understand exactly where things stand.
8. Event promotion video
If your organization is holding a fundraising event, video is a fantastic way to promote it. Such promo videos can include details of the event, like date, time, location, and ticket prices. They can also feature interviews with key speakers or entertainment to give potential attendees an idea of what to expect.
These videos create buzz around your event and get people excited about attending. You can share them on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, as well as send them out in email campaigns to your donor base.
See the video example:
9. Day in the life
Day-in-the-life videos are a great way to take people behind the scenes of your organization and introduce them to key players. For instance, you can showcase how staff members dedicate their time to various tasks, highlight the rewarding experience of volunteering, or provide a glimpse into an average day for those who benefit from your services. Each of these perspectives offers a unique insight into the impact of your work.
Such videos help people connect with your organization on a personal level by giving them an inside look at the people involved and the effect of their support. They can also be a great way to increase transparency and build trust with your audience.
Here’s a great example of a day-in-the-life video:
10. Urgency countdown
Last but not least are urgency countdown videos. If you’re trying to reach a certain goal by a certain time, these videos can go a long way in helping you reach that goal. They typically include some sort of countdown timer, along with urgent messaging and a call to action.
These videos are great for end-of-year fundraising campaigns or when you need to quickly raise funds for an emergency situation. The sense of urgency created by the countdown timer can motivate people to take action and donate before time runs out.
They can also be used in conjunction with other types of videos, such as event promotion or impact stories, to add an extra layer of urgency and encourage viewers to support your cause.
Here’s a good example of a fundraising video with urgency:
Leveraging fundraising videos for maximum impact
Once you’ve created a fundraising video, you want it to have maximum impact. Here are some strategies for distributing and leveraging your fundraising videos for maximum impact:
👉 Social media distribution
Based on our experience, social media should be one of the first places to promote a fundraising video. Through platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you can reach large, targeted audiences. Upload your videos and ask your followers to share the video with their friends as well. This can help your video reach even more potential donors.
👉 Email newsletters
If you have an email list, that’s a prime way to reach donors with your fundraising videos. The people on your list have already shown a strong interest in your organization and the work you do, making them more likely to engage with the videos you produce.
👉 Website
Your website is your central hub—your home base of operations. People come to your website to get updates about what your organization is doing and how they can help. Make sure to feature any fundraising videos you produce in prominent places on your website, whether on the homepage, your blog, etc. Don’t make people hunt for your videos.
👉 Partner and influencer collaborations
Want to get your fundraising videos in front of a bigger audience? Collaborating with other organizations or influencers in your niche can increase the reach and impact of your videos. Just make sure to choose partners and influencers whose values align with your organization’s mission.
👉 Optimize for SEO
Just like with written content, you want to ensure your videos are optimized for search engines. You can do this by including relevant keywords in the description of your video, along with any appropriate hashtags. This can help your video rank higher in search results and increase its visibility.
👉 Online groups
Online groups are especially good places to share your fundraising videos. Look for groups that align with your organization’s mission and values, and share your videos there. People in these groups are likely to be interested in what you’re doing and may be more willing to donate after watching your video. Remember to follow the group’s rules and guidelines when sharing. Take the time to engage with the community, join conversations, and share your video. It’s about building connections, not just asking for support.
How “Blue Carrot” can help your business
If you need help creating compelling, transformative fundraising videos, Blue Carrot can help. We’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits to help them create engaging videos that drove fundraising.
Our team of experts can help you determine exactly what type of fundraising video concept is best suited for your organization’s needs and create a high-quality video that will resonate with your audience and compel people to take action.
For example, we worked together with Helix to create a 3D animated crowdfunding video for them:
With Blue Carrot by your side, you can create fundraising videos that not only capture attention but also resonate on a personal level. We believe that every frame should reflect the passion behind your organization and inspire action.
So, why wait? Contact us today to get started. 🥕
