I’m scratching my head as to why we haven’t looked into the availability of fundraising videos before. Not online pitches by nonprofits, but rather "how to" videos.
But today in one of my various info feeds I was struck by an item describing this YouTube video — Nonprofit Tip #1 Secret to Fundraising Success.
Naturally I couldn’t resist. "What is the #1 fundraising tip?" I wondered. And who’s offering it?
Well, for that answer you’ll need to watch the video … it’s only one minute.
Once I clicked to it, of course I was presented with a whole variety of the genre.
I can’t say I was blown away. Certainly some valid points about telling stories and face-to-face asks.
But nothing to knock my shoes and socks off.
Can anyone point The Agitator to a really excellent video "how to" on any aspect of fundraising?
We’d love to bestow an Agitator "You deserve a raise" in the category!
Tom
P.S. If you can’t recommend a video, perhaps you can share your #1 fundraising tip!
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While no, there isn’t a lot out there, the first that comes to mind is a relatively new company called Charity How To: http://www.charityhowto.com/videos.php providing step by step tutorial style videos. The offerings include how-to’s on email marketing, social media for nonprofit, building a website and person to person fundraising. Some carry a nominal price; others are free.
See3 does how to videos – http://www.see3.net/guide and they are doing a webinar on video for fundraising next week. (I don’t work for them, btw, I just saw the notice when I was looking for the guide.)
In general, there is more things going on with video, but I think the basics still ring true – have a compelling ask, inspire people, let them know what you are doing and why their support matters.
I would recommend videos from H. Freeman and Associates from this website: http://www.hfreemanassociates.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=99:the-nine-guiding-principles-a-50-practical-tips-for-successful-fundraising&catid=43:dvd&Itemid=78.
Here’s a clip that’s free on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3Ryy7SFE7g
These are produced by Henry Freeman, whom we’ve found to be wise fundraising counsel but his co-star, Joan Brown, is also a talented fundraiser.
Christopher Davenport creates “how-to” fundraising videos on http://www.501videos.com/index.html . They are mostly interviews with non-profit staff but definitely have the how-to feel.
I highly recommend a video called “Ready, Set, Raise”, produced by GIFT (Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training) and featuring Kim Klein and Russell Roybal, two excellent trainers. GIFT also publishes the must-read publication, the Grassroots Fundraising Journal. Check them out at http://www.grassrootsfundraising.org
Well I wouldn’t call it a fundraising video, but I tried something different for our most recent on-air pledge drive (we are the Houston PBS affliate). I flip cam’d short thank you videos from our in studio guests, and attached the link to the email confirmation the donor gets immediatly after a contribution. so they get thanked by the person they just saw on TV.
Not difficult to do and something fun for the donor. They seem to be getting some hits, this one in particular is at almost 700 views with positive feedback! Maybe something new to try in your next campaign.
http://www.youtube.com/houstonpbs#p/u/26/czgU4r55wlc
Chris Davenport offers great fundraising videos every Monday at http:www.501videos.com (free with sign-up). He presents excellent interviews with professionals on a variety of fundraising topics. He also packages the interviews on specific subjects (in DVD form) for sale. I highly recommend them (and watch them every Monday with my morning coffee).
Dear Tom,
You may already know of Chris Davenport and his 501 Videos “Monday Movies.” Each Monday I get a 5-minute (or less) movie in my inbox. I find the variety of people and topics to be timely and helpful. And, ,I look forward to getting an informative and/or inspiring video every Monday! I have also shared specific videos with board members and other fundraising volunteers as a way of educating and encouraging effective participation.
I look forward to see what other sources come up in your inquiry. Thanks for asking! Here’s the link: http://www.501videos.com/501/video.html?awt_l=93Uxy&awt_m=1fwy8NLR.REhtP
I just stumbled upon this blog post, but nonetheless the issue I have encountered in helping nonprofits use web video is in the creation of content, not the use of it.
The question is not how to make a fundraising web video? How to use fundraising videos online? Or where are all the fundraising videos?
The question is how do I make a video to use in the first place? As any nonprofit knows that has sought out someone to make them a video. It is far from inexpensive. Which I why I teach/encourage nonprofits to start making their own videos.
The result can be used for fundraising:
http://www.letsdabble.com/services/event_coverage.html