We Make Videos for Nonprofits

Our videos engage donors, funders, and participants. With years of experience in the C-Suite and VP offices of social impact organizations, we know how to amplify your work.

Trouble engaging supporters?

We can help.

When you work with us, donor engagement goes up.

why does a nonprofit need video?

Let us help you improve your public communications with compelling video. Then, watch your engagement skyrocket.

video builds a human connection

Donors give when they have a connection to an organization, to a community. Video is one of the best ways to build a strong, human connection.

The human eye prefers motion

You know this: your eye notices moving things more than stationary things.

video helps explain

Whether it is your mission, your community, or your identity, video is just better at explaining certain things. Like your cousin who learned to be a mechanic on YouTube, many things are easier to understand in video.

The Algorithm prefers video

Social media platforms overtly prefer video content. If your non-profit is to compete for attention, you need video content.

Donors remember video

One study has shown that 85% of Americans remember a marketing video they saw in the last 30 days. 30 days!

People share video more often

92% of mobile users share videos with others.

Schedule a zoom meeting to see how we can help your organization.

what kind of CONTENT?

These are some of the most powerful ways to use video in a nonprofit or social impact organization.

branding/identity video

A branding video introduces your organization. It should be heartfelt and inspiring, while helping viewers understand the essence of who you are.

LENGTH: 2-3 minutes

AUDIENCE: Everyone

STYLE: There are a few creative options, but most involve film of your programs with added graphics.

PRODUCTION VALUE: Professional

TONE: Authoritative, inspiring

FREQUENCY: Update this every ~2 years

PURPOSE: To introduce your organization, and convert that into a call-to-action. You will show this video everywhere, on your website, in public speaking engagements, everywhere.

VARIATIONS & USES: Make shorter versions customized to social media. These shorter versions should link back to your main video on your website.

This Branding video introduces subscribers and venture-capital funders to BranchOut, an online faith-based platform.

This branding video uses footage of Inalienable’s programs alongside stock footage and motion graphics to introduce donors to their vision.

STORY VIDEOS

A story video gives viewers a deeper glimpse into one of your clients or staff. These videos are particularly great at humanizing your organization, and that means they are great for engaging donors. Donors want a human connection!

LENGTH: 2-6 minutes

AUDIENCE: External communications, partners and potential partners.

STYLE: Make this look like a short documentary, consistent with your branding

PRODUCTION VALUE: Professional

FREQUENCY: Once a month

TONE: authentic, emotional journey, toward a crescendo

PURPOSE: These videos humanize your organization. They deepen the relationship between a donor (or potential donor) and your organization.

VARIATIONS & USES: Make shorter versions customized to social media. These shorter versions should link back to your main video on your website.

This story inspires donors by helping them connect with a specific client, and by extension the organization.

This story video is from the same organization. Notice how it builds empathy in a different way: donors empathize with the staff-person.

UPDATE VIDEO

These are ideal, easy-to-create videos that are best captured by staff on their cell phone. The primary purpose of these videos is to keep donors and followers engaged.

LENGTH: 15-60 seconds

AUDIENCE: External communications, partners and potential partners.

STYLE: Informal. Make it look like a selfie.

PRODUCTION VALUE: Low-production value; this should be filmed on a cell phone (and look like it)

TONE: Informal, friendly

FREQUENCY: Once a week or more, if possible. (this is determined by current trends in the algorithm, and your broader social media strategy)

PURPOSE: These videos are primarily for social media. While the production quality is lower, they have a certain immediacy that fits social media. The personal connections here brilliantly complement story videos.

VARIATIONS & USES: These are great for giving insight into specific programs or activities of your non-profit, without crowding out your core Communications Strategy.

This update from The International Justice Mission is representative of a typical Update Video. (Note: CHM did not film this video)

This update from The Association for a More Just Society is representative of a typical Update Video. (Note: CHM did not film this video)

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO

Unlike most other videos on this list, Instructional Videos are not primarily for donor engagement. Instead, they are part of your programs. They are instructional material for program participants, or new staff. Depending on your organizations mission, these might also educate the public.

LENGTH: variable, depending on strategic goals

AUDIENCE: Specific, based on the programmatic goals

STYLE: Typically graphics heavy (though sometimes a talking head works better)

PRODUCTION VALUE: Professional

FREQUENCY: As needed strategically

TONE: Authoritative

PURPOSE: These videos are primarily to help people understand a specific function of your organization. However, they can be done for different audiences, including training.

VARIATIONS & USES: Specific, based primarily on the audience.

This instructional video recruits churches in a denomination to participate in temporary housing for asylum seekers.

Our Process

  • Let’s begin with a zoom call! We can discuss what you’re trying to accomplish, and we can share potential ways to solve those problems.

  • We work with all kinds of nonprofits. Some have robust Communications & Development teams. Others have one paid staffperson doing four jobs.

    We get it.

    We’ll translate your work into stories that build your brand. We’ll help you engage your supporters so they can’t stop thinking about your good work.

  • We love producing the stuff you need, sure. Videos? PDFs? Websites? We love that stuff. But we’re interested in your long-term success.

    As we work together, we’re working in a way that builds up your team and resources.

  • We’ll work out a script, film, edit, develop graphics, whatever it takes to produce your video. Our multi-talented team will make your videos shine.

  • Your audience is inspired to react. To donate. To volunteer. To partner.