Unable to host in-person fundraisers and galas due to the coronavirus pandemic, many non-profit organizations are turning to fundraising online instead. But asking for donations remotely is more challenging than making a face-to-face appeal. One proven tactic for success is using pre-produced videos in place of (or to supplement) virtual events and “no-go galas”. So here are 3 simple tips on how to raise money effectively using video:
• Show the need. There are more than 1 million charities in the U.S. vying for financial contributions. Why should someone donate to yours? Let your donors meet (via video) some of the people your organization helps. Take them on a “virtual tour” to see the examples of the socio-economic problem you’re trying to fix, or the conditions of your facility or community that needs rebuilding/renovation. For example, this video clearly shows the problem of blight in Memphis, and how the community is addressing it. https://runningpony.com/portfolio/neighborhood-preservation-inc-rundown-fight-blight-memphis/
•Show the emotion. Facts and figures alone may not move someone to donate. You have to touch the donors’ hearts to get them to open their wallets and purses. Present powerful stories of people your organization has helped, told on-camera in their own words. Show the emotional scenes that donors might never get to witness in person—the sadness and heartbreak, the joy and happiness. Here’s a video we created, along with ad agency inferno, for the FedEx Family House that helped bring in $1 million in donations. https://runningpony.com/portfolio/fedex-family-house-online-fundraiser/
• Show the impact. Donors want to know that their donation will make a real difference. Where will their money go? Who will it help? Let them see donor dollars “at work” in your organization. Use architectural renderings and animated 3D “fly-throughs” so they can visualize the new surroundings made possible by your capital campaign. In this video for the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, we showed people exactly what their pocket change means to the families of seriously ill children. https://runningpony.com/portfolio/ronald-mcdonald-house-give-back/
At Running Pony, we specialize in creative visual storytelling. Contact us at info@runningpony.com to find out how we can help your organization’s online fundraising efforts.
