The Nonprofit’s Guide to Last-Minute Giving Campaigns: Simple, Budget-Friendly Video Ideas
As we approach the end of the year, nonprofits often find themselves asking, “How can we squeeze a little more juice out of our fundraising efforts?” Fortunately, the power of video content is a game-changer. Whether it’s creating new material or repurposing existing footage, video can be a fantastic way to connect with donors on a deep level—even on short timelines and tight budgets. Here are some practical, last-minute video ideas that can help you make the most of this giving season.
1. Tell a Story That Tugs at the Heartstrings
Your nonprofit has a powerful story to share, and now is the perfect time to showcase it. Highlight a single story that represents the impact of your work—a beneficiary’s transformation, a volunteer’s journey, or an essential project you’re tackling. Keep it simple and relatable; the goal is to show potential donors the human side of your organization. It’s not about crafting a blockbuster here; it’s about making your work personal and inspiring donors to take action.
2. Repurpose What You’ve Already Got
If you’re strapped for time, consider repurposing existing content to give it a fresh spin. Grab some footage from previous events, project updates, or even interviews, and turn it into a new “year in review” video. Adding a new voiceover or updated captions can breathe new life into old content, making it relevant to this year’s goals. This approach allows you to reach more people without starting from scratch, saving you time and effort in the process.
3. Start a Gratitude Challenge
Since the holiday season is all about gratitude, use this theme to drive engagement. Create a short, heartfelt video asking supporters to make a donation in honor of someone they’re thankful for. Encourage them to share their story or dedicate their gift publicly—these small but meaningful gestures can foster a sense of community and connection around your cause. It’s a beautiful way to show that your organization values gratitude just as much as generosity.
4. Leverage Matching Gifts with Testimonials
A matching gift campaign can double or even triple your impact, and testimonials are a perfect way to promote it. Consider short videos where major donors or corporate partners explain why they support your mission and how matching gifts can amplify the difference. These testimonials add a layer of credibility and encourage viewers to take part, knowing that their gift will go even further. It’s a quick, effective way to boost donations and broaden your reach.
5. Share “Day in the Life” Clips
If a live event feels like a heavy lift, try filming quick “day in the life” segments to showcase the daily impact of your work. These clips offer a behind-the-scenes look at what your organization does every day to make a difference. You could show a day in the life of a beneficiary, a team member, or a volunteer—giving potential donors a taste of the real-world impact of their support. They’re easy to create and highly shareable on social media, making them perfect for last-minute campaigns.
Quick Tips to Maximize Your Video Campaign’s Impact:
- Stay Authentic: Don’t stress about perfection. Focus on sharing genuine stories that resonate emotionally.
- Share Widely: Post your videos across multiple platforms—email, social media, and your website—to maximize visibility.
- End with a Clear Call to Action: Guide viewers to donate, become recurring supporters, or share your video. Make it easy for them to act on that emotional connection.
At Gr0wthDr1vers, we’ve had the pleasure of helping nonprofits create this type of mission-driven content quickly and affordably. Our experience has shown that you don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact—just a good story, a clear message, and a little creativity. So, whether you’re dusting off some archived footage or whipping up a new video from scratch, remember: every view, like, and share brings you one step closer to your goal. Happy fundraising!
Chris Bradley
CCO - Partner
Chris is our creative leader and head storyteller. He has 25+ years of creative experience with clients such as Feeding America, International Human Rights Arts Festival, Samsung, VW, and Budweiser (to name a few…) His work has been recognized by The Cannes Advertising Festival, Clio Awards, and The Effies.