Discover 8 Great Examples Of Non-Profit Fundraising Videos

Fundraising campaign videos are essential for nonprofit organisations, offering a powerful way to connect with potential donors. 

These videos can transform abstract causes into tangible stories, making the NPO's mission resonate on a personal level and inspiring action.

In today’s blog, we will be exploring the 8 great examples of fundraising campaign videos from nonprofits, highlighting their context, artistic elements, and the impact they've had on fundraising efforts.

Discover What Makes a Fundraising Video Effective

An effective fundraising video transcends mere visual appeal; it strikes a chord with its audience, compelling them to take action. Several key factors contribute to its effectiveness:

Emotional Engagement - Stories of individuals or communities directly impacted by the nonprofit's work can evoke empathy, inspiring viewers to contribute.

Clear Call to Action - A successful video clearly directs viewers on how to help whether it's donating, sharing the video, or volunteering.

Authenticity - Genuine testimonials and real-life success stories build trust and credibility, making the appeal for support more persuasive.

Conciseness - Effective videos are often concise, delivering a powerful message in a short amount of time.

Memorable Content - A video that stands out through unique storytelling, compelling imagery, or an unexpected approach is more likely to be remembered and shared.

Incorporating these elements can vastly enhance a fundraising video's ability to mobilise support, making it a vital tool in a nonprofit's arsenal for driving change.

Great Examples of Fundraising Campaign Videos

We'll be starting at number 8, working our way to the top spot on our list.

8. Save the Children - "Most Shocking Second a Day Video"

Starting at number 8, Save The Children's "Most Shocking Second a Day Video" vividly shows a young girl's life in England (a nation generally untouched by war), dramatically disrupted by conflict. The video reminds viewers in peaceful regions of the ongoing realities of war in other parts of the world.

The video opens with a joyous birthday celebration of the girl. By employing a second-a-day format, we can see her life turning upside down because of war. 

It ends with another birthday, but this time, it's much sadder, highlighting the drastic changes war brings to a child's life.

Even though there is no call to action, the video creates a stark, emotional contrast that deeply affects the viewer, highlighting the urgency of the situation. 

Though specific fundraising figures linked directly to the video are not provided, the emotional impact likely played a significant role in the overall fundraising efforts.

7. The Girl Effect - The Clock is Ticking

At number 7, we have The Girl Effect’s nonprofit animated campaign video titled “The Clock is Ticking”. Their campaign video effectively highlights the challenges and potential of young girls in developing countries.

The video uses animation to tell the story, employing contrasting visuals, such as scenes of girls in challenging environments versus thriving settings, to depict the current state versus the potential future for girls. 

Its narrative is driven by a ticking clock, symbolising the urgency of addressing these issues.

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/girl-effect-fund/

This nonprofit animated video has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds despite having no clear call to action, contributing to a total of $2 million raised through the GlobalGiving platform. 

The connection between the video's popularity and funding suggests that its emotional and visual impact motivated viewers to contribute.

6. Water.org - "Matt Damon Goes on Strike"

Water.org's campaign, featuring co-founder Matt Damon, an American actor known for his roles in movies such as Jason Bourne, The Martian, and the recent film Oppenheimer, uses humour and a celebrity figure to draw attention to the global water crisis.

The video begins with Matt Damon initiating a press conference to discuss World Toilet Day, questioning the attendees about how they celebrated it, which transitions into a discussion on the critical issue of global lack of access to clean water and sanitation.

Near the end, Damon announces his refusal to use the bathroom until everyone has access to clean water and sanitation.

The video ends with a call to action for viewers to join Damon in his protest by supporting water.org's efforts, directing them to the website strikewithme.org.

Raising $8.3 million during the year 2013, the year the video was uploaded, the campaign demonstrates how a unique and lighter approach to serious issues can effectively engage audiences and encourage donations.

5. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - "Thanks and Giving"

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital’s "Thanks and Giving" video campaign takes the number 5 spot on this list. 

The annual campaign focuses on the hospital's mission to treat and defeat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

This video, featuring celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Sofia Vergara, and Michael Strahan, starts with a message highlighting that these children do not yearn for toys or nice clothes; what they truly desire is something many take for granted: their health.

The campaign video ends with Marlo Thomas, an American actress best known for starring in the sitcom “That Girl”, and other celebrities asking viewers to give thanks for the healthy kids in their lives and give to those who are not.

With $122 million raised, the campaign highlights the power of emotional connection and the effectiveness of aligning a fundraising campaign with a season of giving, demonstrating the community's strong support for the cause.

4. UN Network on Migration - Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund

At number 4, I hope you won't mind that we are including one of Leon!'s nonprofit animated videos which is the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund from the UN Network on Migration.

Demonstrating the essential efforts to advance the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration, the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, initiated in 2019, stands as a symbol of the united efforts of member states. 

The nonprofit animated video explains that the global compact for migration advocates for the establishment of a fund to assist states in achieving safe, orderly, and regular migration.

In response, the UN Network on Migration set up the Trust Fund, which is managed by a steering committee that includes states, donors, UN representatives, and stakeholders. 

The Trust Fund combines expertise to support projects worldwide, tackling important issues like sexual violence, exploitation, and climate-related challenges.

With $57.5 million raised, the campaign underscores the significance of global cooperation in tackling migration issues, demonstrating substantial support for the cause.

3. Cancer Research UK - "Race for Life"

At number 3 is Cancer Research UK's very recent "Race for Life" 2024 campaign which encourages participants to join races across the UK to raise funds for cancer research. 

It begins with a race, immediately focusing on a man among the runners. As he pushes through the event, viewers are given glimpses into his father's battle with cancer.

The video ends with the man and his father, sharing a hug with a call to action that encourages viewers to sign up at raceforlife.org and join the cause.

While the previous Race for Life helped raise £490 million, this campaign illustrates the impact of combining physical events with a strong promotional video, highlighting how community engagement and collective experiences can lead to significant fundraising success.

It's also worth noting that since its upload in February 2024, the video has attracted a substantial number of views in a short period, which, combined with the relative lack of likes and comments, suggests it has been part of a paid advertising campaign.

2. Charity: Water - "The Spring" Campaign

Taking the number 2 spot is Charity: Water’s “The Spring” video campaign which features Scott Harrison, the founder of charity: water, sharing his transformation from a nightclub promoter to a humanitarian.

Scott recounts his mother's tragic poisoning, his lost childhood, and his eventual moral bankruptcy, leading to a pivotal moment of change. Inspired by his time volunteering with doctors in Liberia and witnessing the dire need for clean water, Scott started charity: water. 

The Spring campaign is introduced as a community of monthly givers, aiming to bring clean water to everyone on Earth. The campaign invites viewers to join The Spring, emphasising that any amount helps and 100% of it goes to clean water projects, promising transparency and impact.

Notably, Its long duration of over 20 minutes and autobiographical approach, stands out for attracting thousands of comments and engaging viewers who unexpectedly watched the entire ad. 

As of today, the campaign has raised approximately $3.3 million, directly contributing to serving more than 1 million people. This success illustrates the power of storytelling and personal connection in fundraising videos.

1. The ALS Association - Ice Bucket Challenge

You all remember the ALS Association's Ice Bucket Challenge, right? Taking the number 1 spot, this campaign went viral like wildfire. The Ice Bucket Challenge became a viral sensation, raising awareness and funds for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) research. 

https://www.als.org/IBC

In the summer of 2014, three young men living with ALS, Anthony Senerchia, Pete Frates and Pat Quinn, took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and inspired people around the world to dump ice water on their heads and donate to an ALS organisation. 

This campaign leveraged user-generated content, making it highly relatable and widespread. 

Moreover, prominent personalities like Bill Gates, Donald Trump, LeBron James, and Britney Spears took part in this challenge, encouraging even more individuals to get involved.

The simplicity of the challenge, combined with the personal involvement of participants, created a powerful viral loop.

Consequently, over 17 million people participated in the challenge and raised $137 million for The ALS Association.

Conclusion: The Power of Storytelling in Fundraising

From children in war-torn areas to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, these top 8 videos show how nonprofits can captivate and mobilise people.

Their emotional stories, clear actions, and genuine narratives have significantly boosted funds and awareness.

We're curious about the stories you think should shine next. Which campaigns touched you, and what issues should we spotlight together?

Share your thoughts with us. Your input is vital as we explore how video storytelling can enhance nonprofit missions and their global impact.