The Best Nonprofit Videos Of All Time: Inspiring Stories and Campaigns
Imagine a video that brings tears to your eyes, stirs your soul, and compels you to act. Nonprofit videos have the unique power to do just that. These aren't just well-crafted clips; they are narratives that cut through the noise and strike at the heart of what it means to be human.
In this blog, we'll journey through some of the most unforgettable nonprofit videos ever created. These are not just videos—they are movements, moments, and milestones that have left an indelible mark on viewers and sparked real-world impact. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and perhaps even called to action as we explore these stories captured on film.
What Makes a Great Nonprofit video?
Our basis for selecting the nonprofit videos hinges on four key criteria:
Educational Impact - These videos turn complex ideas into understandable content making learning both accessible and simple.
Emotional Engagement - From heartfelt fundraising appeals to hero journeys, these videos tug at the heartstrings and inspire viewers to act.
Promotional Effectiveness - These videos are masters of persuasion by having engaging content that effectively promotes the nonprofit’s mission and activities.
Visual and Narrative Excellence - These videos showcase exceptional visual storytelling, effectively communicating the nonprofit's identity and goals.
20. Peak Oil Wars
"Peak Oil Wars," a 2012 nonprofit animated video by the Post Carbon Institute addresses the potential for global conflict due to dwindling oil supplies. It discusses how nations might become more aggressive in securing the remaining reserves as oil becomes scarce, leading to geopolitical tensions and wars.
The video features fluid animation and scenes incorporate bold graphics, such as gears and machinery, representing the oil industry, and dramatic visual elements like graphs and headlines to depict rising tensions. The animation effectively conveys the urgent message about the geopolitical risks associated with peak oil, emphasising the need for alternative energy solutions and global cooperation to avoid conflict.
19. School of Life Series
The School of Life TV is a popular YouTube channel offering practical insights into philosophy, psychology, and self-improvement. With over 30 episodes, the series features 2D animated explainer videos that make complex topics accessible and engaging, helping viewers navigate personal growth and understanding through thoughtful content and relatable examples.
For example, the episode "PHILOSOPHY - Plato" explores Plato's ideas on achieving a fulfilled life through thinking critically, allowing love to improve us, understanding beauty's message, and reforming society for better governance.
18. Draw My Life: Orkid at SeaWorld
"Draw My Life: Orkid at SeaWorld" by PETA features a "Draw My Life" animation style, characterised by simple, hand-drawn illustrations on a whiteboard. The narrative is visually supported by basic, yet expressive sketches that evolve in real-time, depicting Orkid's life story.
Orkid narrates her life at SeaWorld, She recounts her birth, the traumatic experiences of losing her mother and friends, and the harsh realities of life in captivity.
A comment from @maggiehydeck8182 adds to the video's impact: "I was so oblivious to this when I was younger, but I’m glad I know now."
This video, with its raw and personal storytelling style, highlights the cruelty faced by orcas at SeaWorld
17. Seeing Clearly
"Seeing Clearly" is a minimalist 2D animated video highlighting the severe impact of cataract blindness on people's lives. The animation starts by directly addressing the viewer, urging them to consider the importance of vision health.
It underscores the staggering fact that 2.5 billion people around the world have poor vision and no access to glasses. This lack of vision correction leads to dangerous situations, such as drivers and heavy machinery operators putting themselves and others at risk.
Despite its minimalist appearance, "Seeing Clearly" showcases technical strengths such as precision and clarity, where every line and movement are clean and purposeful, along with an efficient use of a limited colour palette to evoke emotions and emphasise key elements.
16. Save the Arctic
Greenpeace's "Save the Arctic" video highlights the urgent need to protect the Arctic region from environmental threats such as oil drilling, industrial fishing, and climate change. Featuring the Arctic's pristine landscapes, the animation showcases a blend of geometric and realistic art styles, with striking imagery like a lone polar bear on melting ice floes and a symbolic handshake threatening the fragile ecosystem.
The nonprofit explainer underscores the critical role the Arctic plays in regulating the Earth's climate and supporting biodiversity. It calls for immediate global action to halt industrial exploitation and safeguard this delicate environment for future generations.
15. Charity: Water - "The Spring" Campaign
“The Spring” video campaign 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.
14. Most Shocking Second a Day Video
Save The Children's "Most Shocking Second a Day Video" vividly depicts a young girl's life in peaceful England being torn apart by war. Using a second-a-day format, it starts with a joyous birthday and ends with a sombre one, showing the drastic impact of conflict and war.
It also reminds viewers that there are ongoing realities of war in other parts of the world. The emotional contrast profoundly affects viewers, underscoring the urgency of the situation which likely contributed significantly to the organisation's fundraising efforts.
This video was also featured in our "8 Great Examples Of Great Non-Profit Fundraising Videos" blog.
13. Slaying Childhood Cancer
In this touching video by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Larry Vincent shares the inspiring story of his daughter Jordan, a 15-year-old who loves fashion, her iPad, and the colour purple. Diagnosed with a rare brain cancer at age 5, Jordan has faced numerous treatments and surgeries as shown in the video through a slideshow of pictures of her.
Despite this, she remains a determined "cancer slayer," embodying strength and resilience. The video highlights Jordan's fight and emphasises the foundation's role in supporting children like her in their battle against cancer.
12. Because Who is Perfect?
In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Pro Infirmis launched a thought-provoking campaign titled "Because who is perfect?" Disabled mannequins modelled the latest fashions on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, challenging societal ideals of perfection.
The campaign, captured in a short film by director Alain Gsponer, features figures like Miss Handicap 2010 Jasmin Rechsteiner and actor Erwin Aljukic. Pro Infirmis, an organisation dedicated to disability acceptance and inclusion, aims to provoke reflection and promote diversity through this initiative.
11. Will You Help Us Change the World?
Operation Smile’s "Will You Help Us Change the World?" nonprofit animated video highlights the global issue of untreated cleft conditions. It starts with a depiction of the world facing a big problem and shows the emotional and social struggles of children with clefts.
The animation contrasts the isolation these children face with the hope and healing brought by Operation Smile’s medical missions and year-round care centres. Through vibrant visuals and a compelling narrative, the video emphasises the importance of surgical care and community support, urging viewers to join their cause in bringing smiles to children worldwide.
10. Migrant Mental Health
I hope you don’t mind if we include one of Leon! Animations' collaboration with the International Organisation For Migration (IOM). This piece breaks from our traditional style, employing near-photo-realistic illustration to delve into the critical, often overlooked issue of migrant mental health.
The video starts in black and white, showing a West African young man nervous about returning home empty-handed and facing his family's disappointment. When he arrives, the scene shifts to vibrant colours as his mother welcomes him with a hug.
Enhanced by Josef-Israel's compelling voiceover, which got nominated for the One Voice Awards, this video highlights the emotional turmoil and shame migrants face when returning home with unmet expectations, despite sacrificing everything for their journey.
9. No One Has the Right to Hurt You
The International Organization for Migration's (IOM) animated video, "No One Has the Right to Hurt You," vividly portrays the struggles of migrants facing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The story begins with a woman fleeing a war-torn area, emphasising the life-changing impact of leaving one's country.
The narrative highlights how gender identity or sexual orientation can make migrants vulnerable to violence, even from those closest to them. The video, part of the EU-funded PROTECT project, urges victims to seek help, underscoring that abuse is never their fault.
8. KONY 2012
"KONY 2012" is a viral documentary by Invisible Children, aimed at bringing global awareness to Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Directed by Jason Russell, the 30-minute film highlights the atrocities committed by Kony, including the abduction and exploitation of children as soldiers and sex slaves.
The campaign leveraged social media and celebrity endorsements to spread its message, leading to over 103 million views as of this writing. The video features impactful cinematography, mixing personal stories, such as that of former child soldier Jacob, with a call to action for global justice.
7. Dania's Story: The Power of Prayer
"Dania's Story: The Power of Prayer" by Samaritan's Purse is an inspiring tale of a young girl from the Middle East living in severe poverty. Raised in a Christian family, Dania learns about the power of prayer. Despite hardships, she prays for something to call her own.
Her prayers are answered through an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, which includes a much-needed radio for her family. The nonprofit animation features a warm, pastel palette and expressive characters, adding emotional depth to this heartwarming story of faith and generosity.
6. For Every Child
The "For Every Child" video by UNICEF portrays the organisation's dedication to ensuring all children have access to basic rights and necessities. Through showing a close up shot of children, it highlights children from diverse backgrounds and challenging circumstances. The video showcases UNICEF's work in providing education, healthcare, clean water, and protection from violence and exploitation.
5. The Clock is Ticking
The Girl Effect’s nonprofit animated campaign video, “The Clock is Ticking,” highlights the challenges and potential of young girls in developing countries. Through contrasting visuals, it depicts girls in harsh environments versus thriving settings, driven by a ticking clock symbolising urgency.
The video has been crucial in raising awareness and $2 million through GlobalGiving. Its emotional and visual impact has effectively motivated viewers to contribute, demonstrating the power of storytelling in fundraising.
4. Santa Forgot 2023
"Santa Forgot 2023" by Alzheimer's Research UK tells the heartwarming story of Freya, a girl who discovers Santa has Alzheimer's. Determined to restore Christmas magic, Freya inspires the elves to research a cure, symbolising the importance of medical research in combating dementia.
Narrated by Stephen Fry, the video features smooth, detailed animation with a whimsical charm, using holiday lights and winter scenes to evoke hope and determination.
Notably, this nonprofit video has been recognised in our past blog as the best nonprofit video of 2023.
3. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
This short nonprofit animation by the Children's Rights Alliance explains the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to children. Narrated by Adam, a seven-year-old, it introduces his family and the importance of children's rights.
The animation uses a child-like hand-drawn illustration style to convey that all children deserve to be safe, happy, and well-cared for, emphasising the need for protection, education, and play. Adam learns from his sister Alison that everyone, including governments and adults, must ensure these rights are upheld.
2. The World of Autism
This Autism Speaks animated video tells the story of a nonverbal boy with autism who preferred routines and was sensitive to lights and sounds. The handcrafted, stop-motion animation shows him navigating a whimsical world with lush landscapes and fantastical elements.
Depicted as a wooden puppet, the boy finds comfort in repetitive behaviours and secret hiding places. Through early intervention, he learns to cope with autism and finds his voice, emphasising the importance of early support for children with autism.
1. I had a Black Dog, his Name was Depression
The WHO video "I Had a Black Dog, His Name Was Depression" uses a black dog to symbolise depression, showing its unexpected and overwhelming impact.
The animation illustrates how depression makes life feel slow and empty, disrupting appetite, memory, and social interactions.
A comment from @kayleehaase2254, which received 3.1k likes, underscores the video's relevance: "I remember watching videos like this, or commercials for antidepressants when I was younger and thinking, 'oh how silly! That will never be me!' A couple of years later the 'black dog' came ringing my doorbell and life just hasn't been the same."
This personal testimony highlights the video's ability to connect deeply with viewers and convey the seriousness of depression.
With over 12 million views, the video emphasises that seeking professional help and adopting coping strategies, like exercise and mindfulness, can manage depression.
Conclusion: The Power of Nonprofit Videos to Inspire Change
From Autism Speaks' handcrafted animations to PETA's "Draw My Life" style, and beautiful narratives like "KONY 2012" and "The Spring" by charity: water, they transform complex ideas into relatable stories, stir viewers' emotions, effectively promote their causes, and showcase exceptional storytelling.
Are you a nonprofit marketer or communicator looking to create videos that inspire and drive change? Contact us by emailing us to learn how we can help you craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and amplify your mission.
