The Best Nonprofit & Charity Videos of 2022
If you want to change minds (or maybe even the world), a brilliant nonprofit video can help. In this blog, we’re spotlighting the best nonprofit videos of 2022—and why they actually work.
These videos don’t just look pretty. They tell sharp stories, get to the point, and make people feel something.
Steal a trick or two from the best charity videos of the year—and if you're planning your own, Leon! Animation Studio can help. We're a 2D animation studio that turns tangled topics into clear explainer videos for charities, healthcare and beyond.
Why Video is a Powerful Tool for Nonprofits
Videos are a game-changer for nonprofits. Why? Because people actually watch them.
But the real magic isn’t just attention—it’s clarity. Videos turn knotty issues into something you can see, hear, and understand. Music, visuals, and storytelling team up to explain the tricky stuff and nudge people towards action.
Yes, they can tug on heartstrings—but don’t be fooled. The best nonprofit videos are less about drama, more about decoding problems.
The Best Nonprofit Videos of 2022
These standout nonprofit videos didn’t just look good—they did good. From urgent social issues to behind-the-scenes wins, each one shows the real-world effect of nonprofit work.
We’re counting down from #8 to #1. Let’s see who nailed it in 2022—and what made their videos worth watching.
8. International Seed Federation Explainer Animation
Kicking off the list is this animated explainer from the International Seed Federation. It unpacks how ISF supports sustainable farming and global food security—without getting lost in the weeds.
The video makes a surprisingly clear case for something most people don’t think about: intellectual property rights for seeds, plant varieties, and the tech behind them. It’s a solid intro for anyone curious about ISF’s work and why it matters.
7. Makers Making Change Fundraising Animated Video
This animated explainer introduces a volunteer-powered platform building affordable assistive tech—think bottle openers, adapted toys, and more.
It’s a smoothly animated explanation of how Makers Making Change is helping people with disabilities get the tools they need, without the usual price tag.
6. One Campaign – 20,000 Lives Explainer Video
With jazzy beats and bold visuals, this mixed-media video from One Campaign puts urgency front and centre.
It makes the case for funding the Global Fund—reminding us it’s already saved 44 million lives from AIDS, TB, and malaria, and could save 20 million more by 2026. All it needs is world leaders to cough up.
5. Jack’s Caregiver Coalition – Super Squad Animation
This short animation gives a rare spotlight to male caregivers—no clichés, no violins.
With clean visuals and a warm tone, it shows how Jack’s Caregiver Coalition offers community, support, and a bit of superpower energy to those quietly carrying the load.
4. Curriculum for Life Animated Explainer Video
This beautifully illustrated explainer makes the case for teaching life skills—not just algebra.
It introduces a free platform that helps young people build confidence, emotional smarts, and real-world know-how. Less textbook, more toolkit.
3. IOM – Diaspora Mapping Toolkit Explainer
Yes, it’s one of ours—but it earns its spot.
This animated explainer breaks down IOM’s flexible approach to diaspora mapping, helping policymakers turn data into smarter decisions. Bonus: it features some of our favourite character animation from the Leon! Animation Studio team.
2. Scouts – Squirrel Campaign Animated Explainer
This mixed-media adventure packs puppets, cute squirrels, and storytelling into one joyful promo for Scouts’ 4–6-year-old programme.
Aimed squarely at little explorers (and their grown-ups), it celebrates curiosity, culture, and making muddy memories. It’s playful, polished, and perfectly pitched for pint-sized viewers.
Note: The original mixed-media animation with puppets has mysteriously vanished from the internet since we first published this blog. If you spot it, let us know! For now, here’s another video from the same campaign—still charming, but missing the puppets and playful mixed-media style.
1. NYC H₂O – NYC Urban Water Cycle Explainer Video
Kicking off with a clear winner, this nonprofit explainer video maps New York’s entire water system—from mountaintop to manhole.
Created with NYC H₂O, it shows how 8.5 million people get their water (and where it goes after a flush), all in a clean, minimalist style that skips the fluff and sticks to the science.
We love seeing animation used like this: not to dazzle, just to explain something properly.
Classic Nonprofit Videos
Looking for inspiration that’s stood the test of time? These nonprofit videos from the past decade still pack a punch—and yes, we’ve definitely taken a few notes from them.
The Girl Effect – Animated Video
This animated video put adolescent girls at the centre of the story—and rightly so. It shows how giving them a fair shot can lift up families, communities, even entire countries. With over 2.6 million views, it struck a chord worldwide. Visually, it’s a standout: bold, stylised illustrations that mix seamlessly with stick figures, creating a rhythm that’s both playful and purposeful. Every frame feels considered, every transition earned. A great reminder that serious messages don’t have to look serious to land.
IOM – Sexual Violence (Animated Video)
This beautifully crafted two-minute animation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) tackles sexual violence with care, clarity, and conviction. It’s not just about “raising awareness”—it’s about supporting survivors and pushing for meaningful change. Visually, it’s intricate and considered, with every scene designed to carry weight without overwhelming the message. A powerful example of how animation can handle serious subjects with both empathy and elegance.
Peak Oil Wars – Animated Explainer Video
This 2012 animated video might be over a decade old, but it still hits hard. It unpacks the theory that as global oil supplies dry up, nations could get a little... grabby—with conflict and chaos not far behind. The animation walks a fine line between educational and unsettling, making a dense topic surprisingly watchable. A relic of its time that still feels alarmingly relevant.
Seeing Clearly – Minimalist Animated Video
This stripped-back animation puts cataract blindness in focus—literally. It highlights how lack of access to basic eye care, like vision tests and glasses, can have life-changing consequences. Part of a global campaign aimed at employers, it makes a strong case for prioritising eyesight in workplace health. Clean visuals, clear message.
School of Life Series – 2D Animated Videos
The School of Life YouTube channel turns philosophy and psychology into bite-sized wisdom—with the help of sleek 2D animation. Their videos break down life’s messier questions (love, work, meaning… all the hits) without drifting into lecture territory. With most episodes topping 100,000 views, it’s proof that people do want to understand themselves—they just prefer it with stylish visuals and zero PowerPoint slides.
What Makes a Great Nonprofit Video?
Want your nonprofit video to land like a well-aimed kettlebell? It’s not just about pretty pictures. You need a story that hooks people emotionally and helps them get it—fast. The real magic? When someone finishes watching and thinks, “I need to do something about this.” That’s the sweet spot. Clarity meets feeling. Heart meets head. That’s where a great video lives.
How to Create a Great Nonprofit Video
Making a nonprofit video takes effort—but it’s worth every frame.
Here’s how to get started:
Know your audience (and your message). Who are you talking to, and what do you want them to feel? That emotional bullseye will guide everything from script to style.
Consider a pro for the words. A good copywriter—especially one with nonprofit chops—can help shape a message that’s short, sharp, and speaks straight to the heart.
Pick your style: animation or live-action? Choose what suits your story best. (Shameless but relevant example: at Leon! Animation Studio, our animated videos for IOM’s Strategic Results Framework and the iDiaspora platform used animation to simplify some seriously complex stuff.)
Sprinkle on the magic. Editing, voiceover, and the right soundtrack can take your video from “decent” to “oh wow.” A good voice artist and thoughtful sound design go a long way.
Nonprofit Messaging with Leon! Animation Studio
Yes, collaboration actually matters—especially when you’re crafting a video that needs to explain, connect, and maybe even inspire. That’s where we come in.
At Leon! Animation Studio, we specialise in animated videos for charities, nonprofits, and healthcare teams. Here’s what makes us different (in a good way):
We keep things simple. Our process is clear, collaborative, and built for non-profits. No faff. No bloated agency fees.
We’ve been doing this for over a decade. From migration to mental health, we know how to untangle complex topics—and make them stick.
Our videos work. The numbers speak louder than adjectives: 1500+ sign-ups for the iDiaspora campaign. Half a million views for our 60-second explainer on climate change with the Royal Society and the National Academy of Sciences.
Boosting Nonprofit Video Impact with Promotion
Don’t let your nonprofit video gather digital dust—get it out into the world.
Start by sharing it across your social media channels and emailing it to your supporters. If your following is on the smaller side, consider boosting reach with paid ads on platforms like Facebook or YouTube. A modest budget can go a long way.
But don’t stop there. Use your video at events, in presentations, or on your website—anywhere you want people to really get what your organisation is about.
And finally, track what happens. Views, shares, comments—they’re all clues. Use that feedback to improve your next video. The goal isn’t to go viral—it’s to connect with the right people, in the right way.
Best Videos, What's Next?
The best nonprofit videos of 2022 didn’t just explain—they moved people. From sustainable farming to city infrastructure, from tackling homelessness to rethinking fundraising, these videos proved that clear storytelling still cuts through.
If there’s a pattern, it’s this: don’t just tell people why your cause matters—show them. And if you need help doing that, well, you know where to find us.
At Leon! Animation Studio, we help charities and nonprofits turn complex ideas into animated videos that make people care (and maybe even take action).
