Real Stories, Real Results: 8 Videos to turn donors into believers

Transcript

1. Real Stories, Real Results: 8 Videos to turn donors into believers
2. Nice to meet you! Hi, I’m Natalie! Comms & Marketing Director for Farmer Veteran Coalition Started career in wine industry accounting Community Engagement Manager at MemoryFox
6. Why visual storytelling is important How to collect stories ethically 8 budget-friendly ideas for videos Workshopping exercise Video creation tips Q&A Where we’re headed:
7. If someone asks "What is your mission?" Can you show them?
9. Cortisol Oxytocin Dopamine + +
10. What makes video storytelling so powerful isn’t technology, it’s psychology.
11. How do the stats tell us videos matter?
12. Why is visual storytelling so important? You'll Raise More Funds Fundraising campaigns that incorporate video receive 114% more funding than campaigns that don't. (Classy)
13. It's More Memorable Stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone. (Stanford Graduate School of Business) Why is visual storytelling so important? You'll Raise More Funds Fundraising campaigns that incorporate video receive 114% more funding than campaigns that don't. (Classy)
14. It's More Memorable Stories are remembered up to 22 times more than facts alone. (Stanford Graduate School of Business) Why is visual storytelling so important? Video Is What the People Want 72% of donors say they're "very likely" to donate after watching a video about a nonprofit's work. (Blackbaud) You'll Raise More Funds Fundraising campaigns that incorporate video receive 114% more funding than campaigns that don't. (Classy)
15. “After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.” - Philip Pullman
16. Nonprofits have been given the impossible task of competing in the attention economy, while also remaining true to the ethical standards for authenticity in storytelling. The Challenge
17. said that they struggle with wanting to collect stories from their community while doing no harm 58% 2023 Ethical Storytelling Survey by
18. How do we do this?
19. Free Download Learn advice, strategies, & insights about: ethical story collection trauma-informed interviews stereotype stories consent privacy from 20+ storytelling experts & boots-on-the-ground nonprofit professionals memoryfox.io/ethical-storytelling
20. 5 Keys to Ethical Story Collection 2. Encourage sharing where/when they are comfortable. 4. Use prompts with strength-based messaging. 5. Show the storyteller the finished product. 1. Give your community the microphone. 3. Be upfront about how you intend to use the story.
21. 8 Easy Ideas: Videos for Fundraising
22. Video Hit #1 GALA / IN-PERSON FUNDRAISING EVENTS Video Hit #1 GALA / IN-PERSON FUNDRAISING EVENTS
24. GALAS / IN-PERSON EVENTS By setting the emotional tone of the gathering, you prime generosity & participation. Tell the story of how your staff & volunteer efforts paired with donor dollars help your mission go further. WHY IT WORKS People support when they feel belonging and see transformation, especially when connecting future impact to current work. Remind people why they’re in the room.
25. Video Hit #2 GIVING DAYS & GIVING TUESDAY Video Hit #2 GIVING DAYS & GIVING TUESDAY
27. GIVING TUESDAY & GIVING DAYS Urgency + Emotion = Action These are noisy days online. Your story needs to cut through. Pinpoint how supporters make your work possible. WHY IT WORKS
28. Video Hit #3 GRATITUDE MESSAGES FROM STAFF Video Hit #3 GRATITUDE MESSAGES FROM STAFF
30. GRATITUDE MESSAGES FROM STAFF Gratitude builds retention by fostering a personal connection between staff/board and donors, making donors feel valued and appreciated. The “Virtuous Cycle” of fundraising = Ask ⟶ Thank ⟶ Report Impact ⟶ Repeat WHY IT WORKS
31. Video Hit #4 DONOR STORIES & TESTIMONY Video Hit #4 DONOR STORIES & TESTIMONY
33. DONOR STORIES & TESTIMONY Donor testimony taps into one of the most persuasive forces in human psychology: social proof. We look to others like us to decide what’s trustworthy and worth supporting. Reminding others that they’re part of a community sparks belonging. WHY IT WORKS
34. Video Hit #5 YEAR IN REVIEW / YEAR AHEAD Video Hit #5 YEAR IN REVIEW / YEAR AHEAD
35. What accomplishment are you MOST proud of this year? What accomplishment are you MOST proud of this year? share here! http://marketing.memfox.io/npsc2025
37. YEAR IN REVIEW / YEAR AHEAD Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments celebrates big milestones. Showcasing that impact builds momentum heading into the next year. Previewing what’s to come unifies community through a roadmap for change - it activates anticipation, purpose, and builds collective momentum. It motivates shared ownership of the future by inviting supporters into the next chapter and encouraging their role as co-author of the story. WHY IT WORKS
38. Video Hit #6 VOLUNTEER STORIES & EXPERIENCES Video Hit #6 VOLUNTEER STORIES & EXPERIENCES
40. VOLUNTEER STORIES & EXPERIENCES People relate to everyday heroes more than executives. Volunteer experiences humanize impact and raise awareness of your engagement in the community. Bonus: doubles as a volunteer recruiting tool! WHY IT WORKS
41. Video Hit #7 SCHOLARSHIP & PROGRAM AWARDEES Video Hit #7 SCHOLARSHIP & PROGRAM AWARDEES
43. SCHOLARSHIP & PROGRAM AWARDEES When a supporter or mentor sees the individual in their next stage of life, they realize the hours they gave mattered. This sense of meaning keeps community engaged, inspired, and coming back. Program testimonials show ROI in human terms by connecting tangible outcomes to donor, staff, supporter, or mentor investment. WHY IT WORKS
44. Video Hit #8 RECURRING BITE-SIZED UPDATES Video Hit #8 RECURRING BITE-SIZED UPDATES
46. RECURRING BITE-SIZED UPDATES Bite-sized updates are easy to digest! They don’t have to be scripted or professionally edited, and they make your mission feel alive and personal. Showcasing progress over time builds sustained connection. It offers a peek behind the scenes, inviting donors, volunteers, and supporters to journey alongside you and to feel part of the story unfolding. WHY IT WORKS
47. BONUS IDEAS! Mentor Stories Highlight the stories of those who guide & encourage youth Then & Now Features Revisit alumni or program grads years later to show long-term ripple Education & Awareness Teach about the issues you address with stats & stories Messages From the Field Show work in action in the place where it happens Meet Our Team Spotlight staff, board, or volunteers to humanize your community You Made This Possible Spotlight compelling achievements or milestones that funding fueled Partner, Advocate & Family Focus Introduce the people & orgs who are your collaborators, highlight family perspectives Behind the Scenes Prepping for an event, running programs, or a staff/volunteer “day in the life of”
48. STEP 3: Calls-to-Action (CTAs) What questions help me collect the stories I'm looking for? What prompts inspire my community tell their story? STEP 2: Inputs What stories help me reach my goals? What types of content help me tell my story? STEP 1: Outputs What goals am I trying to reach through storytelling? What do I want to create with my video content? Building a Video Campaign
49. Ask great questions, get great stories Instead of: Try: What first inspired you to support our community and mission? Tell us your story.
50. Tell us about the first time you volunteered with (our org). How did it make you feel? Tell us about the volunteer work you do. Tell us your story. What first inspired you to support our community and mission? Instead of: Try: Ask great questions, get great stories
51. Simple Prompts for Event Stories 🎭 Galas & Auctions "Why are you supporting our cause tonight?" "What moment or impact story stood out most to you?" "How do you see your contribution making a difference?" 🍽 Donor Dinners "What first inspired you to connect with our mission?" "What motivates you to continue supporting our work?" "What’s the biggest impact you anticipate our work having in 10 years?"
52. 🎊 Appreciation Parties "How has your life been impacted by being part of this organization?" "What’s your proudest moment while being involved with us?" "What’s the biggest hope you have for our community?" ⛳ Golf Outings & Sports Tournaments "What’s been your highlight today?" "Why do you think supporting this cause through sports is meaningful?" "Who are you playing for or thinking about today?" Simple Prompts for Event Stories
53. Pre Event Create your event storytelling campaign Add into the campaign description an example of what content you're looking to capture Update the sharecode, Download the QR code Make your event day signage Print your QR code materials Send out pre-event communication Draft post-event communication During the Event Designate day-of photo takers Remind participants - both at check-in & throughout the event - that you’re collecting mission moments Create a Story Page to share collected content live After the Event Send follow-up communication (email, SMS, etc). Include a message of thanks and gratitude with a call to action! (donate, spread the word, volunteer, join our mission...) Share collected content with your community Event Checklist CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! Checklist & Prompts
55. 8 Video Creation Tips Keep It Short The most engaging videos online are 1 minute or less Restate the Question Give the viewer context within your answers Find Good Lighting Make sure your light source is not behind you & try natural light Consider Your Angles Straight on or slightly above your face is best Choose a Background, Deliberately Avoid messy, distracting backgrounds. Consider the great outdoors! Prioritize Crisp, Clear Audio People will forgive a grainy video, but not one they can’t hear! Consider Your Outputs When Filming This will impact if you want to record vertically or horizontally Be Authentic & Relax! Don’t worry about saying the “perfect” thing. Just be your authentic self!
56. Video is not about perfection. It’s about connection.
58. Natalie Monroe Community Engagement Manager Thank you for joining today! natalie@memoryfox.io linkedin.com/in/nataliesmonroe 10% OFF: JURASSIC10 (for Growth & Campfire tiers, valid thru 3/31/26) Get Started! (or join a 1:1) If you would benefit from using MemoryFox at your event
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