Update your fundraiser with video

Adding an update like a campaign video to your donation page is a great way to build trust with donors while keeping momentum going with your fundraiser. It’s also a great fundraising tool to keep potential and existing donors engaged with your fundraising campaign. You don’t need a production company to create meaningful video content, just grab your phone or digital camera and start speaking from the heart.

Ideas for how to use video for your fundraiser update

  • Record a short, selfie-style explainer video introducing yourself and why you are fundraising to help donors understand the cause or nonprofit you’re supporting, or why you’re raising money for yourself. You can also post a video as a tribute in honor of the person or cause you are fundraising for.
  • Use video storytelling to celebrate reaching a milestone in your crowdfunding campaign, like when you get halfway to your fundraising goal or one week away from a fundraising event.
  • Use real people in your video messaging by introducing or interviewing someone who’s important to your fundraising journey, and be sure to feature any success stories of the beneficiaries who have been helped by the money you’ve raised.
  • Visually showcase your fundraising progress and your donors’ impact. For example, hold up a sign in your video that shows what percentage you’ve reached of your overall fundraising goal.
  • Be sure to share your video across your social media platforms with a link to your donation page to further drive donations.

Get inspired by this fundraiser video example:

Chelsea is singer, actress, and dancer in New York City. During the pandemic, she went into teaching full-time to supplement her income, but she is now ready to pursue her dream of performing on Broadway. She started a fundraiser to raise money for new headshots and to attend dance and theatre classes. For her GoFundMe, she used video to introduce herself and explain how donations will help her as she enters the next audition season.

Thank your donors with a heartfelt video message

Saying thank you to donors is a simple gesture that lets your supporters know how much you appreciate them and their impact, and is an easy tool you can add to your fundraising strategy. With just a short video you can make your thank you message even more meaningful and personalized.

How to use video to thank your donors:

  • Post a video update when you are finished fundraising to show thank your donors and show the impact their generosity has had on you or the nonprofit you’ve been supporting. Donors love to hear how their donation has helped, so try to provide details whenever possible.
  • Email or text a short video to someone who donated as a personal way to say thanks—the personal touch will make donors feel extra appreciated.

Get inspired by this fundraiser video example:

Tips for creating a successful fundraiser video

You can always look at nonprofit fundraising videos for inspiration about how to start your own video. Nonprofit organizations will often use testimonial videos and other kinds of video storytelling as part of their marketing strategy to both thank their donors and drive donations.

But remember that you don’t have to be a pro at video production or own an expensive camera to record an impactful fundraising video. It can be as simple as a selfie video of just your face, and you can use your camera, smartphone, iPad, or computer camera. Follow the tips below to create a great fundraising video for your fundraiser:

1. Create a setup that will keep your video stable

The best crowdfunding videos are filmed using a tripod, monopod, or other stabilization methods to avoid “shaky cam”. If you’re using your phone to record, try using something that will prop up or mount your phone, or ask a friend or family member to record for you.

2. Consider lighting

Record in a well-lit room, or outdoors with the light behind the camera person and on the subject(s). Try to avoid direct sunlight on subjects’ faces—it can cause them to squint and create a visual “hotspot”.

3. Eliminate background noise

Make sure you’re in a quiet area and close enough to the subject to get good audio. Being close will help to reduce background noise so viewers can clearly and easily hear what is being said.

4. Create an outline of what you’d like to say

Consider making a fundraising video script of talking points you’d like to cover before you start recording. Doing this can help ease nerves and ensure you’re getting all of your important points across.

5. Keep your video’s length in mind

Consider keeping your video between 20 seconds to three minutes in length, which suits the average attention span of most viewers.

6. Focus on who the donations help

If you’re starting a fundraiser for a friend or family member, help viewers get to know the person who will be receiving the donations. If possible, record the individual(s) at home, in the community, and/or with loved ones. Record family and friends speaking about their relationship with this person and what makes the person so special.

7. Illustrate the need and outline how funds will be used

Record subjects and scenes that communicate the need for help. Additionally, be clear about how donations will make a huge difference for you or the cause you are fundraising for. This provides transparency to donors so they know how the money they donate will be used.

8. Speak from the heart

Don’t forget to ask for donations in a sincere way and speak to any urgency around your fundraiser. Also, identify different ways people can take action, such as sharing the fundraiser across social media. Asking for help with money can be difficult, but you’re not alone. Check out our blog post for easy steps to follow when asking for donations.

9. Encourage viewers to take action

In addition to making your video personal, you can inspire viewers with a call to action to donate by featuring your fundraiser URL and campaign hashtag (if you have one) at the end of your fundraiser video.

10. Share your finished fundraiser video

After you’ve added the finished video to your fundraiser, you can also post your video to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and any other social media platforms to encourage other people to share your video. Read our article on fundraiser sharing tips for more ideas.

We’re here to help

To learn how to add a video to your GoFundMe fundraiser, visit this help center article.

Use video to amplify your fundraiser

A fundraiser with an inspiring video and plenty of compelling images will set you on the path to fundraising success. For more great fundraising ideas, techniques and strategies, see our top fundraising tips page. Start your fundraiser and follow these tips to create a powerful video.