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Fundraiser Retention: Video the Passion
By Shane Davis on September 27, 2010
I read a great post on The Agitator about Crowd Accelerated Innovation, a theorem from Chris Anderson. I liked the discussion on the speed at which video is able to amplify great ideas to go beyond words and include passion and vision. This got me thinking…
Charities should start filming and showcasing their participants. The more I think about it, the more I wonder why charities rarely do this? Charities! You have volunteers and staff, you have the corporate connections to get cameras, you have a team at the event.
The next time you have any sort of event, ask yourself: have you…
- Reached out to a participant to video their story?
- Brought cameras to capture the raw emotions of your attendees? It is as simple as asking people why they came out.
- Interviewed your own internal staff about the event
- Collected enough video stories to post on the web site for your next event to increase registrations and donations?
No? Well you should! People love to talk, to share, and some will even scream from the rooftops about how much they love your cause. But you have to be there to hold the camera!!!
How could donors be used to help find good video opportunities? Maybe they could nominate through the event site which participants have powerful and emotional stories. On event day you could have volunteers with video cameras seeking out those participants who have been identified with a unique run shirt, bib or badge. Seriously, how cool would that be, and you would have a top fundraiser for life!
Charities, pick up a video camera, seek out participants with amazing stories and start publishing the content… you will raise more, and increase your participant retention!
941sts wrote, on 18:14 at Sep 27, 2010
Good work, it’s pleasure to read your interesting posts. Waiting for more
Paula wrote, on 13:54 at Sep 29, 2010
Great points Shane.
As an add-on, we heard at the ArtezInteraction Conference yesterday that Canadians watch more online video then any other country in the world!
The beauty of online video is that is can be produced so cost-effectively with a handheld video camera and an upload to YouTube. You can even find very low-cost/free video editing software to put the finishing touches on your production.
Include a great story and a strong call to action and you can have a great, effective product!
Shane wrote, on 10:27 at Sep 30, 2010
Thanks for the comments! Every speaker at the last 3 conferences I have attended all talked about people and stories. Video is the perfect medium for that!
Paul Nazareth wrote, on 00:02 at Feb 04, 2011
Refreshing to hear someone acknowledge that charity staff have power too.
When I speak about harnessing the power and love for the charity (what they’re here for the salary and great benefits?! ) from staff people look at me like I’m asking them to youtube the Pope playing Angry Birds!
Most front desk staff have worked at a charity longer than the bigwigs, care more than most board members and have donated more than most fundraisers.
Let’s put ‘em in the spotlight!