Every nonprofit knows the importance of thanking donors—it’s essential for building loyalty and ensuring continued support. While traditional thank-you letters and small gifts have their place, there’s a way to take your stewardship to the next level: connecting donors directly to the impact of their gift through a personalized video.
A heartfelt video showcasing the people or communities transformed by their generosity can create an unforgettable experience. Here’s how to do it easily, even with just your iPhone:
1. Capture Authentic Stories
Identify 2–3 individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by the donor’s gift. Ask them to share their heartfelt stories or testimonials in their own words to maintain authenticity. Provide bullet points to guide their message but encourage them to say in their own voice..
📍 Pro Tip: Choose a quiet space with good lighting and have them stand in front of a plain background to keep the focus on their story.
2. Enhance with Simple Editing
The free iMovie app makes it easy to create polished videos:
• Add a title slide, such as “The Impact of Your Generosity.”
• End with a closing message like, “Thank you for supporting [Your Organization].”
• Incorporate transitions, background music, or captions to make it visually engaging.
Watch this video on how to use iMovie to make an impressive video in three minutes.
3. Deliver the Video Personally
Once your video is ready, share it in a way that feels thoughtful and direct:
• Text Message: If you have the donor’s phone number, a personal text with the video can be impactful.
• Email: If sending via email, upload the video to a cloud storage platform like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Generate a shareable link to include in your message, bypassing file size limitations.
Why It Works
Donors have countless options for their philanthropic dollars, so creating a memorable and personal thank-you helps build stronger connections. It’s a cost-effective way to show their generosity is not just appreciated—it’s life-changing.
By going beyond the standard thank-you, your nonprofit can make donors feel deeply valued and inspired to continue supporting your mission.
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