Top Nonprofits Utilizing Storytelling to Drive Donations

In today’s competitive nonprofit sector, organizations must find innovative ways to connect with donors and inspire them to contribute. Video storytelling has proven to be one of the most effective methods for driving donations by creating emotional connections with viewers.

By sharing powerful narratives that resonate with audiences, nonprofits can significantly increase their impact and fundraising success.

Below, we highlight some of the top nonprofits that have successfully leveraged video storytelling to fuel their fundraising efforts.

1. charity: water

• Website: charitywater.org
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
• Founded: 2006
• Headcount: 100-200

charity: water uses powerful storytelling in their video campaigns to highlight the human impact of clean water access. Their video content often features individual stories of those affected by water scarcity, showing how donations directly transform lives. This approach has been central to their success, helping them raise millions to fund clean water projects around the world.

2. The Trevor Project

• Website: thetrevorproject.org
• Headquarters: West Hollywood, California, United States
• Founded: 1998
• Headcount: 200-500

The Trevor Project utilizes storytelling in their video campaigns to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ youth suicide prevention. Their videos often share personal stories of young people who have been impacted by their services, creating an emotional connection that drives donations and support.

3. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

• Website: worldwildlife.org
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• Founded: 1961
• Headcount: 1,000-5,000

WWF uses compelling storytelling to showcase the urgent need for conservation efforts. Their video content often highlights endangered species and ecosystems, drawing viewers into the narrative of protecting our planet. This approach has been effective in mobilizing donors and advocating for environmental causes.

4. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

• Website: stjude.org
• Headquarters: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
• Founded: 1962
• Headcount: 4,000-8,000

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital uses video storytelling to share the journeys of children battling life-threatening diseases. Their emotionally charged videos emphasize the hospital’s mission of providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay, encouraging viewers to donate and support their lifesaving work.

5. Make-A-Wish Foundation

• Website: wish.org
• Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
• Founded: 1980
• Headcount: 1,000-5,000

Make-A-Wish Foundation uses video storytelling to bring to life the wishes of children with critical illnesses. Their videos often document the wish-granting process, capturing the joy and hope that these experiences bring to children and their families. This storytelling technique has been pivotal in their fundraising campaigns.

6. Amnesty International

• Website: amnesty.org
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1961
• Headcount: 500-1,000

Amnesty International uses storytelling to shed light on human rights abuses around the world. Their videos often feature testimonies from individuals affected by injustice, which helps to galvanize support and drive donations toward their advocacy efforts.

7. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)

• Website: doctorswithoutborders.org
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Founded: 1971
• Headcount: 30,000+

Doctors Without Borders utilizes video storytelling to highlight the work of their medical teams in conflict zones and areas affected by crises. Their emotionally charged content focuses on the patients they serve, often driving significant donations to support their field operations.

8. Habitat for Humanity

• Website: habitat.org
• Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
• Founded: 1976
• Headcount: 1,000-5,000

Habitat for Humanity uses video storytelling to showcase the transformative power of homeownership. Their videos often feature families who have benefited from their housing programs, emphasizing the stability and hope that a new home provides. These compelling narratives have been instrumental in driving donations and volunteer support.

9. Save the Children

• Website: savethechildren.org
• Headquarters: Fairfield, Connecticut, United States
• Founded: 1919
• Headcount: 25,000+

Save the Children uses video storytelling to bring attention to the plight of children in crisis around the world. Their videos often highlight the impact of their programs on children's lives, from education to healthcare. These emotionally resonant stories have helped raise substantial funds to support their global initiatives.

10. Feeding America

• Website: feedingamerica.org
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Founded: 1979
• Headcount: 200-500

Feeding America uses video storytelling to illustrate the stark realities of hunger in the United States. Their videos often feature personal stories of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity, highlighting the importance of their network of food banks. These stories have been key in mobilizing donations and support.

11. International Rescue Committee (IRC)

• Website: rescue.org
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
• Founded: 1933
• Headcount: 10,000+

The International Rescue Committee uses video storytelling to highlight the experiences of refugees and those impacted by conflict. Their videos often feature personal testimonies from those they have helped, creating a powerful emotional connection that drives donations and support for their humanitarian work.

12. Heifer International

• Website: heifer.org
• Headquarters: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
• Founded: 1944
• Headcount: 500-1,000

Heifer International uses video storytelling to show the impact of their programs that empower communities through sustainable agriculture. Their videos often feature beneficiaries who have used the resources provided by Heifer to transform their lives, fostering a strong connection with donors.

13. The Humane Society of the United States

• Website: humanesociety.org
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• Founded: 1954
• Headcount: 1,000-5,000

The Humane Society uses video storytelling to raise awareness about animal welfare and rescue efforts. Their videos often feature rescues, recovery stories, and the rehabilitation of animals, which deeply resonate with viewers and inspire donations to support their cause.

14. Alzheimer’s Association

• Website: alz.org
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
• Founded: 1980
• Headcount: 1,000-5,000

The Alzheimer’s Association uses video storytelling to share the personal stories of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers. These powerful narratives highlight the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s and the importance of funding research, driving donations and support for their mission.

15. Operation Smile

• Website: operationsmile.org
• Headquarters: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
• Founded: 1982
• Headcount: 500-1,000

Operation Smile uses video storytelling to document the life-changing surgeries they provide to children with cleft lip and palate. Their videos often follow the journey of a child before, during, and after surgery, creating an emotional appeal that drives donations and support for their mission.

Call to Action:

At Goodsides, we understand the transformative power of video storytelling for nonprofits. Our video production services are designed to help your organization create emotionally resonant content that drives donations and deepens engagement. Whether you need to tell impactful stories, highlight your mission, or launch a compelling fundraising campaign, our team at Goodsides is here to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today to learn how our video production services can elevate your nonprofit's fundraising efforts and help you make a lasting impact.