Can YouTube Be Successful for Online Fundraising?

I confess that I am one of the millions that watch stupid videos on YouTube. From angry oranges with awkwardly shaped human mouths to sappy kid tunes to occupy my toddler, YouTube has worked its way into our entertainment arsenal as much as the television and Facebook. However, can this newer medium in the world of technology actually be useful towards online fundraising goals? How could it not?!?!

Last night I attended a board meeting and we were discussing strategies to get our mission more attention. I obviously touted the wonders of social media fundraising and the vast potential that Facebook has to connecting to more donors. We excitedly made a bare bones plan to incorporate more time and effort into this area, but one board member sat quietly in the corner and didn’t share our enthusiasm. When I asked his opinion about this topic, he commented that it felt too impersonal. Where was the human interaction and emotion? Everyone seems so connected to their media devices that we ignore the people that are in front of us.

This is a valid point and one that many nonprofit leaders share. However, with a limited amount of time and resources, social media can be a bridge between the needs of an organization and the giving power of a donor. YouTube is one such avenue to stay connected to supporters. I think this is a perfect way to have people near and far take a tour of your facility, attend events and outreaches and to hear the passion of the leadership through a simple video. You don’t need expensive cameras, editing equipment or directorial experience to create a powerful, heartfelt video clip.

YouTube is currently adding features to aid nonprofits to easily adapt to this platform. With live video streaming, image stabilization, light-filtering tools to help users clean up cell phone video, branding capabilities, and different resolutions to accommodate various internet connections, they are providing the tools to create quality videos with minimal time and skills needed.

Fundly has also tapped in to the power of YouTube by allowing users to view video directly on their donor page. There is something compelling about seeing highlights from a walk-a-thon to help a cancer patient or hearing a supporter explain why they are passionate about a cause. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how much is a video worth?