For nonprofits, telling powerful stories is essential, but producing high-quality video content often feels out of reach. Limited budgets, small teams, and a lack of technical expertise can all get in the way. That’s where steps in.
The following case studies highlight how four nonprofits—Our Place Society, Berkshire Humane Society, the Jane Goodall Institute, and ShelterBox—used Animoto to overcome their unique challenges. With an easy video maker and their amazing stories, they were able to connect more deeply with supporters and drive real results.
1. Berkshire Humane Society
Berkshire Humane Society needed to raise $21,000 to replace a broken water heater. They also aimed to increase awareness for animals available for adoption, but lacked the tools to produce compelling video content regularly.
The strategy
Using Animoto, they produced short, engaging video profiles of pets for adoption, posting them weekly on Facebook. When the fundraising emergency arose, they combined Animoto with Facebook’s peer-to-peer fundraising tools to mobilize supporters to share content and donate.
The video
The results
- Raised the full $21,000 needed
- Posted ~2 videos per week, achieving about 3,100 average views each
- Fostered ongoing engagement through consistent video storytelling
The takeaway
Animoto enabled the shelter to produce high-impact fundraising videos quickly, even without professional editing skills, at zero additional budget.
Read Berkshire Humane Society’s full story
2. Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute sought to raise awareness about chimpanzee conservation and drive donations through social media. They needed a cost-effective, easily produced format to capture attention quick.
The strategy
They repurposed existing photos and video clips to create a square-format Facebook video using Animoto, adding text overlays and a clear “Donate Now” call to action. After testing square versus landscape formats with a small ad spend, they scaled up the more effective version.
The video
The results
- Secured 1,388 donations, 76% of which came from mobile users
- Achieved 500 shares, nearly 2,000 reactions, and 28,000 views
- The square format garnered 2× the views and 3× the shares compared to landscape
The takeaway
Animoto’s accessible tools enabled them to quickly produce a mobile-optimized video ad that amplified outreach and donations without demanding a high budget or editing expertise.
Read Jane Goodall Institute’s full story
3. ShelterBox
ShelterBox wanted to raise donations and awareness following severe flooding and landslides in Colombia and Peru. They needed content that could be created quickly and distributed cost-effectively to support their disaster relief efforts.
The strategy
Having had success with a prior Animoto video at year-end, they created a new Facebook video using Animoto. They leveraged their existing assets (photos and videos). They then boosted the post to amplify reach and drive donations.
The video
The results
- Generated $3,200 in additional donations
- Garnered 85 shares and 149 reactions
The takeaway
With Animoto, ShelterBox could swiftly produce emotionally resonant video content at minimal cost, effectively mobilizing support in response to humanitarian crises.
4. Our Place Society
Our Place Society wanted to deepen donor engagement and humanize their messaging by sharing stories of the individuals they serve. However, they lacked video content and needed a way to diversify their social content beyond traditional donation appeals.
The strategy
Melissa, the Community Communications Coordinator (with no formal video editing background), used Animoto’s intuitive platform and customizable templates. She repurposed images and short clips, applied their own branding, transitions, animations, and music, and built a reusable template so she and her team could create on-brand videos fast.
The video
The results
- Created compelling storytelling videos with minimal effort
- Maintained consistent brand identity across content
- Enabled rapid production through reusable templates
The takeaway
Animoto made it possible for a non-designer to craft emotionally resonant videos quickly and affordably, enhancing content variety and donor connection.
Read Our Place Society’s full story
How Animoto empowers nonprofits
Animoto has helped hundreds of nonprofits to create professional-quality video content quickly and easily. Here’s why nonprofits love it:
- Ease of use: Drag-and-drop interface and customizable templates make it easy for anyone to create a video, no experience required.
- Asset repurposing: Turns existing photos and clips and powerful videos that tell a story.
- Budget-friendly: Low-cost tool suitable for small teams and limited budgets.
- Mobile optimization: Easy to reformat to different aspect ratios and maximize visibility and engagement across platforms.
- Efficient workflow: Template-saving and rapid production streamline storytelling and sharing so you can focus on what matters most.
Nonprofit video templates
Templates make it quick and easy to get started on a video. From awareness to fundraising and donor thank yous, all you have to do is click a button to apply your brand, add your message, and share.
