Thanking donors with personalized videos is a new trend that allows non-profit organizations to personally connect with their donors in an intimate and authentic way.
It is a face to face, named thank you, that is changing the game.
This allows donors to feel personally engaged and a part of charity they are actively supporting. A look at some of the responses to personalized video provides the instant validation of impact…
“Thank you so much for sending this video! It makes it very personal. We know that there are so many similar stories out there, and I’m glad to be a small part of the support that is needed. Keep up the good work!”
-Dawn
“Hi Jedidia! That was so amazing you sent that video message to me; I wept. You are my hero, you are my friend, thank you for reminding me not to give up.”
–Jo
“Thank you ever so much that is so precious… thank you so much & please pass on my best wishes to the gentleman in the video…”
thank you
-Margo
So, what exactly is VMSTM?
VMSTM stands for Video Messaging and Storytelling. It’s a new channel to add into a fundraisers arsenal of tactics. It is not Youtube or Facebook or IG videos. It’s akin to a message that you would receive from a friend or family member – by video. Personalized.
has been an exciting extension to our donor retention model. Our amazing team takes the time to familiarize themselves with our monthly donors; their names and longevity of stewardship.
From this, we are able to personalize our message, thanking by name at the beginning and conclusion of the short video. Storytelling has been a wonderful way to allow the donor to feel a closer connection to the campaign as well. In the videos, we always include the story of a recipient from the foundation’s charity – in short, where the donors’ contribution has acted in support for the cause.
Why it works so well
Something interesting happens when people watch a video, especially when that video is personally recorded, with the ooops and little mistakes left in, giving a natural feeling. Hearing and seeing your name on a video brings a smile, sometimes a laugh, definitely increasing endorphins. With this in mind, our Video Messaging and Storytelling model allows that excitement to reach our donors while thinking of us. Associating that smile, those endorphins, to their donations and the organization they support, we can re-motivate our donors to continue their stewardship. Our relationship with the donors becomes stronger and much more engaged in this way.
As the use of the internet and technology continues to grow, thank you videos allow donors to engage with the organization they have chosen to contribute to. These videos can explain and show donors the many different ways which their contributions have allowed the organization to reach their goals. We are happy to see that this new outreach format is generating a positive response, and looking forward to our future successes yet to come as our VMSs continue to evolve.