We’ve written before about why video is a great medium for testimonials, and our client The Caring Economy Campaign has applied this insight in a very smart way. In a recent grant proposal they included links to seven of their video testimonials, including this one produced by MiniMatters and featuring Valerie Young, the advocacy coordinator at National Association of Mothers’ Centers:
We caught up with Dahna Goldstein of PhilanTech to discuss this approach. The PhilanTrack online grants management system helps nonprofits find new grant opportunities, write better proposals, and get more grants. Dahna said that she’s seeing more and more of this use of video and that it’s a terrific thing to do.
Video, Dahna says, is a key way to build the emotional connection that funders seek. And in an environment where online proposals are increasingly the norm, it’s easy to embed a link to a video. She thinks some funders may even eventually ask specifically for video content. For now, it puts applicants a little ahead of the curve.
Dahna also emphasized that a grant proposal shouldn’t be the last time you use video in relationship-building with funders. Funders often ask for media stories about the impact of their funding; this is a great time to share a video that documents the value of a program they funded. “You should be building long-term relationships with your funders,” she said. Sharing a video that shows the good effect of funding you received in the past can only help you to win the next grant.
If MiniMatters can help you use this tip or serve your other video needs, we’d love to talk with you at 301-339-0339 or via email at [email protected].