Nonprofit Communications: Writing For A Better World

By James D’Ambrosio

Building on the power and reach of video discussed last column, there’s another nonprofit program I learned about from Heather Mansfield’s book, “Social Media For Social Good: A How-To-Guide For Nonprofits,” that can help promote your agency with high-quality videos. 

ANIMOTO FOR A CAUSE

Animoto For A Cause, offered by Animoto, an online video-creation service based in New York City, offers approved nonprofit applicants a free upgrade to their Pro Account to create professional videos to promote your agency. In brief, upload your choice of images, videos, music and wording, and Animoto does the work for you, eliminating the technical work of video editing. Agencies now using Animoto include the American Cancer Society, Children’s Aid Society, Teach for America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Help the Children, the Animal Protection and Rescue League, and others.

FEATURES OF ANIMOTO PRO

An Animoto Pro account, regularly $249 a year/$39 a month, offers these  features: a) is licensed for creation of commercial videos to advertise your business (use on Web site, blog, social media networks and company YouTube channel); b) has unlimited high-definition downloads; c) provides 1,000+ commercially-licensed songs from 12 genres; d) access to exclusive styles designed for and approved by professional photographers and business owners; e) white-labeled videos (no Animoto logo in videos or on the embeddable flash player); and f) a customizable end-of-video button to drive viewers to your Web site, a specific page, or download. Videos can also be downloaded to a DVD for use at events with large-screen projection.  

TIPS FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL VIDEO

Animoto’s blog offers these tips for creating effective videos:

♦ Place The Most Important Content First: This helps capture audience attention and maintain interest.

♦ Horizontal Images Are Best: Horizontal photos fill up more screen space and look better.

♦ Keep Videos Short: Limit video length to 1 minute or less. It’s hard to hold people’s attention longer, especially if they’re unfamiliar with your agency.

♦ Share Everything: Post video on your Web site, social networks, and in e-mails.     

APPLICATION PROCESS 

The application process requires nonprofits to submit a charity registration number, and register with a nonprofit e-mail address, not personal e-mail. 

Learn More and Apply Here: www.animoto.com/cause

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QUESTIONS TO READERS:

What do you think of this program? Are you inclined to apply?

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: Animoto, Animoto For A Cause, Animoto For A Cause Program, Animoto Pro Account, Creating Nonprofit Videos, Free Nonprofit Video Program, Heather Mansfield, Nonprofit Video Production, Nonprofit Videos, Social Media For Social Good |