When I was searching for jobs after I graduated like many other anxious college grads, I resorted to applying to every video related job I could find. I knew that I wanted to make documentaries and that I wanted to contribute to a community and support what I cared about; youth, education, and poverty. I knew that I couldn’t get a film job where I’d be involved in these issues right out the gate. But a non-profit found me. A non-profit that helps people in poverty by educating them about the legal system and providing them with legal aid: Legal Services of New Jersey. And they recognized the significance of video in fundraising, promoting and educating. They really are making strides; with films featured in national legal publications and in courtroom lobbies.
But what’s really unfortunate is that with such great results for video in the non-profit world it often isn’t so easy for non-profits to pay for professionally produced video. So I thought I’d compile a list of grants, foundations, contests, and alternative routes to funding your video or multimedia campaign.
1. AWARDS
See3 Communications run The Do Gooder Awards every year to honor non-profit videomakers and reward them with thousands of dollars in prizes, promotions, and products. Not only could you win products to better your video productions, but your videos would be publicized in their online space and those of their partners. They also published a detailed PDF guide on non-profit filmmaking, called Into Focus, that you can download by signing up for their list. And don’t forget to support your fellow non-profits by signing up for the Daily Do Gooder and getting the video of the day, created by non-profits like yours.
2. GRANTS
Big Deal Media puts out newsletters filled with links to grants for introducing technology into education.
National Endowment for the Humanities
“NEH’s Division of Public Programs supports activities that engage millions of Americans in understanding significant humanities works and ideas.” Their grants support television, film, and radio projects that engage the public in humanities topics.
3. CROWDFUNDING
A free and easy way to connect with your local communities and clients, while raising funds for your video projects or other business ventures.
You’ve probably heard of Indiegogo & Kickstarter who charge a percentage fee of your campaign. On Indiegogo you can become a “verified non-profit” and get a 25% discount on their platform fees.
Other crowdfunding sites specifically for non-profits and lower fees are Fundly, CauseVox, and Fundraise.com .
Of course, there are many more, but these are just to get you started. Your non-profit deserves to tell your stories visually and engage your community. If you found this list helpful, please share this post and sign up below for our storyteller’s list to get your free guide to making your first online video series.
