Our Top Picks for Fiscal Year-End Videos

Before the clock strikes midnight for the fiscal year, organizations scramble to create unified messages to send to their donors.

Though it may seem daunting, you are not alone!

In this Tip Top Tuesday series, we’ll examine 3 ThankView campaigns and break out what you should try in your own outreach. First, let’s start with an appeal video.

Denison University’s End of Fiscal Year Campaign

This Tuesday’s Takeaways 

1. Weaving a story into a short video appeal can be tricky… but it’s easier with love. Yes, love. Love is all you need. We get a glimpse just 20 seconds into the video of who these people are, why they care about Denison, and oh yeah they fell in love there that’s adorable.
2. Create a clear Call to Action. Every piece of text on this page is driving to that CTA button. 
3. Get creative with the images you choose. Hidden in the background image is a sneaky little clock, subtly hinting at the urgency of end-of-fiscal year giving.

Watch Denison’s full video.

Lincoln College’s Fiscal Year End Thank You

This Tuesday’s Takeaways

1. Don’t forget to introduce yourself. Unless this is someone you or your video’s recorder has a personal relationship with, it’s only polite to get the conversation started on the right foot.
2. While it’s important for the main recorder to introduce themselves and who they are in relation to your organization, we recommend getting multiple voices involved. Get your people on camera being grateful!
3. This last takeaway is very important. If you’ve got beautiful, ivy -covered walls, use ‘em.

Watch Lincoln College’s full video.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Fiscal Year-End Thank You

This Tuesday’s Takeaways

1. UT Knoxville puts the word “Gratitude” on all pieces of communication that are just and only thank-yous. Their recipients know right from the start that this email, video, ThankView, or direct mail piece will not include an ask. Brillant! Sometimes a spoiler’s a good thing– Find a way to let your donors know that you are sending a thank you, not an ask.
2. Be detailed with your script. In short videos (1-3 minutes) it can be difficult to construct a clear message, so work with your recorder to create the right amount of detail in a thank you.
3. When it’s possible, have a large group of people in one big space yelling thank you. Pretty nifty, amiright? 

Watch UT Knoxville’s full video.

And that’s it for this month’s Tip Top Tuesdays. We’ll see you next time!