DonorSee First Project Checklist

This guide will help walk you through the process of making your first DonorSee video.

Step 1: Check out existing projects

DonorSee is uniquely designed for video based humanitarian projects that help the global poor. If you want to successfully raise funds on DonorSee, first check out our Staff Picks category to see what we are looking for.

Now that you have an idea of how DonorSee works, you should start thinking of two to three projects of your own.

Step 2: Watch Tutorial Videos

If you want more detailed training on what makes a great DonorSee project, check out this walk-through tutorial. It will help set the context of how to successfully raise funds on DonorSee. What Makes A Great DonorSee Project: https://youtu.be/E71yufDFgkM 

Note, to see what’s currently working well, visit donorsee.com/staffpicks to be inspired by projects posted by top partners!

Step 3. Film your own projects

Start by locating a person in your community that needs help. Then, think about what about their story is relevant to potential donors. Then, just speak to the camera explaining their need and how the donor can help!

Below are the categories that make for really successful videos.

Individual based:

  • Personal need – Have I identified a particular individual in need? 
  • Informed consent – Did I tell the recipient what we are doing and get their buy-in?
    • Does the recipient have something to contribute to the story directly? 
    • Does their expression align with what’s being said?
  • Backstory provided – Did I share enough about the recipient to initiate an emotional connection? 
    • Ex. Richmond dropped out of school due to poverty
  • Hopes and Dreams explained – What’s going to be the impact of the donation on the individual? 
    • Ex. Richmond will be able to go back to school to become a doctor

Story driven

  • Connect the story – Did I connect the person, their need, hopes, and the solution? 
  • Name the recipient – Did I clearly give the name of the recipient?
  • Clear Call-to-Action – Did I actively ask for a donation?
  • Key details provided – Did I describe how the funds will be used (in brief)?
  • Urgency Expressed – What would happen if this project never gets funded?

High quality:

  • Horizontal layout – Is the camera oriented so the video is wider than it is tall?
  • Clear audio – Can the donor understand what is being said? 
    • Is there wind in the background? 
    • Is it loud enough?
    • Is the English understandable?
  • Features the recipient – Is it clear who the recipient is?
  • Good setting – Is the backdrop or setting contributing to the story?
  • High quality video – Is the quality pixelated?
  • Good lighting and steady camera – Is anything detracting from the story?

Compelling details:

  • Small project – Is the total cost under $150? (for your 1st video)
  • Short video – Is the video under 60 seconds? (30 seconds is even better!)
  • Authentic – Did I keep edits to a minimum?
    • Subtitles, background music, privacy blur, a voiceover, and edits are fine but we suggest you be careful they don’t take away from the personal, story-driven nature of the video.
  • Add cover image – Is the face of the recipient visible when viewing the thumbnail? Feel free to include any logo at the end of the video!

We suggest you check out donorsee.com/staffpicks to get inspired and to see what makes a great project!

Still stumped?

Here’s a sample script to use for your first video:

  • Intro: Hello, my name is [your name] from [your org]. I’m here in/at [the country/location] with [recipient’s name].
  • Summary: Please help us transform the life of [Recipient] by [the main ask. Ex. Buying him a wheelchair].
  • Background: [Recipient] is [X] years old and [description of their challenge – ex, lost their foot in a work site accident 3 months ago].
  • Desired outcome: With this wheelchair, [Recipient] will be able to regain their mobility and help provide for their family.
  • Details: Wheelchairs are incredibly hard to come by and would cost 5 times the amount [Recipient] is able to earn in a year.
  • The ask: Please join me in helping [Recipient] get this wheelchair.
  • Conclusion: Thank you in advance for your support!

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