Are you feeling the pressure to have a video for your nonprofit, but don’t have the budget or the know how to produce it?
The resources below from the August 26 “And…ACTION” video workshop will clue you in on important concepts, tips on the right equipment to buy and more.
Special thanks to Jeff Achen, interactive media strategist at GiveMN, who put together these resources. Kudos also to Jason Barnett, executive director, and Mike McIntee, executive producer of The Uptake for contributing their expertise to the program!
Downloadable resources and how-to tip sheets on nonprofit video
- “And…Action!” Presentation (PPT)
- What Video Camera and Equipment to Buy for Your Nonprofit (PDF)
This resource has Jeff’s recommended camera and accessories with a range of prices to fit almost any nonprofit budget. - Video Shooting Basics for Nonprofits (PDF)
This document outlines basic 101 tips and tricks for creating the best online video for your nonprofit. - Video Editing Workflow for High Quality Nonprofit Video (PDF)
In this document, you’ll find tips on how to edit your video to produce the best final product. - Video Editing Terms (PDF)
Aspect ratio? AVI? Batch capture? There’s lots of vocabulary that’s thrown at you when you start dabbling with creating video for your nonprofit. This list of frequently used terms will help you decipher the jargon. - Video Editing Concepts (PDF)
This is your guide to the basic set up of most video editing programs.
Video editing tutorials and product prices
These links will guide you to tutorials on the web related to the following video editing products. The prices listed are approximate. For great deals on software for nonprofits, we recommend TechSoup. You may be able to find better deals on these products at that website.
- Windows Movie Maker (FREE for Windows PC)
- iMovie (FREE for Mac Computers)
- VideoLAN Movie Creator (FREE for Windows or Mac)
- YouTube’s Video Editor
- Sony Vegas (Range of products & prices)
- Adobe Premiere Elements ($79)
- Final Cut Pro X ($299) or for more in-depth training, click here.
Have questions for the presenters?
- Jeff Achen, interactive media strategist, GiveMN, @JeffAchen
- Jason Barnett, executive director, The Uptake, @JasonBarnett
- Michael McIntee, executive producter, The Uptake, @MMcIntee
Other resources
Here are other resources that were mentioned during today’s presentation.
- MPEG Streamclip
This free program allows you to convert video files to different formats. - Free Music Archive
On this website you’ll find public domain music, much of which is okay to use in your nonprofit’s video. Make sure to read the copyright for each individual piece of music before using. - Premium Beat
This website has reasonably priced royalty free music. - Music Bakery
Another great website with reasonably priced royalty free music. - Flickr
On this website you can find some public domain photos. Make sure you check each picture’s copyright restrictions carefully before using. - Tips on Video Compression from Vimeo
- TubeMogul
This website allows you to distribute your video to Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo by just submitting it once to TubeMogul’s web form. - YouTube’s Nonprofit Video Program
Nonprofit’s that qualify can apply for this program and receive special benefits, including being able to upload longer videos. - IFP Minnesota
IFP Minnesota is a nonprofit that, among other things, provides classes to local people wishing to learn more about videography and video editing. They also have video equipment available for rent at affordable rates. - Start Storytelling Nonprofit Video Guide
Not sure where to start with your first nonprofit video? Looking for a handy guide? This free resource is for you.







