Think video is just for shiny promos and annual wrap-ups? Think again. Video is one of the most versatile (and underused) tools in the not-for-profit and government toolkit. Used right, it’s a secret weapon. One that helps you get funding, win awards, fire up your team, and actually show the impact you’re making in the world.
Here are five powerful and unexpected ways our clients use video to amplify their impact this year.
1. Add firepower to your grant and award submissions
Let’s be real: assessors are swimming in PDFs, graphs and verbose paras on outcomes. Want to stand out in a pile of award entries? (Yes please.)
Skip the dry stats and give the judges a reason to care. Slip in a short, punchy video and suddenly your project isn’t just words on a page. It’s the same with grant applications – imagine the panel watching a two-minute clip of someone whose life has actually changed because of your work.
It’s faces, voices, and real impact. It’s not just what you did, it’s how it made people feel.
Like this case study we whipped up for No2ndPlace’s CLIO Award application for Project Golkipa in Solomon Islands. Our hero video deep dived into the program, but we needed a tighterversion on the impact, perfect for busy judges.
2. Show off your people (and attract the right ones)
Want to attract passionate people? Show them what it’s actually like to work with you. Recruitment is about more than finding someone with the right skills. You want people who get your mission, and want in. A day in the life or behind the scenes video is way more powerful than a job ad. Real people, doing real work, and talking about why they show up every day? That’s the good stuff. It helps future team members see if your vibe matches theirs.
This recruitment ad we made for RSL LifeCare recently had to do exactly that – attract people who really care and want to make a difference, but stand out from the rest with a quirky, playful tone that reflects the values of the brand. We liked it so much we were tempted to quit our day jobs and work there (if only making videos wasn’t so fun).
3. Ditch the Boring Reports for Something People Actually Watch
No shade on strategies and annual reports… but let’s be honest. Most get skimmed, not studied. Instead, imagine a slick little 3-minute video update where the charts move, the people talk, and the impact plays out on screen. Suddenly your board and stakeholders are watching, listening, engaging. And probably sharing it too.
It’s faster, clearer and dare we say — actually enjoyable? This was the brief we got from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance recently. Their 2030 strategy was moving in bold new directions with global impact – and they needed a video to capture that momentum. We worked with our design friends at Weekday to create the strategy itself, then brought it to life with those with lived experience and a script that popped.
4. Party like its 1999
Big milestone? Project wrapped? Birthday of the org? Don’t just post a photo and call it a day. A celebratory video is a fun, feel-good way to honour your people and your work. You can go big (mini-doc, anyone?) or keep it simple, like staff reflections, a timeline, or throwback highlights.
Either way, you’re not just looking back. You’re building momentum for what’s next. We loved celebrating Reverse Garbage’s turning 50 this year, as well as Australia for UNCHR’s 25th birthday from a mix of voices, ages and contributions. Next up? NCOSS turns 90, and this old dame is going big!
So… Why Video?
Because it’s human. It’s visual. And when you do it right, it cuts through the noise and makes people really feel something. Whether you’re chasing funding, applying for awards, recruiting legends, or reporting to your board—video helps you tell your story in a way that sticks.
Ready to unleash some magic? Let’s chat.