Nonprofit video production cost is usually lower than what a business pays for a commercial, mostly because the projects are smaller. You should still ask any production company how it handles nonprofit work, since policies vary a lot. If you've got a fundraising budget in front of you and you're trying to decide whether video belongs in it, this is what drives the number.
Key Takeaways
- A lot of production companies look at nonprofit jobs a bit differently and take your budget into account.
- Cost follows the story. A single testimonial might be a half-day shoot, while an impact report with five interviews is a much bigger job.
- People give to people. A real face from your program will do more for you than any amount of stock footage.
- Ask about nonprofit pricing on the first call, because most companies won't bring it up on their own.
What Shapes the Cost for a Nonprofit Video
Three things, mostly.
- Story scope. Filming one person who was helped by your program, in one room, is a small shoot. An annual impact video that weaves several stories together with b-roll and interviews is a much bigger one.
- Crew size. A tight budget usually means a smaller crew. Honestly, that's fine when the story is strong enough to carry the video on its own.
- Usage. If the video only has to play once at your gala, the scope stays small. If it needs to work on your website, your social accounts and your grant applications for the next few years, plan for more.
Ask About Nonprofit Projects
Some companies treat nonprofit work differently from a business job because they know you're stretching every dollar.
Not all of them do, though, and nobody's going to offer it unless it comes up. Ask about it on the first call rather than assuming you'll get the standard commercial terms.
Why Authentic Stories Outperform Stock Footage
The organizations that get the most from video pick a real story and stay with it. Maybe it's a family your food pantry fed through a rough winter, or a volunteer who's been showing up every Saturday for ten years. Generic footage of smiling strangers can't compete with that.
Filming something real doesn't cost more than faking it, and donors can tell which one they're watching.
Common Questions
How much does nonprofit video production typically cost?
It depends on the scope. Many nonprofit projects end up costing less than similar commercial work, mostly because they're smaller.
Do production companies actually offer nonprofit discounts?
Some do. It isn't always posted anywhere, so ask about nonprofit projects when you request your quote.
What kind of video works best for donor engagement?
Testimonial and impact videos built around the real people you serve usually do better than polished promotional pieces.
Can one video serve both a fundraising event and our website?
Often it can, as long as you plan the formats and usage rights for both up front. Mention it in your first conversation so it's part of the scope.
How long does a nonprofit video project take?
Most take a few weeks from the first planning call to the final file. Bigger stories with more interviews take longer.
Building a case for video in your next fundraising push? See how we work with nonprofits or tell us about your project.
About the Author
Cody Tolle is the founder, director, and lead producer of ReelView Productions in Abilene, Texas. He has more than 10 years of experience in film and video and is hands-on in every project from concept to final cut, across corporate video, commercials, and narrative film. Cody also founded the Abilene Frontier Film Festival. More about ReelView.