How to make a fundraising appeal video for a small nonprofit

Updated October 21, 2026 · Reviewed by The Rift team

Short answer

Add a photo from your work, such as the food bank shelves or the garden project, in Rift and tell Spark, Rift's video agent, the scene, such as hands filling a box with fresh food in warm light. Check the Draft, tap Make, and you get a video of up to 15 seconds to open your appeal post.

Add photos of your work and tell Spark the scene. You get a short, honest video that gives your ask a face.

What you need

An iPhone with Rift.
A true photo from your work, with permission from anyone in it.
Your goal, link and a thank you, for the post.

Step by step

Add your photo in Rift.
Tell Spark the scene exactly as it happens.
Check the Draft so nothing is added that is not true.
Tap Make after seeing the price.
Post from your Library with the ask in the text.

Lines to try with Spark

“Volunteers fill boxes with fresh vegetables on the long table, keep the room as in the photo.”
“A hand hangs a warm coat on a rack at our winter drive.”
“The garden gate opens and children run in with watering cans.”
“Our shelter dog wags his tail at the door, morning light.”
“The community hall lights up as the doors open for dinner.”

Tips

Be true. Never add what you do not do.
Ask permission for every face.
One clear ask in the post.
Say thank you in a follow-up video.

For animal causes, see a pet adoption video for a shelter. For events, see a promo video for a local event.

Questions people ask

Can I show the people we help?

Only with their clear OK. Many charities show hands, places and volunteers instead.

Can the video include the donate link?

Text over video isn't in the app yet. Put the link and goal in the post.

Will it look like a real event?

Keep to your true work. Ask Spark to keep the place and people as in your photo.

Can I make one for each campaign?

Yes. Save the Draft as a format and run it again with a new photo.