Donor thank you videos: how to make them and 4 inspiring examples

There are many ways to thank your donors for all their support in the previous year: send an email, write a note, make a phone call, or even hold an event.

One medium that can be quite effective in thanking your donors is video. Luckily, it’s never been easier or cheaper to produce a high-quality video.

If you are considering sending a year-end thank-you video, here are the next steps to take, as well as examples from nonprofits that you can draw inspiration from:

What is a donor thank you video?

A donor thank you video is a warm, personal way to say “you made a difference.” It’s a short, heartfelt message from your nonprofit that celebrates a donor’s generosity and shows the impact they helped spark. Instead of a standard email or form letter, these videos bring gratitude to life—with real stories, real people, and real moments of mission in motion.

By sharing how support fuels your work, donor thank you videos deepen connection, build trust, and remind supporters that they’re a vital part of something bigger. Whether shared by email, posted on social, or sent directly to individuals, these videos help donors feel the joy they helped create.

Why donor thank you videos are effective

When donors see the impact of their gift—and hear the gratitude behind it—it changes everything.

Video creates an emotional connection that emails and letters alone can’t always achieve. It shows the smiles, the stories, the progress, and the purpose their generosity set in motion. Personalized videos go even further, strengthening relationships by speaking directly to each donor’s unique contribution.

And when sent promptly, these videos spark a powerful feeling: “I matter here.”
That validation builds loyalty, inspires continued support through donations, and helps donors stay closely connected to your mission in a crowded digital world.

How to create a donor thank you video

Here’s how to bring your gratitude to life in a way that feels authentic, memorable, and mission-forward:

1. Plan your message with heart. Clarify the message you want to share. Focus on sincere thanks and highlight how the donor’s gift moved your mission forward. Keep the donor at the center—this moment is about them, not the next ask.
2. Keep it short & sweet. Aim for 30–90 seconds. A concise, joyful message ensures your gratitude lands with clarity and impact.
3. Add a personal touch. If possible, mention the donor by name or reference the program or effort their gift supported. Personalization transforms a thank you into a meaningful moment.
4. Show the impact. Bring your mission to life with visuals—people served, volunteers in action, a behind-the-scenes glimpse of progress. Seeing impact builds deeper connection and trust.
5. Be real, not perfect. You don’t need a studio setup. Donors value authenticity far more than production polish. A warm smile and honest gratitude go a long way.
6. Invite continued connection. While this isn’t the time for another ask, you can point donors toward deeper engagement—upcoming events, inspiring stories, or ways to stay connected.
7. Share it quickly. Send your video within two weeks of the gift. Timely gratitude reinforces how much their support matters and keeps generosity flowing.

When to use donor thank you videos

Donor thank you videos shine in so many moments throughout the year—anytime you want to celebrate generosity and strengthen the relationships that keep your mission moving. Here are a handful of examples you may want to keep in mind:

1. Immediately after a donation. A prompt thank you video shows donors their gift was received, cherished, and already creating momentum. Timely gratitude builds trust and reinforces their decision to support your mission.
2. End of a fundraising campaign. Celebrate the collective win with a heartfelt video thanking everyone who contributed. It’s a joyful way to honor your community and highlight the impact they made together.
3. Anniversary or milestone celebrations. Mark donor anniversaries or organizational milestones with a personalized message that says, “We remember you, and you matter.” These small gestures deepen long-term connection and loyalty.
4. Impact updates. Share a visual story of the difference donors helped create. When supporters can see the progress they fueled, their emotional connection—and excitement—grows stronger.
5. High-value gifts. For major donors, a tailored thank you video offers meaningful recognition and appreciation. This personal touch can inspire continued generosity and partnership.
6. Donor appreciation events. Add warmth and celebration to your events by showcasing thank you videos that honor supporters. Play them during your gathering or send them afterward to extend the gratitude.

By weaving donor thank you videos into these moments, nonprofits create meaningful, personal experiences that nurture loyalty, spark joy, and keep supporters close to the heart of the mission.

Sample donor thank you video script

Now that you know what to include and when to use thank you videos, here is a sample script template to help get your gears turning. Remember, keep the videos personal to each donor and specific to your mission’s values.

About 30–90 seconds

Opening: warm & attuned

Hi [Donor Name],
I’m [Your Name] from [Your Organization]. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Your generosity means so much—especially in a time when so many people are counting on this work.

Celebrate what they made possible: impact & emotion

Because of you, [share a specific outcome or moment of impact].
You helped make [describe transformation, progress, or joy] possible, and the difference is already taking shape.

Examples:

• “Because of you, 42 families received warm meals this week.”
• “Your gift helped us rescue and treat injured wildlife after the storm.”
• “You sparked a new chapter for students who dreamed of going to college.”

Show a visual here if possible (a smile, a space, an action moment).

Connect them to your mission: empowering & radiant

You’re not just supporting this work—you’re fueling it.
Every time someone like you shows up with such kindness, our mission goes further, and more people feel the impact.

Personal note: authentic & human

We see your generosity, and we’re grateful for the heart behind it.
Thank you for believing in [the cause].
Thank you for believing in us.
And thank you for bringing more light into the world.

Light, non-fundraising call to action: continued engagement

If you want to follow along with the impact you’re helping create, we’d love to stay connected.
You can find updates at [newsletter link/website/social handle].

Closing: joyful & unstoppable

Thanks again, [Donor Name].
You put purpose in motion—and because of you, it’s going farther every day.

Real examples of donor thank you videos

1. Infectious Disease Research Institute

IDRI produced a video that highlights its accomplishments throughout the year. Bookended by a personal message from the President and Founder, several employees hold up placards that each display a small achievement. They’re all very specific—no fluff or rhetoric. Disease research isn’t the most exciting topic (sorry, scientists), so they include some lighthearted music and sprinkle in some humor periodically.

Research shows that donors not only want to know how their dollars are being spent, but also want to know that the organizations they support are effective in trying to achieve their mission. For an organization like IDRI, whose name itself contains a mandate, communicating accomplishments is absolutely critical.

2. International Center for Journalists

ICFJ takes a similar approach to IDRI, but with two distinct differences.

First, the impact being communicated comes directly from those who ICFJ serves. For example, one journalist touts how she was able to design a new digital newsroom, while others celebrate earning advanced degrees—and it’s all “thanks to your support!”

Second, ICFJ compiled this video from just photos—no cameras or equipment required! Organizations on a budget can make a lot happen with just photos.

3. Center for Comprehensive Health Practice

CCHP weaves together dozens of interviews from employees, donors, volunteers and those they serve to create a video that shows the true value and impact of the organization. Sometimes, the best donor communications doesn’t start as a blank Word doc. You only need the voices of real people to tell the story.

4. Johns Hopkins University

Donor-centricity takes center stage in this video from Johns Hopkins University. While matching their high production values may be cost-prohibitive for most nonprofits, putting the donor at the center of the story should never be a problem.

The short video is framed around three statements: “For the time you spend,” “the effort you make,” and “the lives you change,” followed by “thank you – keep up the good work.” After all, nothing that a nonprofit does is possible without the support of donors.

Thanks to Tom Furtwangler, Pamela Grow, Caroline Avakian and Michelle Gadot of the Nonprofit Communications Professionals group for their suggestions!

Wrap up and next steps

Donor thank you videos are one of the most personal, powerful ways to show supporters just how much their generosity means. When donors can see the impact they set in motion—and hear their name spoken with genuine gratitude—you strengthen loyalty, deepen connection, and build a community that’s excited to stay by your side.

And now, saying thank you is easier (and more joyful) than ever.

With Bloomerang Mobile CRM, you can record and send mobile video acknowledgements right from your phone—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re between meetings, out in the community, or celebrating a win with your team, you can share heartfelt thanks in seconds and keep donors feeling seen and appreciated.

Ready to take donor appreciation to the next level?
Start creating simple, authentic thank you videos today and let Bloomerang help you turn every moment of gratitude into stronger relationships and next-level impact.

You put purpose in motion.
Bloomerang helps it go further.

FAQ: donor thank you videos