"WHAT: This video is emailed to donors making their first gift of any size to UAlbany. It is meant as a friendly welcome to our giving family and to create excitement around this milestone. A celebratory email, including the link to the video, is sent to first-time donors on a biweekly basis.
HOW: Our office solicited video clips from some of our scholarship recipients, asking these students to describe a favorite UAlbany “first” they had experienced. We then compiled the clips, edited the video, and posted it using Vimeo.
RESULTS: Vimeo.com analytics show the video has a click rate of 15% from the email and a 75% watch rate once the video is loaded. Anecdotal feedback has been very positive. Comments include: “Truly spectacular, I love it” and “top notch!”"
From the Judges
The video had great energy throughout and the theme of the “firsts” was a creative way to develop a relatable, more meaningful connection with the donors. Also an effective use of budget and a good model for other institutions to replicate.
