How We Helped a Non-Profit Pull Off a Powerful Brand Video (on a Budget + Tight Deadline)
When First Graduate, a nonprofit based in San Francisco, reached out to us, they were preparing for their biggest event of the year: their annual fundraising gala. But they didn’t just want to host a dinner and ask for donations—they wanted to move people. Their goal was to premiere a brand video that would bring their mission to life, uplift alumni voices, and connect emotionally with supporters in the room.
There was just one problem:
They had never done a video like this before, had a modest budget of $5,000, and needed the entire project—concept to final edit—delivered in 30 days.
In addition to the video, they also needed event photography coverage of the gala itself—with edited images delivered the very next day so they could share the buzz online and with donors.
As a team that works with academic institutions and mission-driven organizations, we know how important it is to meet people where they are. And we saw this as an opportunity not just to create something beautiful—but to help First Graduate feel confident in the process, even with tight constraints.
Who Is First Graduate?
First Graduate supports students in San Francisco who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. Their program spans 12 years—starting in middle school and walking students all the way through college graduation. It’s a long-term commitment that includes academic coaching, college readiness, and career planning.
Their alumni are now working professionals—many of whom were the first in their families to set foot on a college campus. It’s a transformative mission. But like many nonprofits, they hadn’t yet invested in professional video production to tell that story in a cinematic, donor-ready way.
That’s where we came in.
Telling a Real, Impactful Story
From our first conversation, it was clear that First Graduate wanted the video to do more than just explain what they do. They wanted it to resonate emotionally with both first-time attendees and long-time supporters. That meant:
Showing the human impact of their work.
Featuring the voices of alumni and current students.
Including footage of the team in action.
Ending with a strong call to action for donor support.
They were also candid about their concerns. This was their first professional video, and they were worried they didn’t have enough media or time to make it great.
But we reassured them: with a solid plan, intentional storytelling, and a lean but focused production day, it was absolutely possible.
Our Creative Strategy
Was this Mission Impossible? With only 30 days, we got strategic. Since we didn’t have time to follow students to college visits or film day-in-the-life footage, we tapped into archival media, previously recorded clips & photos from their programming. This helped us build a strong visual story supported by voiceovers and interviews.
🔹 Interview-Driven Storytelling
We filmed interviews with alumni, staff, and a few current students. These weren’t stiff testimonials—they were relaxed conversations, filmed in natural light, where people spoke honestly about their journeys.
One standout moment was when a former student stopped by during her lunch break from her job downtown just to talk about how the program changed her life. That kind of authenticity doesn’t come from a script—it comes from trust, which we built by truly listening.
🔹 Voiceover + Archival Clips
Because we didn’t have time to shoot b-roll of student field trips or classroom scenes, we got creative. First Graduate shared past photos and video clips, which we curated and integrated throughout the video. We paired those visuals with emotional voiceover from alumni and current students, adding depth and movement to the story.
🔹 Mission-Focused Editing
From music selection to pacing, every editing choice was made to amplify the organization’s values and make the story easy to follow. We ended with a bold, clear message: support First Graduate, and you’re investing in generational change.
The Results
The final product was a 3-4 minute brand video that premiered at their gala—and it made an impact. It highlighted First Graduate’s mission, celebrated student success stories, and ended with a clear call-to-action to support the program.
We also delivered event photography for the gala, with 130+ edited images turned around the next day so their team could share the energy and excitement immediately with their community.
Terri Forman, the organization’s president, said the video communicated their values in a way they had never been able to before. It was the first professionally produced video they’d ever had—and we were honored to have been part of it.
Why It Worked: Creative Constraints = Creative Solutions
This project worked not in spite of the constraints—but because we embraced them. Here’s what made the difference:
✅ A strong mission: When your message is clear, you don’t need a dozen locations or fancy effects. The heart of the story carries the piece.
✅ Focused planning: With only one shoot day, we scheduled every interview and shot with intention.
✅ Resourceful editing: We used archival material and layered it with voiceover to make the story feel full and rich.
✅ A collaborative mindset: We treated this like a partnership, not just a production. That built trust and made the process smooth.
If you're part of a nonprofit, school program, or academic initiative that wants to elevate your message but feels held back by time or budget—you’re not alone. But you don’t need a massive production budget to make something meaningful.
When you work with a team that understands video production for academic institutions and nonprofit storytelling, you get more than a camera crew. You get creative collaborators who can help you turn real-world limitations into strong, focused storytelling.
Why Storytelling Matters
This project is a reminder that meaningful, mission-driven video doesn’t have to break the bank. When you pair intentional storytelling with a clear strategy, you can create something that resonates deeply—even on a short timeline.
If you’re a nonprofit or academic organization looking to tell your story, we’d love to help. Whether you need a brand video, event coverage, or both, we’ll work with you to make the most of your vision (and your budget).
Ready to Tell Your Story?
Whether you need a brand video, event coverage, or both, our team is here to help you tell stories that connect—and convert.
We work with nonprofits, schools, and educational organizations in San Francisco and beyond to bring their missions to life on screen.
