FUNDRAISING FILMS
Nonprofit Fundraising Video Production That Drives Results
Christian Shimer, founder of Legacy Productions, is a seasoned audio-visual producer and storyteller who specializes in creating emotionally powerful fundraising films for non-profits. Drawing on a rich legacy of philanthropy and professional fundraising—most notably through his father, John C. Shimer—Christian has pioneered the “Video Case Statement,” a cinematic approach to the traditional written case statement. These films are crafted to emotionally engage audiences by showcasing real people, real stories, and authentic emotions through music, visuals, and interviews. The goal is to connect potential donors with a nonprofit’s mission on a visceral level, creating a powerful first-person experience that builds awareness, trust, and motivation to give.
Legacy Productions' approach to fundraising video production is rooted in the fundamentals of effective fundraising: define the need, present the solution, articulate the benefits, and inspire action. Christian emphasizes the importance of hopeful, solution-oriented storytelling over tragedy-driven appeals—leaving viewers inspired rather than saddened. His videos serve as strategic tools within broader fundraising programs, helping nonprofits cut through the noise, build authentic relationships, and ultimately increase mission awareness and donation capital.
With an emphasis on emotional storytelling, technical excellence, and fundraising psychology, Christian’s video content for donor development delivers a compelling return on investment by helping organizations communicate who they are in the shortest—and most impactful—amount of time. These videos will help you achieve at least three of the five critical steps of donor development; awareness, participation, and interest, as seen in the graphic below.
5 STAGES OF DONOR DEVELOPMENT
AWARENESS
My potential donors know my organization exists.
PARTICIPATION
There is an exchange of information with my potential donor around my organization's case.
INTEREST
I identify my potential donor's hot buttons, their potential motives for getting involved with my organization.
INVOLVEMENT
I ask my potential donor to accept resopnsibility in some meaningful way for the success of my organization.
COMMITMENT
My potential donor is in a frame of mind to share personal resources with my organization.
