How animation can tell a charity’s story

Image provided by Pushed

From speaking to charity CEOs, we know that many charities are looking for innovative and creative ways to share the work they do with donors and funders. It’s all about the story. It’s about encapsulating audiences by sharing the emotional and fundamental story of your charity. That’s where animation comes in.

Charity Digital recently reported that “more than half of brand supporters will engage more readily after watching a video”. This engaging, often cheeky medium is excellent for the light-hearted stuff, but it is also very powerful in sharing more emotive, vulnerable stories.

Pushed is an animation studio, motion graphics and video production company who have worked with BBC, ITV, the National Trust and many other household names. But they don’t just work with companies, they also see the impact that animation can have on charity advertising. Dave Meadows, Managing Director, shares how animation can tell a charity’s story:

“Through thoughtful, creative storytelling, animation allows charities to share their messages with care, compassion, and emotional depth, reaching people in ways that traditional media cannot always accomplish. Animation has the unique ability to convey complex emotions and sensitive topics in a way that feels approachable and engaging.”

So what can animation do?

Image: Unsplash

Simplify Complex Topics: Whether explaining a healthcare initiative or showcasing the impact of a fundraising campaign, animation can break down difficult subjects into digestible visuals that are easier for audiences to understand. 

Build Emotional Connections: Animated characters and scenes can represent real-life situations in a way that feels personal and relatable. Viewers can see themselves, or their loved ones, in the characters, creating a stronger emotional connection. 

Reach a Broader Audience: Animation is a universal medium. It appeals to all ages and transcends language barriers, making it an ideal tool for charities that need to communicate globally.

Create Lasting Impressions: Animation, when combined with thoughtful storytelling, leaves a lasting emotional impact. A well-crafted animated video can stick with viewers long after they’ve seen it, making them more likely to support the cause.”

How can charities ensure that topics are dealt with sensitively?

“When it comes to telling a charity’s story, sensitivity is key. Animation allows for the blending of important factual information with compassionate storytelling, ensuring that the message is heard without causing discomfort. By using thoughtful, compassionate narratives, animation can highlight the human side of a cause while still delivering an important message.”

A charity that supports vulnerable populations, for example, may use animation to illustrate personal stories in a way that respects the dignity of those involved while still highlighting the urgency of the situation. This ensures that the charity’s audience understands the emotional gravity of the work being done, without intruding on the privacy or dignity of those receiving help”. 

How you share the finished animation is equally important. Animation alone won’t bring in donors, but by blending it with other content, and sharing your animations across social media, your website and advertisement, you will see results.

At Pushed, they understand the importance of telling your charity’s story with the utmost care and compassion. Animation can offer a powerful, engaging, and sensitive way to share your mission, inspire your audience, and drive meaningful support. If your charity is looking for a creative partner to help bring your story to life, we recommend you have a conversation with Dave and his team to create an animation that not only informs but also touches hearts and sparks change.

Check out their website here.

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