YouTube for Not-for-Profits
Posted on March 29, 2009 by by madepercy
Not sure on the details yet, but YouTube’s new ‘Call to Action’ function for not-for-profits seems like a very useful tool. It might be worthwhile local charities’ getting on board during the early stages of the new function before Net users get too used to it!
I’ve blogged a bit about it here: YouTube helps Not-for-Profits: http://tinyurl.com/djoxk2
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I’ve looked at this before. Unfortunately it is only applicable to the US and UK with very strict and narrow scoping guidelines.
* Organisations must have formal recognition of their not for profit status. In the UK: registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator or by the Inland Revenue and US: have IRS 501(c)(3) tax status
* May not be religious or political in nature
* May not be focused primarily on lobbying for political or policy change
* Commercial organisations, credit-counselling services, donation middleman services, fee-based organisations and non-profit portals are not eligible for the programme
In other words a lot of the local not for profit community groups (such as the local community councils, the local conservation council, ACT light Rail etc), here in the ACT would be immediately ineligible to participate because they would breach one or more of the conditions outlined above.
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Well, that sucks! If a community council isn’t eligible who is?
Nevertheless, it does get a bit tiresome always having to wait for features to roll out to Australia. I’m thinking mainly of PayPal – such as withdrawal from bank account – that took ages to arrive.
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I’m not a big user of YouTube, but how does Call to Action differ from YouTube videos that list another website or organisation in their video’s credits, or where the video poster has a link to the organisation’s website in their text description?
Here’s a commercial example (from a babywearing DVD distributor): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImVPQLxq2Y4
And a registered charity – World Vision Australia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhlQWkOJBG0
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I see your point. The feature video is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEnlrE4iMBU.
I think the provision of featured external links in the right-hand frame and the addition of an in-video overlay link where you can donate directly is the key difference. The details are here: http://www.youtube.com/nonprofits.
The formal arrangements are also important as it legitimises the use of YouTube. For example, it is often difficult to obtain organisational permission to use New Media randomly, making it difficult for not-for-profits to manage risk in public campaigns. Having a dedicated not-for-profit function makes it easier to obtain in-house approval, rather than simply uploading a video and hoping for the best.
I have come across similar issues with Facebook where using a cause or page can be problematic for the organisation uploading the content. Once a formal arrangement is made with the provider, it removes the uncertainties of what is ‘allowed’ and what is not. It also assists with collecting more relevant data. Anyway, some food for thought!
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