How a Small Animal Shelter Used YouTube Fundraising to Raise $47K and Triple Monthly Donations
If you're a nonprofit struggling with fundraising, you're not alone. But what if the key to your next breakthrough is hiding in plain sight—on your YouTube channel?
In this case study, we explore how one small animal shelter—anonymous due to a nondisclosure agreement—leveraged YouTube Fundraising Info Cards, a powerful tool offered through Google for Nonprofits, to completely reshape their fundraising strategy.
The Challenge: Minimal Visibility, Maximum Need
Before working with Ad Grant Pros, this animal rescue organization faced all-too-common struggles:
Low monthly donations barely covering essential supplies
Underutilized YouTube channel with no donation strategy
Great adoption stories—but limited ways to share them with the world
Like many nonprofits, they had the passion. But they lacked the digital tools to convert that passion into predictable revenue.
Enter Google for Nonprofits: Activating YouTube Fundraising Tools
Once enrolled in the Google for Nonprofits program, we helped the shelter activate the YouTube Giving feature. This included:
Info Cards on every video that prompted real-time donations
A unified donation button across their channel
Integration with YouTube Livestreams to raise funds during real-time events
No new platform. No fancy setup. Just strategic storytelling and smart tools that turned viewers into donors—instantly.
The Strategy: Emotional Content Meets Frictionless Giving
With help from our team, the shelter began producing short-form content that:
Showcased individual rescue stories
Featured behind-the-scenes shelter moments
Highlighted adoption success stories
We paired each video with YouTube Info Cards that allowed viewers to donate without ever leaving the platform.
By removing the friction of “click here → go to a site → find the donate button,” we simplified the path to giving.
The Results: A Digital Fundraising Breakthrough
📊 $47,000+ Raised in Just 4 Months
Viewers gave through Info Cards on new and existing videos.
📈 300% Increase in Monthly Donations
The ease of YouTube Giving helped convert one-time viewers into recurring supporters.
📢 10K+ New Subscribers
YouTube’s algorithm rewarded consistent, engaging content—exponentially increasing their reach.
🐾 65% Increase in Pet Adoptions
Video storytelling brought more awareness to animals in need, accelerating adoption timelines.
💬 National Media Mentions
As their videos gained traction, other rescue networks and influencers began to amplify their mission.
Why YouTube Fundraising Is a Game-Changer for Nonprofits
YouTube Giving is one of the most underutilized features in the Google for Nonprofits suite—yet it has incredible potential. Here’s why:
No Ad Spend Required: Fundraise directly through organic videos.
Built-In Trust: Viewers stay on YouTube and feel safe donating via a known platform.
High Engagement: Videos emotionally connect in ways static posts can't.
Recurring Potential: Turn passive watchers into loyal, monthly givers.
And yes—it’s 100% free for eligible nonprofits.
How We Help Nonprofits Unlock Google for Nonprofits Features
At Ad Grant Pros, we specialize in helping organizations go beyond just applying for Google for Nonprofits. We implement strategies that:
Maximize Google Ad Grants
Activate YouTube Giving Tools
Set up Google Workspace for Nonprofits
Build measurable, mission-aligned campaigns
We don’t just manage ads—we manage transformation.
Your Turn: Is Your Nonprofit Missing Out on Free Fundraising Tools?
If your nonprofit is already sharing content—or has the potential to—you could be raising thousands through YouTube right now.
Let us help you:
✅ Qualify for Google for Nonprofits
✅ Set up YouTube Giving tools
✅ Build a content plan that drives donations
Final Thought: Viewers Are Watching. Will They Become Donors?
This anonymous animal shelter did more than tell their story—they activated it.
Your nonprofit can do the same. The tools are there. The audience is there. The impact is waiting.
Let’s make it happen.
