Fundraising Video as Infrastructure
Not Content
I build fundraising tools that prepare donors emotionally before the ask, and supports real fundraising outcomes inside campaigns, events, and major‑gift conversations. The goal is not attention, it's emotional readiness.
When built correctly, this asset supports:
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One‑to‑one major‑gift conversations
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Fundraising events and luncheons
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Board and leadership alignment
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Follow‑up cultivation after an ask
Fundraising Case Statement Video
At the core of my work is a case statement video designed specifically for fundraising use.
This is not a marketing asset and it is not a brand film. It is a reusable fundraising tool that:
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Establishes NEED without overwhelm
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Positions the organization as the clear SOLUTION
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Demonstrates RESULTS with credibility and emotion
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Creates a dignified CALL TO ACTION that feels inevitable, not forced
SECRETS TO
BIG MONEY FUNDRAISING
Since 2005, I’ve worked at the intersection of fundraising strategy and story, translating relationship-based campaign principles into tools nonprofits can actually use.
I co-authored Secrets to Big Money Fundraising with my father, John C. Shimer, a nationally recognized campaign consultant. That work shaped the foundation of my approach to large-gift, relationship-based fundraising: donors respond when they are prepared emotionally before the ask.
A copy of the book is gifted to each client to strengthen their capacity and because relationship-based fundraising is counterintuitive.
Most fundraising follows a progression—moving a donor from awareness, to interest, to participation, and only then to solicitation and stewardship. My work is designed to support the early and middle stages of that process, where trust is built and emotional readiness is established.
5 Stages of Donor Development
AWARENESS
PARTICIPATION
INTEREST
INVOLVEMENT
COMMITMENT
Applied Fundraising Story
The work below shows how fundraising story functions in real-world settings—inside campaigns, events, and major-gift conversations. Viewed correctly, these pieces reduce friction in the ask.
What you’ve just seen isn’t a style or a format.
It’s a fundraising tool applied inside specific real-world contexts.
The difference isn’t how the videos look.
It’s how—and where—they’re used.
If you’re considering how a fundraising video could support a specific campaign, event,
or major-gift effort, the next step is a conversation about fit, timing, and use.
HOW ENGAGEMENTS ARE STRUCTURED
I don’t work from production packages or creative menus. Each engagement is structured around a specific fundraising objective—whether that’s supporting a campaign, anchoring an event, or strengthening major-gift conversations.
The work begins by clarifying fit, timing, and use: who the story is for, when donors will encounter it, and how it supports the broader fundraising effort. From there, strategy, story development, and production are aligned to serve that purpose—not aesthetics or trends.
This approach ensures the final asset does real fundraising work. It prepares donors emotionally before the ask, supports consistency across conversations, and strengthens confidence for the people responsible for raising the money.
If your organization is realizing that it needs to build—or rebuild—its fundraising muscle,
I’m happy to have a conversation.
Susan Francis - JFK Foundation (Ophelia)
We were at a critical time in our fundraising and awareness development – and he made all the difference for us!
Elizabeth Lizberg - Camp Rainbow Gold
Christian came to our program and went above and beyond in his commitment, research, and dedication to assuring he produced a product that has proven to be as effective as he promised.
Remington Youngblood - Change 4 Georgia
The final product is proof that Christian had a complete understanding of what we do and why we do it. Working quickly and staying calm under pressure are two of his many strengths.
Call to start a conversation
(619) 333-0552
