Case Study: Elevating Nonprofit Fundraising
with Tennessee Nonprofit Network

Client: Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN)
Project: Video Course for Nonprofit Fundraising and Volunteer Management
Year: 2024
Funded by: Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund

Overview

The Tennessee Nonprofit Network (TNN) is the state nonprofit association, representing and supporting over 40,000 nonprofits across Tennessee. Their work includes advocacy, public policy efforts, research, and training to strengthen the nonprofit sector.

In 2024, TNN received a prestigious grant from the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund to develop two statewide nonprofit training programs—one focused on volunteer management and another on fundraising. Recognizing the need for engaging and accessible learning materials, TNN partnered with Forever Ready Productions to create a professional video curriculum as part of these programs.

Challenge

While there are many nonprofit training resources available nationally, TNN aimed to create a course specifically tailored to Tennessee-based organizations. The challenge was to design a curriculum that was:

  • Engaging and interactive – Avoiding traditional, text-heavy learning methods.

  • Visually compelling – Ensuring a polished, professional production rather than DIY-style content.

  • Accessible statewide – Reaching nonprofit leaders across urban and rural communities.

  • Community-building – Encouraging networking and shared learning among nonprofit leaders.

Solution

To meet these goals, Forever Ready Productions collaborated closely with TNN to plan, script, and produce a dynamic video series to complement the course curriculum. The process included:

  • Customized Storytelling Approach – Forever Ready Productions worked with TNN to craft videos that featured real nonprofit professionals, making the lessons more relatable and engaging.

  • Short, Impactful Video Modules – Instead of long lectures, the videos were designed to be 3 to 10 minutes each, ensuring digestibility and engagement.

  • Scripted Scenarios for Real-World Application – The team created role-playing scenarios, such as a realistic depiction of how to effectively let go of a volunteer without causing unnecessary conflict.

  • Professional Filming & Editing – High-quality production ensured the course stood out compared to typical online training materials.

Results & Impact

The final video-enhanced course was rolled out to two statewide cohorts, each consisting of 50 nonprofit organizations. The impact was immediate and powerful:

  • Expanded Reach & Accessibility – Nonprofits across Tennessee, regardless of location, had access to high-quality training materials.

  • Stronger Community Connections – Monthly virtual meetings allowed participants to discuss the coursework and build lasting relationships.

  • Positive Feedback & Engagement – A participant at the pre-conference event in Memphis shared on LinkedIn: "I found my people." This reinforced the value of creating an experience beyond just learning—building a network of support for nonprofit professionals.

  • Professionalism & Credibility – TNN’s investment in professionally produced videos elevated the perceived quality of the program. As CEO Kevin Dean noted, “We’ve seen national organizations with DIY-looking courses, but the quality of this production made us look legitimate and professional.”

Why It Worked

  1. Tailored Content – Designed specifically for Tennessee nonprofits, ensuring relevance.

  2. High Production Value – Professionally produced videos enhanced engagement and credibility.

  3. Strategic Use of Video – A mix of expert insights and real-world scenarios kept learners engaged.

  4. Seamless Collaboration – Forever Ready Productions’ streamlined process made it easy for TNN to execute their vision.

Beyond the Course: A Lasting Partnership

The success of this project reinforced TNN’s trust in Forever Ready Productions. As Kevin Dean emphasized, “We keep coming back to y’all for a reason. The process is seamless. You listen, execute, and even go beyond expectations.”

Through this collaboration, Tennessee Nonprofit Network transformed the way nonprofit leaders across the state learn about fundraising and volunteer engagement. By prioritizing quality, accessibility, and community-building, the course set a new standard for nonprofit education in Tennessee.

Forever Ready Productions is proud to support mission-driven organizations like TNN, proving that well-crafted video storytelling can empower nonprofits to grow, connect, and thrive.

Want to tell a powerful story that sparks impact? Let’s talk.

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