"If I see the results, I'll definitely give again," proclaimed one donor.
"If they want to ask for more, they need to show us what they did with the last donation," explained another.
"I want an invitation to visit. To see where the money has gone," demanded the next.

At Whitewater's 24 focus groups, they spoke with one voice. British Baby Boomers want evidence that their donations are achieving results. They want to see those results for themselves.

What better way to achieve this than through video? I know of at least three non-profits that are training frontline staff in the use of video - precisely for this reason. They want to inspire their donors with what their donations have achieved. And to build their trust.

SolarAid is a charity that I'm helping set up. You can learn more through these two videos on YouTube.

SolarAid is building video into their donor programme from the outset. We're going to show donors exactly what their money achieves. We're going to get the charity out the way and get donors talking to beneficiaries, through blogs and video diaries. Donors are going to love it. They'll give more - and they'll tell their friends.

Will video testimony from the field be a bit amateur? If it is, I think this will only encourage our donors. They told us they want 'documentaries, not adverts'; 'a no-nonsense approach rather than marketing.'

Video online will have many uses for the non-profit fundraiser. None excite me more than being able to give powerful, believable feedback to donors. To give them the evidence they crave.

My favourite example of video online? Well, I wont be alone here... it has to be The Buffalo Movie. An extraordinary example of how video evidence can connect donors with beneficiaries - and yet, as far as I've seen, to be done better.

Nancy's call for contributions on how charities should use video couldn't have been more timely - an uncanny reflection of the conversations we've been having around the office. Monday's Carnival should make fascinating reading for anyone interested in how we can harness this powerful medium.

Steve Andrews