"Considered a leader among universities nationwide, UC Berkeley’s Basic Needs Center (BNC) is a one-stop-shop for students who lack access to necessities that support their ability to thrive while pursuing their education. The BNC welcomes them into a caring community and provides equitable access to food, housing, financial aid, and other resources.
This video is a key component in a suite of materials created to inform potential donors about the BNC and inspire them to give. It highlights two of the BNC’s major services—providing access to nutritious food and rapid re-housing in times of crisis—in a compelling, authentic way. It features two powerful student stories and interviews with two staff leaders. The student stories illuminate how the BNC supported them, while the staff leaders set the stage for the BNC’s success, reputation, and leadership in helping other universities develop similar programs. These two distinct storylines paint an immersive and emotional picture of the BNC.
The video has been posted across several campus websites and social media channels and shown during lectures, special events, and in one-on-one meetings with donors. As one Instagram viewer, @thelgpc, wrote, “Literally before the end of this video I went to the website and donated what I could. Berkeley is such a great school to have programs like this.” Perhaps even more telling is that since the video debuted, over $1.5 million has been raised for the BNC."
From the Judges
Thoughtful approach to interviews of students with nice use of data to show scale of problems. Great, emotional storytelling. Love the quote that someone donated even before video ended. Really powerful. Demonstrates empathic approach to featuring those with a difficult story.
