Creative Brief

• Project Title: Story Films for David’s House Ministries

• Client: David’s House Ministries — Grand Rapids, MI

• Creative Partner and Video Producer: Nic Dampier

• Scope: Annual Gala Story Videos (2019–Present)

• Objective: Inspire donor generosity by creating emotionally rich, story-driven films that highlight the people, mission, and impact of David’s House Ministries during their annual fundraising gala.

Project Overview

• David’s House Ministries is a faith-based nonprofit that provides lifelong care for adults with developmental and physical disabilities in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For the last four years, I’ve partnered with their team in a trade sponsorship agreement to produce two short documentary-style videos each year for their largest annual fundraising event—the David’s House Gala.

• Each film is designed to bring the audience into the heart of the ministry—featuring residents, caregivers, and families—showing how David’s House is more than just a place to live… it’s a place to belong. These stories serve as the emotional anchor of the evening and have consistently played a pivotal role in moving donors to action.

Purpose & Goals

• Deepen donor engagement by telling real, human-centered stories that connect hearts to the mission

• Serve as the centerpiece of the gala’s giving moment, leading into live asks for fundraising

• Honor the dignity of residents by elevating their stories with respect, warmth, and authenticity

• Provide ongoing storytelling assets that can be repurposed throughout the year for digital campaigns, thank-yous, and awareness

Target Audience

• Gala attendees (donors, families, community partners, and local businesses)

• Current and potential donors to David’s House Ministries

• Staff, volunteers, and board members

• Broader faith-based and nonprofit community in West Michigan

Deliverables (Annually)

• Two Short Films (3 - 4 minutes each):

  • Resident Story: A glimpse into the daily life and joy of a David’s House resident, spotlighting independence, friendship, and spiritual support

  • Family/Caregiver Story: A testimonial-style narrative from a parent, sibling, or care team member on how David’s House has brought peace, purpose, and community

• Event Integration Strategy:
  Videos formatted and timed to play at key emotional moments during the Gala program, usually prior to the live donation appeal

• Extended Use:
  Videos delivered in formats for email, social media, and website—used for post-gala donor follow-up and year-round impact storytelling

Creative Strategy

• Emotionally Honest & Hopeful:
  Each film captures everyday beauty—smiles at dinner, simple routines, spiritual connection, and deep relationships.

• Cinematic and Intimate:
  Shot on-location using professional equipment and close-up framing to immerse the viewer in the life and heartbeat of David’s House.

• Mission-Forward:
  Every story reinforces the spiritual and relational foundation of the organization while inviting viewers to play a part in its future through giving.

• Story Arc Structure:

  • Problem/Need: Family or resident’s journey before David’s House

  • Transformation: The role David’s House has played

  • Invitation: A direct or implied ask for continued support

Tone & Voice

• Gentle, hopeful, and inspiring

• Intimate and authentic—real people, not polished scripts

• Reflective of faith-based care and the idea of lifelong family

• Shot with dignity and empathy

Impact Metrics

• Gala events have consistently reached fundraising goals year over year

• Videos have become a signature and expected element of the evening

• Donors have referenced the videos as a reason for increased or first-time giving

• David’s House has reused videos in newsletters, web campaigns, and donor follow-up—extending their value beyond the event

• 4+ years of sustained creative partnership, rooted in shared mission and trust

Why It Matters

• In a world full of noise, stories that whisper with truth and love are often the ones that linger. The videos created for David’s House Ministries were crafted to do just that—to quietly but powerfully reflect the beauty of belonging, the strength of community, and the eternal worth of every individual. These aren’t just videos. They are sacred stories, told with care, and offered to help ensure that the work of David’s House can continue for generations.