YouTube introduces ‘Next Cause’ program to help nonprofits use its service

There are a whole host of ways to raise money for your charity or non-profit online, and one of those ways is by posting poignant and informative videos on YouTube. The Google product has had a Nonprofit Program for two years now, but wants to take it a bit further by hosting a summit in San Francisco to further assist organizations in learning about and using its platform.

YouTube’s Nonprofit programs provides organizations with tools like premium branding and a donate button on its videos to help them raise money. The “Next Cause” program will give nonprofits the opportunity to meet with YouTube staff and get hands-on training to kick-start their presence.

Here’s what YouTube has to say about “Next Cause”:

YouTube Next Cause is a new program designed to help innovative organizations that are already changing the world learn how to better use online video to drive action. This program is open to all Nonprofit Organizations that are part of the YouTube Nonprofit Program. At an exclusive one-day summit in San Francisco on April 2, 2012 selected participants will get access to everything from training in YouTube fundamentals to advanced promotion and community engagement tips to one-on-one consulting sessions to grow their YouTube presence. This group of thought leaders will lead the way in changing the way Nonprofit Organizations use YouTube to grow awareness, interest, funds, volunteers, and global engagement. Applications are due on February 27, 2012.

The application form to participate in the YouTube Next Cause summit is only ten questions long, so if you’re a nonprofit this is something you should jump on. Getting direct access to the folks who work at YouTube and being able to ask your questions in person is way better than trying it yourself if you don’t have your own social media person in-house.

While some might think it’s easy to set up a presence on YouTube or other social networks, it can be a daunting task for charities who are focused on helping the cause which it benefits. Figuring out all of the tips and tricks to grow a YouTube following isn’t something that’s normally in the budget for organizations trying to do some social good.

➤ YouTube Next Cause application form