YouTube Best Practices for Nonprofit Organizations

6. Apply to the YouTube Nonprofit Program.
If your nonprofit has 501(c)(3) status and is correctly listed in Guidestar.org, then apply for YouTube’s Nonprofit Program. After applying, approval can take up to six weeks, so it’s good to get your application in sooner than later. Make sure you meet the “Program Requirements” before applying. After approval, your channel will be listed in the nonprofit directory and you will be allowed premium design and branding options for your channel [including a Google “Donate Now” button] and an increased opportunity to be promoted on YouTube. Be realistic about that last perk — it’s not likely! YouTube can only promote so many videos per day. You don’t get on YouTube to go “viral” — you get on YouTube to expand and organize your use of video in your communications and development strategies.