April showers bring... brilliant nonprofit animations! This month delivered some absolute gems that showcase the power of animation to tackle complex topics—from tree biology to mental health frameworks.

As a 2D animation studio specialising in charity animations and nonprofit explainer videos, we’re always thrilled to see visual storytelling used so well. Whether it’s hand-painted watercolours or clean vector lines, these animated videos remind us why animation is such a natural fit for mission-driven messages.

So, here are five standout nonprofit animations (plus one live-action nonprofit video) that caught our eye this month—or at least the ones we remembered to jot down before the caffeine wore off.

Leon! Animation Studio holds a sign reading “From Paper to Pixels: Animate Your Research…Start Here”

Best Policy Research Animation

Sustainable Behavior Shifts: The Missing Piece Policy Animation

World Resources Institute (WRI) brings us a thoughtful animation that reframes the climate conversation from individual responsibility to systemic solutions. Moving beyond carbon footprints to what they call "blueprints for change," this video uses a gorgeous hand-painted 2D illustration style that feels warm and approachable.

Person biking on a green lane in a city promoting sustainable transport

What makes this nonprofit animated video special is its soft watercolour aesthetic combined with a clear, solution-oriented message. The motion graphics studio behind it, Studio Misa, has created a visual language that feels organic and human—perfect for environmental storytelling.

Woman flying above and landing on a train in a cityscape with a plane overhead

The charity explainer video uses earthy tones—terracotta, greens, and muted oranges—to create a sense of calm while maintaining visual clarity. This approach delivers clear information with emotion, helping viewers understand that while individual actions matter, they're only one part of the solution.

Woman smiling while riding a train and looking out at a cityscape

As one commenter noted: "The video clearly shows how individual actions matter, but also how limited they are without systemic change... The 10% vs 90% stat was eye-opening."

Person crossing out dollar signs next to home solar panels labeled "Now Subsidized"

WRI effectively communicates that infrastructure, policies, and investments are essential to make sustainable choices feasible and impactful. At just over two minutes, this policy research animation packs a punch without overwhelming its audience.

Woman smiling and waving while riding a bicycle through a city

Best NGO Animation

Food Should Never be Trash NGO Animation

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) delivers a vibrant NGO animated video that tackles food waste with a distinctive mixed-media collage approach. Blending live-action cutouts with bold graphic elements, this 90-second animation challenges common misconceptions about household food waste.

This explainer video strikes a perfect balance between education and provocation: "You might be part of the 75% of Americans who think they waste less than they actually do."

Confused man surrounded by diverse faces and kitchen utensils over a U.S. map

What makes this NGO animation stand out is its scrapbook-like visual style—chaotic yet intentional—mirroring the urgency of the issue. The high-contrast colour schemes and layered textures create an eye-catching video that's impossible to ignore.

Pile of food with text highlighting $382 billion in waste

The explainer delivers sobering statistics: 40% of all food produced is wasted, costing American families an average of $1,500 annually. By framing food waste as an environmental issue (not just a financial one), WWF connects everyday decisions to broader conservation goals.

Collage-style illustration of a family in front of a house with the message "You can do something!"

With a conversational male voiceover and light, upbeat music, this NGO animation feels friendly rather than preachy—a smart approach for behaviour change messaging.

Collage-style scene of a diverse group enjoying a backyard meal with a banner that reads "Food Should Never Be Trash"

Much like how we try to sound smart in our blog posts, but usually just end up making dad jokes. (Speaking of which, did you hear about the animation that went to the doctor? It had motion sickness!🤪)

Leon! Animation Studio’s lion waves a wand at documents to magically turn them into a video. The caption says, “Cut the Jargon, Roll the Animation: See How.”

Best Healthcare Animation

THRIVE NHS Animation

We created this NHS animation for Oxleas NHS to explain how they support children’s mental health in South East London using the THRIVE adolescent mental health framework. With clean, character-led illustrations, our 2D animation studio turned a complex care model into something families can actually understand.

What makes this NHS animation shine is its clarity and care. The diverse, expressive characters are thoughtfully drawn and carefully animated—making the video feel warm, human, and easy to follow. Subtle movements and facial expressions bring each young character to life, helping the mental health message land with empathy and ease.

Unlike traditional models focused on diagnosis and severity, the THRIVE framework is needs-led, promoting timely, appropriate support across five levels of mental health needs. The NHS animation uses iconography (gears, checkmarks, diagrams) to visualise abstract concepts like "support" or "thriving."

Animated group of young people playing basketball on an outdoor court in a city

We went the extra mile to make this NHS animation geographically authentic—carefully recreating Bexleyheath Market and including subtle nods to the O2 Arena in the basketball court scene. Because nothing says "we understand your community" like a few local landmarks!

Cartoon family of four standing near a bus stop in front of a town hall building

With a voiceover by the brilliant Raphaela Obeng and smooth transitions, this NHS animation reinforces Oxleas' commitment to the "right support at the right time" and "no wrong door" approach. At just 70 seconds, it transforms healthcare jargon into something anyone can understand.

Cartoon group of five diverse young people jumping with raised hands in celebration

Best Education Animation

No One Knows What a Tree Is Explainer Video

TED-Ed—whose videos regularly land in our monthly nonprofit video roundups—brings us another masterclass in educational animation with this delightful deep dive into what actually makes a tree a tree. Animated by Evandro D’Hipolito, the video uses stylised 2D digital illustration with painterly textures and whimsical forms.

Cartoon illustration of various labeled trees including Palm, Bristlecone, Brazilian Grape, Joshua, Giant Baobab, and Banana

The explainer challenges common assumptions about what qualifies as a tree, decoding botanical definitions and growth patterns that distinguish true trees from lookalikes like palms and banana plants.

Stylized illustration of a park with vibrant trees, a bench, a lamppost, and power lines against a pink backdrop

What makes this nonprofit animation shine is its quirky, smart approach to science communication. With phrases like "tree-ish shapes" and "no shade to them" (when referring to non-trees), the script maintains scientific accuracy while keeping viewers hooked.

Cartoon-style landscape of a garden with green bushes, purple flowers, and stylized trees against a blue sky

The animation’s vibrant palette—teals, purples, greens, and pinks—adds warmth and clarity, making complex ideas feel surprisingly light.

Cartoon tree with red heart-shaped fruits surrounded by bushes and hills under a yellow sky

One viewer summed it up simply: “The art style of this was utterly fantastic.” Another responded to the title No one really knows what a tree is with deadpan brilliance: “Tree is what my table is made of.” Philosophical mystery... solved!

Leon! Animation Studio’s lion is under a spotlight and points directly at the camera. The caption reads, “Your Misson Deserves the Spotlight: Learn More”

Best Charity Animation

NSPCC Letting the Future In Charity Animation

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) delivers a breathtakingly beautiful animated charity video that shares a child survivor's healing journey through their therapeutic support programme, "Letting the Future In."

Person looking at their distorted reflection in water with hands on the ground

This charity animatiom uses a painterly, expressive style with soft, textured brushstrokes and a subdued colour palette to handle an incredibly sensitive topic with appropriate care. The animation agency behind it, Fred & Eric, demonstrates how video can address trauma without resorting to literal or graphic depictions.

Two people gazing at a glowing silhouette of a woman, with magical swirls in a dark starry background

What makes this explainer video powerful is its first-person narration: "I couldn't put everything into words, but I didn't have to." Visual metaphors—swirling reflections in water and glowing line art—represent internal emotional states, trauma, and healing.

Woman holding a flashlight leads a child through the dark while holding hands

At just 70 seconds, this charity explainer personalises the impact of therapeutic services while ending with a clear call to action: "Can you help children find the future they deserve?"

Girl looking at her reflection in the mirror with a soft smile

Bonus: Best Live-Action Nonprofit Video

Water Changes Everything SlipNSlide

Charity: Water delivers a masterclass in short-form content with this 16-second video that's equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. While we tend to spotlight animations in our roundups (we're a 2D animation studio, what can we say?), some live-action nonprofit videos are just too brilliant to ignore—like this gem that's generated 280,000 views.

Group of children wearing swim gear and goggles enjoying an outdoor summer activity

The video opens with kids cheering as a girl prepares to dive—only to reveal there's no pool, just a deflated mat. This comedic setup delivers a powerful twist that reflects the harsh reality faced by millions without access to clean water.

Children enjoying a summer water slide party in a backyard with floaties, beach balls, and water guns

With Olympic-style slow-motion and dramatic camera angles, this nonprofit video builds anticipation before the unexpected painful landing.

Close-up of a child wearing blue swim goggles lying on a yellow slip-and-slide

The contrast between expectation and reality drives home the message: "Water changes everything."

Animate Your Data: Leon! Animation Studio’s lion holds a magnifying glass over a document to turn it into a video. The caption says, “Simplify the Complex: Animate Your Data: Get Started”

April 2025's Standout Nonprofit Animations

This month's collection of nonprofit animated videos showcases the versatility of animation in tackling everything from environmental policy to childhood trauma. From WRI's watercolour vision of systemic change to NSPCC's painterly journey of healing, these videos prove that animation isn't just for Disney movies and cat memes (though we do love a good cat meme).

Whether using hand-drawn techniques, vector illustration, or mixed-media collage, these charity animations share one thing in common: they make you care about stuff you might have scrolled past otherwise.

We've also covered some amazing work in the past—check out January, February, and March’s roundups if you missed them. For even more inspiration, don’t miss our Best Nonprofit Videos of All Time and our our take on why explainer videos work so well for charities & NGOs.

Transform Your Message with Animation

Need your complex message to actually stick with audiences? Our 2D animation studio specialises in creating nonprofit and charity animations that cut through the noise.

At Leon! Animations, we've spent years perfecting the art of simplification without losing substance. Whether you're explaining policy changes, healthcare procedures, or fundraising initiatives, our animation services transform complicated ideas into stories that connect with your audience.

We'd love to chat about how a charity explainer video could bring your message to life. Get in touch with us today, and let's start creating something brilliant together. We promise to obsess over your local landmarks too—it's apparently our thing now.

Leon! Animation Studio’s lion holds a film camera with a reel of nonprofit videos in the background. The caption says, “Lights, Camera, Action for Your Nonprofit: Take a Look”

Best Nonprofit Animations of April 2025