In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, getting the word out about your nonprofit’s mission and impact can be challenging. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is a press release. Writing a compelling nonprofit press release doesn’t have to be complex—by following a few key strategies and including some practical examples, you’ll be well on your way to crafting effective releases that stand out.
This concise announcement can garner media attention, attract potential donors, and inform the community about your organization’s activities.
The Importance of a Press Release
Before we dive into the details of writing a press release, it’s important to understand why they matter.
A press release serves several key purposes:
- Visibility: It helps your nonprofit gain exposure in local and national media outlets.
- Credibility: Media coverage lends credibility to your organization, making you more appealing to potential donors and supporters.
- Engagement: A well-crafted press release engages the community and encourages involvement in your programs and events.
With these benefits in mind, let’s explore how to create a press release that stands out.
Step 1: Craft a Compelling Headline
Your headline is the first thing readers will see, so it needs to be catchy and informative. It should encapsulate the essence of your press release in a way that sparks interest.
Example:
If your nonprofit is hosting a fundraiser for a local food bank, a compelling headline might read:
“Local Nonprofit Hosts Fundraising Gala to Fight Hunger in [City Name]”.
This headline is clear and immediately informs the reader about the who, what, and where.
Step 2: Write an Engaging Lead Paragraph
After your headline, the lead paragraph is critical. This is where you answer the five Ws: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Your goal is to grab the reader’s attention and provide them with the essential details in a concise manner.
Example:
“[Your Nonprofit Name] is excited to announce its upcoming fundraising gala on [Date] at [Location]. This event aims to raise funds to support our initiative to provide meals to families in need in [City].
With the growing demand for food assistance, our gala will be a key part of our efforts to combat hunger in our community.”
This paragraph captures the essence of the event while addressing who is involved, what is happening, when and where it’s taking place, and why it’s important.
Step 3: Use Clear and Simple Language
When writing your press release, it’s essential to use simple and clear language.
Avoid jargon or overly technical terms that could confuse readers. Think about how you would explain your organization’s mission to a friend over coffee.
Tip:
Keep sentences short and to the point. For instance, instead of saying, “Our organization is striving to facilitate the eradication of food insecurity,” you might say, “We want to help families get the food they need.”
Step 4: Include a Story for Emotional Connection
To make your press release resonate even more, consider including a personal story that showcases the impact of your work.
People connect with stories; they are often more memorable than statistics alone.
Example Story:
Let’s say your nonprofit has been providing meals to families in need. You might include a story about a family that benefited from your program.
“Meet the Johnsons, a family of four who faced challenges after losing their primary source of income due to the pandemic. Thanks to our meal assistance program, they received nutritious meals every week, which allowed them to save money for rent and other essentials. Mrs. Johnson shared, ‘We couldn’t have made it without the support from [Your Nonprofit Name]. It’s more than just food; it’s hope for our family.’”
This story adds a human touch to your press release, allowing readers to see the real-life impact of your organization’s work.
Step 5: Provide Important Details and Facts
Once you’ve engaged your readers with a compelling story, follow it up with essential details about the event or program. This can include:
- Key statistics about the issue your nonprofit addresses
- Specific goals of the fundraiser or program
- How the community can get involved
Example:
“The gala will feature a silent auction, live entertainment, and a keynote address from [Guest Speaker’s Name], who has been an advocate for hunger relief for over a decade. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to help us provide over 10,000 meals to families in need this year.”
Including statistics and specific goals provides readers with a sense of urgency and importance regarding your cause.
Step 6: Use Quotes for Authenticity
Adding a quote from a key individual in your organization can enhance your press release. This could be from the Executive Director, a board member, or someone directly impacted by your work. Quotes add authenticity and can convey your organization’s passion.
Example:
“‘Hunger is a pressing issue in our community, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help,’ said [Executive Director’s Name]. ‘Every ticket purchased for the gala will directly support families who are struggling. Together, we can make a difference.’”
A quote like this gives a voice to your mission and highlights the importance of community involvement.
Step 7: End with a Clear Call to Action
After sharing the details of your press release, conclude with a clear call to action. This is your opportunity to guide readers on what to do next, whether it’s buying tickets, donating, or volunteering.
Example:
“Join us in the fight against hunger! Tickets for the gala are available now at [Website URL]. Your support can help us provide meals to families in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community!”
A strong call to action motivates readers to take immediate steps in support of your organization.
Step 8: Include Contact Information and a Boilerplate
At the end of your press release, provide your contact information so that journalists can reach out for more details. Include a name, phone number, and email address.
Additionally, include a boilerplate—a brief description of your nonprofit. This gives context to your organization and its mission.
Example of Boilerplate:
“[Your Nonprofit Name] is dedicated to fighting hunger and providing support to families in need in [City]. Since [Year], we have worked to ensure that no one goes hungry, providing over [Number] meals to our community each year.”
Putting It All Together: A Sample Press Release
Here’s how everything comes together in a complete press release:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Your Nonprofit Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Local Nonprofit Hosts Fundraising Gala to Fight Hunger in [City Name]
[City, Date] — [Your Nonprofit Name] is excited to announce its upcoming fundraising gala on [Date] at [Location]. This event aims to raise funds to support our initiative to provide meals to families in need in [City]. With the growing demand for food assistance, our gala will be a key part of our efforts to combat hunger in our community.
Meet the Johnsons, a family of four who faced challenges after losing their primary source of income due to the pandemic. Thanks to our meal assistance program, they received nutritious meals every week, which allowed them to save money for rent and other essentials. Mrs. Johnson shared, “We couldn’t have made it without the support from [Your Nonprofit Name]. It’s more than just food; it’s hope for our family.”
The gala will feature a silent auction, live entertainment, and a keynote address from [Guest Speaker’s Name], who has been an advocate for hunger relief for over a decade. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to help us provide over 10,000 meals to families in need this year.
“Hunger is a pressing issue in our community, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help,” said [Executive Director’s Name]. “Every ticket purchased for the gala will directly support families who are struggling. Together, we can make a difference.”
Join us in the fight against hunger! Tickets for the gala are available now at [Website URL]. Your support can help us provide meals to families in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact in our community!
About [Your Nonprofit Name]:
[Your Nonprofit Name] is dedicated to fighting hunger and providing support to families in need in [City]. Since [Year], we have worked to ensure that no one goes hungry, providing over [Number] meals to our community each year.
Take Action Today
Writing an effective press release for your nonprofit doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By keeping your message clear, engaging, and story-driven, you can make a lasting impression on readers and encourage support for your cause.
Use these steps as a guide to share your impactful stories, build awareness, and grow your network of supporters.
For more expert tips and resources on nonprofit communications, subscribe to the Nonprofit Navigators Newsletter! You’ll receive exclusive access to job opportunities, grant announcements, webinars, events, and much more to help your organization thrive.
Don’t miss out on the latest strategies to enhance your nonprofit’s visibility and influence.
Sign up today and stay connected with a community of like-minded nonprofit professionals!
>>>>Additional Resources>>>>>
- The Small Business’s Guide to Winning Grants
- Request for Proposal Success: How to Write Proposals That Win
- The Ultimate Guide to Federal Grant Applications: Techniques for Success
- Digital Marketing for Nonprofits: A Comprehensive Guide to Boosting Your Impact Online
- Mastering Online Fundraising: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Digital Success
