A well-written press release has the power to make a nonprofit organization more visible, attract supporters, and motivate action. Whether it’s announcing a fundraiser, new initiative, or achievement, a press release must be concise, clear, and engaging. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating an effective nonprofit press release.
Begin with a Strong Headline
Your headline must be engaging and informative. It must encapsulate the major message of your press release in a few words. For instance:
“Local Nonprofit Introduces Program to Deliver Free Meals to Needy Families”
A good headline makes journalists and readers want to read more.
Create a Brief and Powerful Lead Paragraph
The most critical information should be placed in the first paragraph: the who, what, when, where, why, and how (or the 5Ws and 1H). Keep it concise.
Example:
[Nonprofit Name] is introducing a new program on [Date] to deliver free meals to low-income families in [Location]. With the help of [Partners], the program will feed more than [Number] families per month.
Offer Supporting Details in the Body
The succeeding paragraphs should elaborate the main points set forth in the introductory paragraph. Include:
Backstory of the nonprofit entity.
Why the initiative or activity is significant.
Key stakeholders’ (e.g., executive director, volunteers, or beneficiaries’) quotations.
Any appropriate statistics or meaningful anecdotes.
Example quote:
Our mission is to make sure that no family in our community ever has to go hungry,” stated [Executive Director’s Name], Executive Director of [Nonprofit Name]. “This program will truly impact the lives of those who need it.
Add a Call to Action
Ask readers to do something, whether it’s coming to an event, giving a donation, or sharing the word. Be specific about what you want them to do.
Example:
For more on how you can contribute to the initiative, call [Contact Number] or click here to access [Nonprofit Website].
Add a Boilerplate
A boilerplate is an ending paragraph within the press release containing background about your nonprofit organization. It has to include:
The mission statement of the nonprofit.
The foundation year.
Tentative major accomplishments.
URL to the website.
Example
About [Nonprofit Name]: Founded in [Year], [Nonprofit Name] is dedicated to [Mission Statement]. Over the years, we have [Key Achievements]. To learn more, visit [Website].
Format Properly
To ensure your press release looks professional:
Use a standard font like Times New Roman or Arial (12 pt).
Keep it between 300-500 words.
Use clear and concise language.
Include “###” or “-END-” at the bottom to signify the end of the release.
Distribute Effectively
Once your press release is drafted, send it out via:
Local and national media.
Online press release distribution websites.
Social media and your nonprofit’s website.
Email newsletters to your stakeholders and supporters.
To reach an even wider audience, you can use sites such as QuickPR to send out your press release in an efficient manner.
By doing the above, you can write a press release that will positively promote your nonprofit’s work and attract the kind of attention that it deserves.