How to Write a Nonprofit Press Release (with template)

Want to get the word out about something important at your nonprofit? A press release can be the perfect attention-getter for your organization. Not sure how to write a nonprofit press release? We’ve got you covered. Read on to learn about the anatomy of a press release plus helpful tips for completing each section. 

What is a nonprofit press release?  

A press release is a news story that your organization writes about itself then sends to media outlets in the hope that the story will run in their newspaper or during their broadcast. Nonprofit press releases are often short, to the point, and summarize a major event or need with just the most basic facts. 

How to write a nonprofit press release 

When you start writing your nonprofit press release it helps to work from a template with an understanding of what each part of the press release is all about. We break down the anatomy of a nonprofit press release below. You can also download the press release template. 

The anatomy of a nonprofit press release 

Release time

The release time refers to when the press release can be publicized if a media outlet picks up your story. Most nonprofit press releases are set for immediate release when you submit your story to news outlets. This is noted at the top of the press release and tells journalists when it’s okay to publish this news story. 

Headline

The headline is a single line that entices readers to keep reading and shares the most important information contained in the press release. Your headline should be catchy, informative, and include keywords that make it easy to search for. Consider the kind of information that journalists would want to write about and include those search terms in your headline where they make sense. 

Sub-headline

The sub-headline elaborates on the main headline and makes the topic of the press release clearer.  

Lead paragraph

The lead paragraph starts with a date line, which includes the city and state the news story is from and the date the story was written. Then, the most important information follows the dateline. The lead paragraph answers the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions of your press release. 

Body paragraphs

The body paragraphs after the lead paragraph further explain why the announcement is necessary and newsworthy. These body paragraphs should include more information on what you’re sharing. 

Quotes

You’ll want to include quotes in your body paragraph from people closely connected to the news story you’re releasing. These quotes should come from executives, those you serve, or those you’re partnering with to explain the importance of your story. 

Boilerplate

The boilerplate section comes after you’ve shared your story and is a few sentences about your nonprofit organization. You should include your nonprofit name, your mission, and even share helpful statistics about the impact you have on your community. 

Contact information

Lastly, you want to include contact information for the person that handles media inquiries at your nonprofit organization. This is the person who will answer any follow up questions regarding the story you’re pitching to media outlets. Your nonprofit press release may inspire a journalist to write your story, so prepare this person with all of the information they need to answer any interview questions from journalists. 

Final thoughts

Now that you know the anatomy of a nonprofit press release and how to write compelling content for each section, you’re ready to promote your newsworthy information about your nonprofit to different news outlets. Good luck pitching your stories to the various media outlets that report in your service area. If you need a refresher on the anatomy of a press release, or need an example to visualize how writing one works, download our nonprofit press release template.

Want your nonprofit marketing to do more? Check out these other great articles to promote your organization:

• 8 Nonprofit Branding Strategies to Help Your Nonprofit Design with Impact
• How to Promote a Fundraiser Like a Pro
• Free Tools to Help You Create the Best Nonprofit Social Media Campaigns