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Press releases play a vital role for nonprofit organizations, allowing them to get vital publicity to help the achieve their causes, increase donations, and build their impact on the community.
If you’re an employee or volunteer for a nonprofit organization and need to write a press release, you’ve come to the right place.
On this page you’ll find:
This sample is part of a larger collection of press release examples.
Climate Nonprofit Raises $1.2 Million by Reimagining Climate Havens for Marginalized Communities SEATTLE, Dec. 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Hip Hop is Green—the leading hip hop nonprofit that fights climate change and promotes holistic wellness—announced that it has raised $1.2 million in 2023 to create a community climate refuge for marginalized communities across America. Called Cherry Street Farm, this hydroponic farm and educational lab—founded in hip hop culture—distributes healthy food, builds the resilience of marginalized communities against climate change, and provides emotional refuge while also educating youth of color about the environment. Hip Hop is Green earned grants to support these efforts from the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning, Office of Planning and Community Development, Department of Community and Human Services—as well as King County and the Seattle Foundation. “Marginalized communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis can survive, if we put in the work—and we deeply appreciate the support of communities and partners across America,” said Keith Tucker, Founder and Executive Director of Hip Hop is Green. “More than survive, our goal is to ensure our communities thrive through holistic health and wellness. That’s the true meaning of a climate haven.” As part of its national “More than Exist” campaign, the nonprofit will also launch a podcast featuring icons in the entertainment industry, food experts, environmental justice activists, mental health advocates, and more. Sign up for updates here. About Hip Hop is Green Contact: Funders/Partnerships: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE China Clipper 75th Anniversary Commemorative Flight, World’s First Commercial Transoceanic Flight, Announced by San Francisco Aeronautical Society SAN FRANCISCO, April 10 /PRNewswire/ — The San Francisco Aeronautical Society, in conjunction with the Pan Am Historical Foundation, is pleased to announce a major event commemorating what is generally regarded as the greatest milestone in commercial aviation history. November will mark the 75th anniversary of the famous China Clipper flight which opened the Pacific to the world’s first regular transoceanic commercial air service. Today people cross oceans in airplanes without even a second thought, but in 1935 that very first commercial transoceanic flight was a mammoth undertaking that presaged modern international travel. The year is 1935. As Pan American Airways plans its historic attempt to conquer the Pacific, the world is in a deep economic depression. Franklin Roosevelt has just been elected President of the United States – and will remain so for an unprecedented 4 terms. There are only 48 states in the Union. Alaska and Hawaii will not be added for almost 30 years. Prohibition has been repealed and thanks to Hollywood, New York’s Empire State building will forever have King Kong associated with it. The establishment of the trans-Pacific route by Pan American Airways, a mere 32 years after the Wright Brothers’ Kitty Hawk success, overcame the greatest technological, geographical and navigational challenges of the day. Their fleet of flying boats captured the world’s imagination as they ushered in the age of global air travel. The China Clipper 75th Anniversary Flight will retrace the Pacific Route that departed San Francisco to reach Hong Kong via Honolulu, Midway, Wake, Guam, and Manila – albeit with a modern aircraft. VIP functions will be held at each port of call. A web site has been created to provide information on the history of the Clippers and the commemorative flight. The San Francisco Aeronautical Society is a not-for-profit volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history of aviation. Photo, courtesy Pacific Aerial Surveys: Caption: A Boeing B-314 flies over San Francisco Bay, with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on the lower left. Yerba Buena Island and Treasure Island are on the lower right. The harbor between was called Port of the Trade Winds and was the home port of the flying boats. For more information, contact: Peter I. Volny SOURCE: The San Francisco Aeronautical Society # # # |
The Georgia Natural Gas Foundation Presents $125,000 Gift to Sheltering Arms to Support Early Childhood Education ATLANTA, Nov. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Children in Georgia will have a more equitable start thanks to a $125,000 gift to Sheltering Arms from the Georgia Natural Gas Foundation to help provide high-quality, equitable early childhood education and family support services. This is in line with the GNG Foundation’s mission to support children and education, enhancing access and equity for youth in the communities it serves. Rick Warren (Sheltering Arms, Board Chair), Blythe Keeler Robinson (Sheltering Arms CEO and President), Serena Levy, Maurice Baker, Jesse Killings (Georgia Natural Gas Foundation) “We are grateful for this incredible gift,” said Blythe Keeler Robinson, president and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers. “For over 135 years, Sheltering Arms has brought families together to offer learning opportunities. This gift will help us continue our mission for the families in Atlanta.” The mission of Sheltering Arms is to close opportunity gaps stemming from systemic racism by transforming the lives of children and their families. Sheltering Arms provides high–quality early education, childcare and comprehensive family support services to up to 3,500 children and their families annually at 13 metropolitan Atlanta locations in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. On average, children attending Sheltering Arms score in the 90th percentile for language and literacy, exceeding developmental milestones for kindergarten readiness. About the Georgia Natural Gas Foundation The Georgia Natural Gas Foundation is a subsidiary of the Southern Company Gas Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, committed to supporting those who are transforming and improving the lives of communities throughout Georgia. About Southern Company Gas Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com. About Sheltering Arms Sheltering Arms is the longest–established and one of the largest nonprofit early childhood education organizations in Georgia, providing high–quality early education, child care, and comprehensive family support services since 1888. The agency serves up to 3,000 annually and their families at 13 metropolitan Atlanta locations in Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties and consistently meets accreditation standards by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. On average, children attending Sheltering Arms score in the 90th percentile for language and literacy, exceeding developmental milestones for kindergarten readiness. Visit shelteringarmsforkids.com for more information. |
Writing a press release for a nonprofit involves a few key elements and steps to ensure that it is effective and engaging for the audience:
Craft a Compelling Headline: Your headline should be eye-catching, concise, and summarize the story. For instance, a headline like “Annual Fundraiser Raises Over $50,000 for Children’s Hospital” immediately indicates the achievement and the cause of the organization.
Develop a Strong Lead Sentence: The opening sentence should grab attention and be concise, building upon the headline and expanding on the key points of your story.
Include a Dateline: This might seem minor, but it’s important to include a clear and accurate dateline, featuring the city, state, and date, in a consistent format.
Integrate Quotes in the Body: The body of the press release should communicate your organization’s goals and explain why the story is newsworthy, focusing on relevant information and important details. Use direct quotes from experts to give readers an insight into the scale of your work.
Add Visuals and Assets: Including your organization’s logo and media contact information is crucial. Embedding social media posts directly into your press release can make it stand out.
Provide Contact and Boilerplate Information: The last paragraph should include organizational information, like an “About Us” section, and media contact details. Include names, email addresses, phone numbers, website URLs, and social media handles.
Structure Your Press Release Well: Use the inverted pyramid style, with the most newsworthy information first, followed by important details, and then general information and background.
Make Your Press Release Social and Shareable: Include photos or videos, social media handles, and ensure mobile compatibility. Focus on distribution by reaching out to specific journalists and amplifying your coverage on social media and your website.
Add Extra Elements to Your Story: Include powerful quotes, case studies, testimonials, and hard numbers to support your announcement. Photos and videos are a bonus.
Build Relationships with Journalists: Customize your pitches, ensure your copy is error-free, and be mindful of journalists’ schedules and preferences.
Distribute your Press Release to Targeted Journalists: We recommend using a press release distribution service to expand your press release distribution to highly targeted members of the media, influencers, and bloggers to increase your impact.
Remember, a good nonprofit press release tells a story that resonates with your audience and provides them with necessary context and compelling reasons to care about your cause.
We know that it’s always easier to write a press release when you can plug your information into a template. So, here are eight press release templates for different scenarios for a nonprofit organization:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name] Celebrates [Milestone] Years of Community Service and Impact [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], a pivotal organization in [sector/field], is excited to mark its [milestone]-year anniversary. Established in 2024, [Nonprofit Name] has been dedicated to [core mission and activities]. Throughout the past [number] years, [Nonprofit Name] has achieved [key milestones and impacts], significantly benefiting the [specific community or cause]. “[Quote from a senior nonprofit official about the anniversary’s significance and vision for the future],” said [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. In honor of this anniversary, [Nonprofit Name] will be hosting [details about anniversary events or community initiatives]. For more information about [Nonprofit Name] and its [milestone] years of dedication, please visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name] Launches New Program to Support [Target Community/Issue] [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], a nonprofit organization committed to [mission or cause], announces the launch of a new program, [Program Name], aimed at [program’s goal or target group]. “[Quote from nonprofit leader about the importance and expected impact of the new program],” states [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. [Program Name] will offer [brief description of the program’s activities and services] to address [specific community needs or issues]. The program officially kicks off on [start date], with [details about the inaugural event or activity]. For more details about [Program Name] and how to participate or contribute, please visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name]’s [Event Name] Raises [Amount] for [Cause] [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], a nonprofit working towards [mission or cause], successfully concluded its annual event, [Event Name], raising a remarkable [amount] to support [specific cause or project]. The event, held on March 2024., saw [number] participants and featured [highlights of the event, like guest speakers, activities, etc.]. “[Quote from an event organizer or nonprofit leader about the event’s success and its significance for the nonprofit’s goals],” mentioned [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. Funds raised through [Event Name] will be allocated for [specific projects or initiatives within the nonprofit]. To learn more about [Nonprofit Name] and its upcoming events, please visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name] Partners with [Partner Organization Name] to Expand [Cause/Service] [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], a renowned nonprofit organization focused on [cause/mission], is proud to announce a strategic partnership with [Partner Organization Name], a leader in [partner’s field or specialty]. This collaboration aims to [main goal or objective of the partnership, e.g., enhance services, reach more beneficiaries, etc.]. “[Quote from a leader in your organization about the importance and potential impact of the partnership],” said [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. The partnership will involve [brief description of what the partnership entails, such as joint programs, shared resources, etc.] and is expected to [specific outcomes or benefits of the partnership]. For more details about this partnership and its initiatives, please visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name]’s Volunteers Make a Significant Impact in [Community/Cause] [City, Date] – Volunteers at [Nonprofit Name], a nonprofit dedicated to [cause/mission], have made a remarkable impact in [community or cause] through [specific volunteer activity or event]. Over [time period], [number] volunteers have dedicated [number] hours to [describe the volunteer work done], benefitting [describe who or what benefited, e.g., individuals, environment, etc.]. “[Quote about the value and impact of the volunteers’ efforts],” expressed [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. [Nonprofit Name] extends heartfelt thanks to its volunteers and invites the community to join upcoming volunteer initiatives. To learn more about volunteering with [Nonprofit Name] and upcoming opportunities, visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name] Receives Generous Donation/Grant from [Donor/Grantor Name] to Support [Specific Initiative] [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to [cause/mission], is thrilled to announce a significant donation/grant from [Donor/Grantor Name], a [description of donor/grantor, e.g., renowned philanthropist, major corporation, etc.]. This generous donation/grant of [amount] will be instrumental in advancing [describe the specific project or initiative the funds will support]. “[Quote from a representative of your nonprofit expressing gratitude and detailing the impact of the donation/grant],” said [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. The funds will be allocated towards [briefly describe the intended use and expected outcomes of the donation/grant]. For more information about [Nonprofit Name] and its initiatives, please visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name] Welcomes [New Executive’s Name] as [Position Title] [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], an organization committed to [cause/mission], is delighted to announce the appointment of [New Executive’s Name] as its new [Position Title]. [New Executive’s Name], who brings a wealth of experience in [relevant field or sector], will lead [describe key areas of responsibility or upcoming projects/initiatives]. “[Quote from the new executive or a senior representative of the nonprofit about the appointment and future goals],” stated [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. [Brief background of the new executive, including previous roles, accomplishments, and qualifications]. The team at [Nonprofit Name] looks forward to [New Executive’s Name]’s leadership and contributions to [specific goals or mission of the nonprofit]. For further details about [Nonprofit Name] and its team, visit [website]. Contact Information: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [Nonprofit Name] Launches [Campaign Name] to Address [Issue/Challenge] [City, Date] – [Nonprofit Name], a leader in [sector/field related to the campaign], is proud to announce the launch of its new campaign, [Campaign Name], aimed at tackling [specific issue or challenge]. [Campaign Name] seeks to [describe the primary goals and activities of the campaign]. “[Quote from a leader within the organization highlighting the importance and objectives of the campaign],” mentioned [Name], [Position] at [Nonprofit Name]. The campaign will include [outline key components of the campaign, such as community involvement, research activities, public awareness efforts, etc.]. To get involved or learn more about [Campaign Name], please visit [website]. Contact Information: |
We hope you find these templates valuable. Of course, each template needs to be customized with specific details about the nonprofit organization, its mission, achievements, and upcoming plans, to effectively communicate with the media and public.
If you’re a nonprofit who’s sold on the concept of using the power of press releases to build your impact, get more donors, get more volunteers, and get existing donors to donate more, you may be looking for good reasons to write a press release.
We hear you, here are 50 nonprofit press release ideas:
Each of these reasons presents an opportunity for a nonprofit to engage with the public, donors, and stakeholders, keeping them informed and involved in the organization’s activities and mission.
The examples and templates found on this page work for all types of nonprofits and foundations, including:
Each type of nonprofit serves a unique purpose and plays a vital role in addressing various societal needs and issues.
The first step in writing a press release is to set your press release up properly.
Get this free template to write your press release in Microsoft Word.
Or, if you prefer, try this ffree template to write your press release in Google Docs.
Structure a successful press release.
Write your press releases using the proper format.
Write press release headlines that work.
Create your powerful lead then continue writing your press release in inverted-pyramid style.
Include a quote in your press release to add a personal touch.
End your press releases the right way.
Optimize your press release for SEO so it can be found in the search engines.
Review your press release to get even better results.
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Are you uncomfortable writing your own press release? We totally understand. That’s why we offer professional press release writing services for as little as $300. Learn more about our professional press release writing services.
Even the best press release is useless unless the right people receive it! That’s our specialty – custom distributing press releases to the reporters, editors, bloggers, and influencers most likely to pick up and publish your press release, or even better, to write their own story about you. Learn more about our press release distribution services here.
And, just because I know you’ll appreciate them, here are another 15+ great press release examples for situations you may encounter.
Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release: