Nonprofit Press Release Examples 

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Press releases play a vital role for nonprofit and charity 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 or a charity 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.

What Is a Nonprofit/Charity Press Release?

A non-profit press release is an official written statement issued by a non-profit organization to media outlets and the public to announce newsworthy information about the organization’s activities, achievements, initiatives, or events. These releases serve to generate publicity, raise awareness about the organization’s mission and programs, attract donors and volunteers, and build credibility within the community.

Typical subjects include fundraising campaigns, new partnerships, event announcements, program launches, impact reports, leadership changes, or responses to current issues relevant to the organization’s cause.

Unlike commercial press releases that focus on products or profits, non-profit press releases emphasize social impact, community benefit, and mission-driven outcomes, while maintaining the standard journalistic format of a headline, dateline, lead paragraph answering the “who, what, when, where, why,” supporting details, quotes from key stakeholders, and contact information for media inquiries.

Example #1: Nonprofit launches fundraising campaign

Example #2: Announcement of a nonprofit event

Example #3: Foundation gives $125,000 to nonprofit

Example #4: Provider of nonprofit technology announces award for nonprofit trailblazers

Example #5: Company creates new nonprofit consulting group

Example #6: Foundation releases annual industry report

Example #7: Foundation awarded grant

Example #8: Nonprofit event to honor holocaust survivors

Example #9: Ball to raise funds for cause

Example #10: Foundation announces awards challenge to support nonprofits

Example #11: Company to donate 10 billion meals

Example #12: Company celebrates 90-year partnership with United Way

How to Write a Nonprofit Press Release

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:

  1. 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 conveys the achievement and the organization’s cause.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Structure Your Press Release Well:

    Use the inverted pyramid style: put the most newsworthy information first, then important details, and finally, general information and background.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Build Relationships with Journalists:

    Customize your pitches, ensure your copy is error-free, and be mindful of journalists’ schedules and preferences.

  11. Distribute Your Press Release to Targeted Journalists:

    We recommend using a press release distribution service to reach highly targeted media, influencers, and bloggers, increasing 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.

8 Nonprofit Press Release Templates

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:

1: Template for Celebrating a Nonprofit Anniversary:

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 2026, [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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

2. Template for Announcing a New Community Program:

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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

3. Template for Reporting a Successful Charity Fundraising Event:

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 {date}, 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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

4. Template for Announcing a Strategic Partnership:

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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

5. Template for Highlighting Volunteer Efforts/Charitable Service:

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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

6. Template for Reporting a Major Donation or Grant:

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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

7. Template for Announcing a New Not For Profit Executive Appointment:

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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

8. Template for Launching a New Research or Charitable Advocacy Campaign:

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:
[Contact Name]
[Title]
[Phone Number]
[Email]

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.

50 Reasons for a Nonprofit to Create a Press Release

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:

  1. Announcing a New Program or Initiative: Launching a new project or service that aligns with the nonprofit’s mission.
  2. Fundraising Events: Promoting upcoming galas, charity auctions, or donation drives.
  3. Milestone Celebrations: Marking significant anniversaries or achievements.
  4. Partnership Announcements: Revealing collaborations with other organizations or businesses.
  5. Grant Awards: Sharing news about receiving grants from government entities or foundations.
  6. Executive Appointments: Announcing new leadership or changes in the board of directors.
  7. Research Findings: Releasing results of studies or surveys conducted by the nonprofit.
  8. Policy Advocacy: Taking a stand on policy issues relevant to the nonprofit’s mission.
  9. Event Recaps: Summarizing the outcomes of recently held events or campaigns.
  10. Volunteer Drives: Seeking volunteers for upcoming projects or initiatives.
  11. Educational Workshops or Seminars: Promoting training or educational events for the community.
  12. Annual Reports: Highlighting achievements and financials from the past year.
  13. Crisis Response: Addressing emergencies or crises that impact the nonprofit or its mission.
  14. Beneficiary Stories: Sharing success stories or testimonials from those served by the nonprofit.
  15. Community Outreach Programs: Announcing new efforts to engage or support the local community.
  16. Legislative Changes: Reacting to new laws or regulations that affect the nonprofit’s field.
  17. Award Recognition: Publicizing awards or honors received by the organization or its staff.
  18. Capital Campaigns: Launching major fundraising efforts for specific projects.
  19. Charitable Collaboration: Working with other nonprofits or agencies for a common cause.
  20. New Services or Products: Introducing new offerings that support the nonprofit’s mission.
  21. Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about specific issues or causes.
  22. Staff Achievements: Highlighting significant accomplishments of team members.
  23. International Expansion: Announcing the nonprofit’s growth or activities in new countries.
  24. Strategic Plan Announcements: Outlining the organization’s goals and strategies for the future.
  25. Sustainability Initiatives: Sharing efforts towards environmental sustainability.
  26. Cultural Events: Promoting arts, culture, or heritage-related events and programs.
  27. Technology Updates: Implementing new technology solutions or platforms in the organization.
  28. Scholarship Programs: Announcing scholarships or educational support initiatives.
  29. Major Donations Received: Acknowledging significant gifts from donors.
  30. Health and Safety Initiatives: Addressing public health or safety concerns through programs or campaigns.
  31. Youth Programs: Launching or updating programs targeted at children or adolescents.
  32. Legal Developments: Reacting to legal cases or decisions affecting the nonprofit’s area of work.
  33. Mergers or Acquisitions: Merging with or acquiring other nonprofits or entities.
  34. Community Surveys: Releasing findings from surveys conducted within the community.
  35. Holiday or Seasonal Campaigns: Season-specific initiatives, like winter holiday drives.
  36. Special Day Observances: Participating in or observing international days relevant to the nonprofit’s cause.
  37. Publications Release: Publishing reports, books, or other significant publications.
  38. Expansion of Facilities: Opening new offices, centers, or facilities.
  39. Service Milestones: Celebrating significant levels of service delivery or impact.
  40. Guest Speaker Announcements: Promoting events featuring notable speakers or experts.
  41. Organizational Restructuring: Announcing changes in the structure or strategy of the organization.
  42. Financial Transparency Initiatives: Sharing efforts to enhance financial transparency and accountability.
  43. Conferences and Conventions: Hosting or participating in major conferences or conventions.
  44. Social Media Campaigns: Launching significant campaigns on social media platforms.
  45. Advocacy Campaign Results: Sharing the outcomes of advocacy or lobbying efforts.
  46. Community Awards: Recognizing community members or organizations that align with the nonprofit’s mission.
  47. Response to Current Events: Addressing how current events impact the nonprofit’s field.
  48. Collaborative Research Projects: Announcing joint research initiatives with academic institutions or other organizations.
  49. Employee or Volunteer Recognition: Honoring outstanding contributions by staff or volunteers.
  50. Call to Action for Public Support: Urging public support for petitions, movements, or campaigns related to the nonprofit’s cause.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nonprofit Press Releases

What makes a nonprofit press release different from a corporate one?

Nonprofit press releases focus on social impact, community benefit, and mission-driven outcomes rather than products or profits. They emphasize how the organization’s work helps people or addresses societal issues, and often include calls to action for donations, volunteering, or attendance at events. The tone is more mission-focused and community-oriented.

How do I know if my charity’s news is actually newsworthy?

Your news is newsworthy if it passes the “so what” test—meaning people outside your organization would care about it. Strong press release topics include launching new programs, fundraising milestones, partnership announcements, grant awards, research findings, major events, leadership changes, or impact reports. If it’s only interesting to your internal team, it may not warrant a press release.

What should I include in the headline?

Your headline should be compelling, concise (under 10-12 words), and clearly summarize the news. Use active language and lead with the achievement or announcement. For example: “Annual Fundraiser Raises Over $50,000 for Children’s Hospital” immediately tells readers what happened and why it matters.

How long should my nonprofit press release be?

Keep it to one page or 300-600 words. Journalists are busy and won’t read lengthy releases. Include only the essential information: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Make every sentence count.

What goes in the first paragraph?

The opening paragraph should answer the 5 Ws and 1 H (who, what, when, where, why, how) and grab attention immediately. It should be engaging enough to pass the “so what” test and make readers want to continue. This is your opportunity to humanize your story and create curiosity.

Do I need quotes in my press release?

Yes, quotes add a personal touch and authenticity. Include quotes from relevant stakeholders like your executive director, program leaders, beneficiaries, or partners. Quotes should provide insight, emotion, or context that you can’t convey in the factual portions of the release—not just repeat information already stated.

What’s a boilerplate, and do I need one?

A boilerplate is a brief (2-4 sentence) “About Us” section that appears at the end of every press release. It should include your organization’s mission, founding year, major achievements, and what makes you unique. Once written, you can reuse it across all press releases with minor updates.

How far in advance should I send my press release?

For events, send your press release 4-6 weeks in advance to give media outlets time to plan coverage. For time-sensitive announcements, such as breaking news or immediate responses, send as soon as possible. For general announcements, 1-2 weeks ahead is typical.

Where should I send my press release?

Target journalists and media outlets that cover your cause or local area. This includes local newspapers, community publications, TV and radio stations, relevant bloggers, and industry-specific media. Consider using a press release distribution service to reach targeted journalists at scale rather than sending individual emails.

Can I write my press release in first person?

No. Press releases should always be written in the third person, as if a journalist wrote about your organization. Refer to your nonprofit by name (e.g., “Community Literacy Foundation announced…”) rather than using “we” or “our.” This maintains journalistic credibility.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in nonprofit press releases?

Avoid being too promotional or sales-y, using jargon or insider language, burying the news in later paragraphs, including irrelevant information, forgetting contact information, using poor grammar and typos, and making it too long. Also, avoid overly formatted releases with excessive bold text, ALL CAPS, or multiple fonts.

Should I include images or multimedia?

Yes, when possible. Include high-quality photos of your work in action, event photos, infographics showing impact data, or videos. Visual content makes your release more engaging and increases the likelihood of media coverage. Make sure you have the rights to use all images, and they’re properly captioned.

What if I’ve never written a press release before?

Start with one of the templates on this page to guide your structure. Fill in your specific information following the template format, then customize it to sound natural and compelling. Don’t be afraid to look at successful examples from other nonprofits in your field.

Do nonprofit press releases actually work?

Yes, when done well. Press releases can generate media coverage, attract donors and volunteers, build credibility, improve search engine visibility, and expand your reach—all at relatively low cost. However, only 3.15% of press releases get published, so quality and targeting matter significantly.

What should I do after sending my press release?

Monitor media coverage and track where your release gets picked up. Engage with outlets that cover your story on social media. Be prepared to respond to journalists’ inquiries quickly. Share any coverage on your organization’s channels. Use what you learn to improve future releases.

Can I use my press release on my website and social media?

Absolutely. Post it to your website’s news or media section, share excerpts on social media with links to the full release, include it in newsletters, and repurpose key points across your marketing channels. This extends the value beyond just media outreach.

Don’t Forget That You Need to Distribute Your Press Release to the Right People

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.

What Are You Announcing? Examples and Templates by Type of Press Release

  1. Launching a New Product
  2. Launching a Product Improvement
  3. An Event
  4. A Grand Opening
  5. Achievement of a Major Milestone
  6. Receipt of an Award or Recognition
  7. A New Hire or Promotion
  8. Dealing With a Crisis
  9. A Partnership With Another Organization
  10. An Acquisition or Merger
  11. Social Cause Activities
  12. Release of a New Book
  13. Political Campaign Activities
  14. Music-Related Announcement
  15. School/University Announcements
  16. Media, Network, and Local Station Announcements
  17. Announce an Art Exhibition
  18. Press Release for a Movie
  19. Press Releases for Tech Firms
  20. How to Distribute Law Firm Press Releases
  21. Press Release for Fashion Distribution Services
  22. 16 Press Release Examples For Unions to Use [+ 3 Templates]
  23. App Press Release Examples and Templates
  24. Magazine Press Release Examples and Templates

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