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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:
- 15 nonprofit press release examples
- Keys to write a press release for a nonprofit
- 8 nonprofit press release templates you can use as a foundation for your press release
- Links to press release examples from other industries
- What Are You Announcing? Examples and Templates by Type of Press Release
- Additional resources to help in press release writing and distribution
This sample is part of a larger collection of press release examples.
Example #1: Nonprofit raises $1.2 million
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
Keys to Writing 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:
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.
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 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: |
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: |
3. Template for Reporting a Successful 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: |
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: |
5. Template for Highlighting Volunteer Efforts/Community 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: |
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: |
7. Template for Announcing a New 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: |
8. Template for Launching a New Research or 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: |
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:
- Announcing a New Program or Initiative: Launching a new project or service that aligns with the nonprofit’s mission.
- Fundraising Events: Promoting upcoming galas, charity auctions, or donation drives.
- Milestone Celebrations: Marking significant anniversaries or achievements.
- Partnership Announcements: Revealing collaborations with other organizations or businesses.
- Grant Awards: Sharing news about receiving grants from government entities or foundations.
- Executive Appointments: Announcing new leadership or changes in the board of directors.
- Research Findings: Releasing results of studies or surveys conducted by the nonprofit.
- Policy Advocacy: Taking a stand on policy issues relevant to the nonprofit’s mission.
- Event Recaps: Summarizing the outcomes of recently held events or campaigns.
- Volunteer Drives: Seeking volunteers for upcoming projects or initiatives.
- Educational Workshops or Seminars: Promoting training or educational events for the community.
- Annual Reports: Highlighting achievements and financials from the past year.
- Crisis Response: Addressing emergencies or crises that impact the nonprofit or its mission.
- Beneficiary Stories: Sharing success stories or testimonials from those served by the nonprofit.
- Community Outreach Programs: Announcing new efforts to engage or support the local community.
- Legislative Changes: Reacting to new laws or regulations that affect the nonprofit’s field.
- Award Recognition: Publicizing awards or honors received by the organization or its staff.
- Capital Campaigns: Launching major fundraising efforts for specific projects.
- Charitable Collaboration: Working with other nonprofits or agencies for a common cause.
- New Services or Products: Introducing new offerings that support the nonprofit’s mission.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness about specific issues or causes.
- Staff Achievements: Highlighting significant accomplishments of team members.
- International Expansion: Announcing the nonprofit’s growth or activities in new countries.
- Strategic Plan Announcements: Outlining the organization’s goals and strategies for the future.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Sharing efforts towards environmental sustainability.
- Cultural Events: Promoting arts, culture, or heritage-related events and programs.
- Technology Updates: Implementing new technology solutions or platforms in the organization.
- Scholarship Programs: Announcing scholarships or educational support initiatives.
- Major Donations Received: Acknowledging significant gifts from donors.
- Health and Safety Initiatives: Addressing public health or safety concerns through programs or campaigns.
- Youth Programs: Launching or updating programs targeted at children or adolescents.
- Legal Developments: Reacting to legal cases or decisions affecting the nonprofit’s area of work.
- Mergers or Acquisitions: Merging with or acquiring other nonprofits or entities.
- Community Surveys: Releasing findings from surveys conducted within the community.
- Holiday or Seasonal Campaigns: Season-specific initiatives, like winter holiday drives.
- Special Day Observances: Participating in or observing international days relevant to the nonprofit’s cause.
- Publications Release: Publishing reports, books, or other significant publications.
- Expansion of Facilities: Opening new offices, centers, or facilities.
- Service Milestones: Celebrating significant levels of service delivery or impact.
- Guest Speaker Announcements: Promoting events featuring notable speakers or experts.
- Organizational Restructuring: Announcing changes in the structure or strategy of the organization.
- Financial Transparency Initiatives: Sharing efforts to enhance financial transparency and accountability.
- Conferences and Conventions: Hosting or participating in major conferences or conventions.
- Social Media Campaigns: Launching significant campaigns on social media platforms.
- Advocacy Campaign Results: Sharing the outcomes of advocacy or lobbying efforts.
- Community Awards: Recognizing community members or organizations that align with the nonprofit’s mission.
- Response to Current Events: Addressing how current events impact the nonprofit’s field.
- Collaborative Research Projects: Announcing joint research initiatives with academic institutions or other organizations.
- Employee or Volunteer Recognition: Honoring outstanding contributions by staff or volunteers.
- 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.
These Examples and Templates Work for all Types of Nonprofits
The examples and templates found on this page work for all types of nonprofits and foundations, including:
- Charitable Organizations: These are perhaps the most common type of nonprofit. They include organizations focused on humanitarian aid, disaster relief, poverty alleviation, and other charitable activities.
- Educational Nonprofits: These organizations focus on educational services, including schools, colleges, universities, as well as educational support organizations like scholarship funds and educational research institutes.
- Healthcare Nonprofits: This category includes hospitals, clinics, mental health centers, organizations focused on specific diseases or health conditions, and research institutions.
- Religious Organizations: These are faith-based organizations that focus on religious worship and related activities. They can include churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and religious charities.
- Social Advocacy Groups: These nonprofits aim to influence public policy in various areas, such as environmental protection, human rights, consumer rights, and labor issues.
- Professional or Trade Associations: These organizations are formed to promote the interests of a specific profession or trade. They provide networking opportunities, professional development, and industry standards.
- Arts and Cultural Organizations: This category includes museums, theaters, art galleries, cultural centers, and groups promoting the arts and cultural heritage.
- Environmental Organizations: These nonprofits focus on environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and advocacy for sustainable practices.
- Foundations: Foundations are entities that typically provide funding and support for other nonprofits through grants. They can be family foundations, corporate foundations, or community foundations.
- Sports and Recreation Nonprofits: These organizations promote sports and recreational activities, including community sports leagues, recreational clubs, and youth sports organizations.
- Public Safety, Disaster Preparedness, and Relief Organizations: These include entities like volunteer fire departments, search and rescue organizations, and groups providing disaster relief and preparedness training.
- Animal Welfare Organizations: These include animal shelters, wildlife conservation groups, and organizations advocating for animal rights.
- Civic and Community Organizations: These are groups focused on improving local communities, such as community development organizations, neighborhood associations, and service clubs.
- Research Institutes and Think Tanks: Organizations focused on research in various fields such as social sciences, policy studies, economics, and science and technology.
- Advocacy and Human Rights Organizations: Groups that work to protect and advocate for human rights, civil liberties, and social justice causes.
- International NGOs: These are organizations that operate on an international level, focusing on issues like global poverty, international development, and humanitarian aid.
- Veterans’ Organizations: Groups that provide support and advocacy for military veterans.
- Housing and Shelter Nonprofits: These include organizations that provide housing assistance, homeless shelters, and supportive services for those in need of housing.
Each type of nonprofit serves a unique purpose and plays a vital role in addressing various societal needs and issues.
How to Write a Results-Generating Press Release for Nonprofits
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Download a Free Press Release Template
The first step in writing a press release is to set your press release up properly.
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Study our free press release writing training, showing you exactly how to:
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. -
Learn how to write frequently-written press release types:
New product press releases
Event announcement press releases
New hire press releases
Book press releases -
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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
- Launching a New Product
- Launching a Product Improvement
- An Event
- A Grand Opening
- Achievement of a Major Milestone
- Receipt of an Award or Recognition
- A New Hire or Promotion
- Dealing With a Crisis
- A Partnership With Another Organization
- An Acquisition or Merger
- Social Cause Activities
- Release of a New Book
- Political Campaign Activities
- Music-Related Announcement
- School/University Announcements
- Media, Network, and Local Station Announcements
- Nonprofit Announcements
- Announce an Art Exhibition
- Press Release for a Movie
Press Release Examples Across Several Industries
Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release:
Additional Press Release Resources
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Directory of Examples & Templates
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What is a Press Release?
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Click for Press Release Template & Format (including a blank press release example)
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Click to Learn How to Format a Press Release (+ Free Template and 80+ Examples)
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Click to Learn How to Write a Press Release
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Click to Learn How to Submit a Press Release
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To Write a Press Release Yourself or Not?
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80+ Example Press Releases
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Of course, you could always have us write and distribute your release — starting at a special combination price for new customers. Click here – Press Release Writing
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