Committees
Media Outreach
The Media Outreach Committee’s job is to bring your grant program into the public eye by writing press releases, submitting them to publications, and encouraging grant awardees to do the same.
The most important press release of the year is that which advertises the availability of the grants. Without this press, there will likely be far fewer applicants. A press release should be written two months before the grant deadline and should be sent out to various press sources at least a month and a half before the grant deadline. If personal connections with local media have been or can be cultivated, that will definitely increase your chances of getting published. Visit or call publications to pitch your story idea, following the instructions on “Press Release Tips” to maximize your chances of getting published. Keep track of media contacts on the “Master Email List” provided in the grant package.
School newspapers, newsletters, etc., should also be approached about including information about grant availability in their publications. If there are students in a school that have either gotten funding for a project or have served on the board, the school newspaper can write a human interest story about the funded project or the board member’s experience on the board and then include information about grant availability.
Local and school newspapers often also have places for advertisements. Approach the editor of the newspaper, explain your program (highlighting the good it does for your community and the student involvement in leading it), and ask about whether they would be willing to donate an advertisement space to your program to help you get the word out about your program in hopes of funding more projects. Even if they are not willing to donate a space, they may at least provide you with a discount.
Once project applications have been submitted and funding has been decided upon, another press release should be written and sent out to local media. This release should congratulate the projects that earned funding and announce the award ceremony that will be occurring to celebrate.
Finally, once the ceremony is completed, a press release should be written and distributed describing the ceremony and including quotes from board members, grant winners, and potentially an important guest speaker, if applicable. Photos of the ceremony should also be included with this press release.
In addition to writing press releases, the Media Outreach Committee should contact grant winners to encourage them and assist them in the writing of press releases about their specific funded project. Give each project the “Why and How to Publicize Your Project” document, checking back with them periodically to see if they need additional assistance in writing the release.
Photographing the award ceremony and projects in action can also be a part of this committee’s job description. These photos can accompany the press releases.
Finally, the committee should make and maintain a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and/or other social media pages in order to connect with more potential youth applicants. Weekly posts are recommended.
The Media Outreach Committee’s job is to bring your grant program into the public eye by writing press releases, submitting them to publications, and encouraging grant awardees to do the same.
The most important press release of the year is that which advertises the availability of the grants. Without this press, there will likely be far fewer applicants. A press release should be written two months before the grant deadline and should be sent out to various press sources at least a month and a half before the grant deadline. If personal connections with local media have been or can be cultivated, that will definitely increase your chances of getting published. Visit or call publications to pitch your story idea, following the instructions on “Press Release Tips” to maximize your chances of getting published. Keep track of media contacts on the “Master Email List” provided in the grant package.
School newspapers, newsletters, etc., should also be approached about including information about grant availability in their publications. If there are students in a school that have either gotten funding for a project or have served on the board, the school newspaper can write a human interest story about the funded project or the board member’s experience on the board and then include information about grant availability.
Local and school newspapers often also have places for advertisements. Approach the editor of the newspaper, explain your program (highlighting the good it does for your community and the student involvement in leading it), and ask about whether they would be willing to donate an advertisement space to your program to help you get the word out about your program in hopes of funding more projects. Even if they are not willing to donate a space, they may at least provide you with a discount.
Once project applications have been submitted and funding has been decided upon, another press release should be written and sent out to local media. This release should congratulate the projects that earned funding and announce the award ceremony that will be occurring to celebrate.
Finally, once the ceremony is completed, a press release should be written and distributed describing the ceremony and including quotes from board members, grant winners, and potentially an important guest speaker, if applicable. Photos of the ceremony should also be included with this press release.
In addition to writing press releases, the Media Outreach Committee should contact grant winners to encourage them and assist them in the writing of press releases about their specific funded project. Give each project the “Why and How to Publicize Your Project” document, checking back with them periodically to see if they need additional assistance in writing the release.
Photographing the award ceremony and projects in action can also be a part of this committee’s job description. These photos can accompany the press releases.
Finally, the committee should make and maintain a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and/or other social media pages in order to connect with more potential youth applicants. Weekly posts are recommended.
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Why and How to Publicize Your Project | |
File Size: | 331 kb |
File Type: | doc |