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TIPS FOR PUBLICIZING YOUR GRANT, ORGANIZATION, STORY

1. Determine your audience. Most of the time, local and regional media are the main outlets.

2. Make a list of the names of reporters or editors at newspapers and assignment editors at television and radio stations. If you don't know your local media contacts, consult the phone book or library or call Robin Mayo at the Piscataquis Public Health Council for assistance. Please add the Piscataquis Public Health Council to your media list and send us press releases and announcements of upcoming events.

3. Ascertain deadlines. Weeklies often require a release a week or more in advance. Keep this in mind when timeliness is an issue.

4. When possible, include a photo of your program when you submit your release. Quality of photo is important! In addition to prints, most newspapers can now handle slides and digital files (before emailing an image, call to find out what format the paper prefers). A paper may assign a photographer—doesn't hurt to ask.

5. Radio stations may be interested in your grant if someone can provide an interview on the air. TV stations may be interested if the program has great visual appeal.

Making Your Release and/or Pitch Hard to Resist

1. A summary “lead” paragraph should explain the who, what, when, where and why of your news. Limit your first paragraph to three lines, and make those three lines tell the whole story. Back up the lead with a quote from a qualified spokesperson.

2. Use simple declarative sentences. Keep your paragraphs short. Use bold to set off important names or programs. The headline should summarize the release, in one line, capitalized.

3. Limit the release to 250 words or one page, space and a half or double-spaced. Some papers will print longer releases if they deem the story important, but rule of thumb says that the shorter the release, the more apt it is to get printed. Use at least 12-point typeface (no fancy fonts please).

4. Begin the release with a contact name, telephone number and, if available, e-mail address (see sample). Be prepared to respond to a reporter's questions if you receive a follow-up call.

5. Many newspapers prefer to receive releases by e-mail.

6. When pitching a story, put yourself in the shoes of a reporter. Is this event/project truly worthy of his/her time? If it's a photo op, pitch it as such. Be considerate. Be helpful.

7. The Piscataquis Public Health Council appreciates any credit given in your press release, newsletter, annual report (and we welcome a link on your website to ours: www.mayohospital.com/pphc/). The Piscataquis Public Health Council logo is available digitally or in camera-ready format. Call or email Robin Mayo at 564-4344 or rmayo@mayohospital.com.

8. All publicity mentioning support from the Piscataquis Public Health Council should include:

“This program was made possible through funding from the Piscataquis Public Health Council. The Piscataquis Public Health Council is one of 31 local Healthy Maine Partnerships, working on tobacco-prevention and control, physical activity and nutrition using tobacco settlement funds provided through the Fund for a Healthy Maine.”

If you need any help along the way, please give Robin Mayo a call at the Piscataquis Public Health Council at 564-4344.

(Your logo here with address)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date	CONTACT: (name of contact person) (email address and/or phone number)
HISTORICAL SOCIETY RECEIVES $ GRANT (PLACE OF ORIGIN OF RELEASE)—The Milfoil Historical Society (MHS) recently received a $_____ grant from the Piscataquis Public Health Council (PPHC) to support early childhood botanical studies. A roundtable discussion of the curricula with parents, students and teaching staff will take place at 164 West Pond Road on Wednesday, July 25, at 4:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. “This grant will allow us to expand our resources to a larger audience,” said Dr. N. Dangered Species, director of the MHS. “There has been enormous interest in aquatic plants in recent years, and we hope the Society will become a resource for the public and researchers alike.” The Milfoil Historical Society was founded in 1876. Its mission is to preserve the history and culture of the greater Milfoil area. The society holds exhibitions and special events throughout the year, including the Milfoil Horticultural Festival in July. This program was made possible through funding from the Piscataquis Public Health Council. The Piscataquis Public Health Council is one of 31 local Healthy Maine Partnerships, working on tobacco-prevention and control, physical activity and nutrition using tobacco settlement funds provided through the Fund for a Healthy Maine, for more information, visit the PPHC's website at www.mayohospital.com/pphc/ or call 564-4344. -- END -- A note regarding the benefits of press: When the good news of a grant made by the Piscataquis Public Health Council gets publicized, the benefit is widespread. You receive positive attention for the important work you are doing, which can spark the interest of other funders. The PPHC and the Fund for a Healthy Maine are recognized, promoting more investment in community projects. Finally, other local community organizations learn about Piscataquis Public Health Council's grant program and are encouraged to contact us. Thanks for your help.

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