Creating Festive Charity PR That Inspires Donations and Engagement
The festive season is one of the busiest and most generous times of the year. It’s a golden opportunity for charities to connect with supporters, raise awareness, and boost donations. A well-crafted charity press release can help your organisation cut through the noise and inspire potential donors to back your cause.
Journalists and media outlets are actively looking for uplifting, human-interest stories during the festive period, which is why sending a charity press release can shine a spotlight on your Christmas fundraising campaign, highlight community support, and inspire readers to take action and donate.
Let’s break down how charities can create impactful Christmas or holiday campaign press releases that stand out, along with examples of what to include.
Top 5 Ideas for your Charity PR
1. Christmas Appeal Launch
Kick off your holiday fundraising campaign with a press release that clearly explains your mission and goals. For example, “Help 1,000 children wake up with a gift this Christmas.” Make sure to outline exactly how donations will be used and their impact.
You can also create a festive countdown where supporters can contribute differently each day. A press release announcing a “12 Days of Giving” campaign can generate excitement and sustained engagement throughout the holiday period.
2. Community Impact Story
This is a great time to share the real-life stories behind your charity’s work. Human-interest stories really resonate with journalists and makes your press release and charity more compelling and relatable. Write about a family you’ve helped or a dedicated volunteer. Highlight how you supported people and why continued support is essential.
3. Corporate Partnerships
Let people know if a local business or national brand supports your festive campaign! Charity PR around corporate partnerships can showcase matched donations, sponsored events, or donated goods, giving your campaign credibility and visibility.
4. Festive Fundraising Events
Whether it’s a Christmas fair, carol concert, Santa run, or community bake sale, press releases about events are ideal for festive coverage. Journalists love photo opportunities, so make sure to include dates, locations, and ways the community can participate.
5. New Year Hope Appeal
Wrap up the year with a press release celebrating your achievements and thanking supporters. Highlight key stats and metrics, such as the number of people helped, meals served, or funds raised. This builds trust, demonstrates impact, and sets the stage for the year ahead. The holiday season doesn’t end on December 25th. Encourage supporters to continue giving as they make their New Year’s resolutions.
Key Elements to Remember When Writing a Charity Press Release
To maximise impact, your release should include:
1. A Compelling Headline
Your headline is the first thing journalists and readers will see, so it must grab attention immediately. Keep it clear, concise, and emotionally engaging. Include the festive season and your charity’s mission.
Pro Tips:
- Use numbers or statistics when possible, such as “500 Families to Receive Christmas Gifts”
- Make it urgent or action-oriented, such as “Join Us in Bringing Christmas Cheer to Local Families.”
- Keep it around 10-12 words so it’s easy to scan.
2. A Strong Hook in the Opening Paragraph
Make it clear why your story matters now. Mention the festive season and the specific challenge your charity is addressing.
3. Human Stories and Quotes
Stories resonate far more than facts alone. Including real voices makes your press release relatable and memorable. Quotes from staff, volunteers, or beneficiaries add credibility and emotion.
4. A Clear Call to Action
End with a link to your donation page or campaign hub, and instructions for how the public can help support.
Pro Tips:
- Be direct and specific about the impact a donation will have and how it will be used, for example, “Just £10 provides a Christmas meal for one family”
- Reinforce the urgency or importance of acting quickly.
A festive press release is more than just a tool for media coverage. It’s an opportunity to connect meaningfully with your community, supporters, and potential donors. Whether you’re spreading joy through seasonal appeals, volunteer initiatives, holiday events, or impactful storytelling, your charity has a unique story worth sharing.
If you need help crafting a compelling press release, PR Fire is here to help. Our press release writing service includes a personal consultation call with an experienced press release writer, who will work with you to uncover the most newsworthy angle for your story. Our team of trained journalists will ensure your content resonates with the right audience this holiday season.
Want to know more? Why not book a call with us today to discuss your upcoming campaign, or order yours today.