Getting your facts correct

Journalists look for the facts, and your organization could give some to them. Your mission might make your organization an expert in a field – whether it’s an animal organization about pet care or a homeless shelter facing an influx due to the economy.

Fact sheets can beef up a media kit package and provide important information, according to Janet Rice McCoy, assistant professor at Morehead State University, and Jeanette Drake, associate professor at Kent State University, at a Blackbaud users conference. Here’s what you need to know:

• Types. There are plenty of different fact sheets. You can give a history, timeline, question and answer or myth buster information.
• Choosing format. Figure out your audience to determine which fact sheet will work best. Try to keep context and objectives in mind.
• Organization. Bullet points can break out information in an easy to read format. Use numbers when something needs to be listed in numerical order or a “Top 10” list.
• Background. Anyone can make up a fact sheet — journalists need to know that you have some authority in the area. Make sure to include a sheet in the media kit about your organization’s history and experience. If someone in your organization is acting as an expert or spokesperson, try to include a biography and press photo.