Creating a One-Page Fact Sheet About Your Nonprofit
Whether your nonprofit has just started up or been around for years, an informative, yet concise, one-page fact sheet is essential.
Why it is important?
The fact sheet is a great way to introduce your nonprofit to potential partners, board members, volunteers, and donors. Telling people about your nonprofit is important, but the fact sheet allows them to have something tangible to refer to after the conversation ends.
What should be included in the fact sheet?
The fact sheet should contain the basic information you would want a stranger to your nonprofit to know. The one-page fact sheet should include the following points:
- Mission statement: Include a brief statement on what your nonprofit does
- Summary of programs: Outline what programs you offer
- Summary of clients served: Include who you serve and how many
- Annual budget: In addition to your budget, let them know where donations can be sent
- Legal status: Include a statement on your status like “ABC Nonprofit is a Texas nonprofit corporation; it is tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3)”
- Ways to help: Let individuals know how they can help your nonprofit accomplish its mission whether its donating, volunteering, or fundraising
- Contact information: Include names, email addresses, mailing address, and website address
What other issues should I consider?
Update the fact sheet
Ensure that the fact sheet is updated at least once a year. You do not want to share outdated and/or incorrect information about your organization.
Keep it accessible
Staff members and board members should have access to a digital copy as well as hard copies. When visitors enters your nonprofit’s office, the fact sheet should be one of the first things they see.
Make it visually appealing
Spend the time and effort to make the fact sheet look nice. It should not be too cluttered or wordy. The fact sheet will be important in establishing your organization’s reputation, so make it a favorable one.
The information you include on the one-page fact sheet likely will be the same information you include on your website and/or Facebook page.
More Questions? Need Help?
The Cullinane Law Group works exclusively with the nonprofit sector. Founded by nonprofit lawyer Mollie Cullinane, the firm sets up and maintains strong and legally compliant nonprofits that have solid bases for long-term success. We provide risk management and offer practical solutions for sound governance. We help nonprofits, foundations, religious organizations, and social entrepreneurs throughout the United States who seek to create positive change.
