Press Release: How to Announce an Award or Recognition Effectively

Receiving an award or recognition is a strategic opportunity for any organization. It’s a chance to strengthen your reputation, validate your expertise, and attract the attention of stakeholders and investors.

To fully leverage this opportunity, it is essential to draft a clear, inspiring, and optimized press release. Here’s how to do it.

1. Write a Catchy Headline to Announce the Award

The headline should include the organization’s name, the award received, and a keyword such as award, recognition, or prize.

Examples:

• “ImpactNova Wins the 2025 Innovation and Inclusion Award for Social Impact in Africa”

• “NGO ImpactNova Recognized for Empowering Rural Young Women”

2. Craft an Engaging and Informative Lead

The lead should summarize the nature of the award, its importance, and its significance for the organization.

Example:
“The Pan-African NGO ImpactNova has been awarded the 2025 Innovation and Inclusion Award, an international recognition honoring its tangible impact on empowering young women in rural areas.”

3. Contextualize the Award in the Press Release

Briefly present your organization, its mission, and the award details (organizer, criteria, frequency).

Example:
“Founded in 2018, ImpactNova promotes the socio-economic inclusion of youth and women through training programs, business incubation, and access to financing.”

4. Highlight the Reasons for Receiving the Award

Emphasize the projects, results, or innovations that led to the jury’s decision.

Example:
“Through its program ‘I Rise, I Build’, more than 300 young women have launched or strengthened income-generating activities in Côte d’Ivoire.”

5. Present Future Perspectives and Next Steps

Explain how this recognition aligns with your future strategy: expansion, new partnerships, or fundraising efforts.

6. Conclude with an Inspirational Quote

A statement from a leader or beneficiary humanizes the release and reinforces its credibility.