Although it may seem strange to include the recording of publicity with state and federal reporting requirements, the public comes to recognize your organization though the publicity your organization generates and any additional publicity from the media.

As a public organization, it is important that people understand what you are doing and make the decision to support your efforts with their time or money. Much of their decision will depend on what we broadly define as “publicity.”

From the moment your organization establishes itself, develop a means to collect and retain any printed or broadcast articles, newsletters, web links, and videos that make it to the web. Collect and retain anything and everything that portrays your organization in a positive light.

Record of Publicity Needed for Your 1023

Your application for tax-exempt status, Form 1023, includes a section that asks for a narrative, or a description of exactly what your organization does.

As part of the narrative, you can attach newsletters, publicity, or other material that will support what you are saying. High-quality documentation will improve the look of your overall application. As soon as you have incorporated, you can and should begin collecting and saving everything that might show what you are doing and what you intend to do.

Record of Publicity Needed for Grants

Simply put, if you cannot show a potential grant-maker or other funder evidence of the work you are doing by the publicity you have generated, you are placing your organization at a severe disadvantage.

Consider producing a package of your self-produced media and your earned media to show to your current and potential supporters. Everyone loves to see themselves and their projects on television or in the newspaper, so preparing a presentation of clips and video will be a fine way to store the material and show it off.