Publicity and logos
Congratulations on receiving a grant from the BIG Awards for All programme.
It is a condition of your grant that you publicly acknowledge our funding of your project.
By receiving and accepting your grant you have made a commitment to using our logo wherever you can, for example on publicity materials, equipment and at events.
Only projects who have received funding from us can use the logo so we hope you will use it widely and regard it as visual recognition of your success.
Projects that are fully funded, non-commercial, and inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Games also have the opportunity to apply to use the London 2012 Inspire mark.
Visit the London 2012 Inspire Programme website to find out more.
Publicity guidelines
To get positive publicity you should know the following:
Before you start, think about your objectives, and ask these questions:
- Why are you going to do it?
- What do you want to achieve?
- What are the key messages?
- Is now the right time?
- Have you got enough people to do it?
- Who is the target audience?
- Timing is important. You may want to get publicity in weekly, evening and daily papers, so be aware of the days and times they are published and their editorial deadlines.
- Be aware of how much time and effort is needed to write a news release and nominate a spokesperson. Make sure that someone in your group will be available to speak to the press and can do radio and TV interviews.
- Make sure that your announcement is not before Big Lottery Fund's embargo date. An embargo means that the information cannot be made public before the specified time on the press release. Using embargoes helps because it means the media get the information in advance of the event, enabling them to plan.
- Share ideas for publicity with members of your group and encourage their input.
- Agree what the key messages will be.
- Before you send a news release to the press, ask someone to read it to check for spelling mistakes and factual accuracy. Especially check that time, date and place are included the time, date and place of any event or launch.
- Before you invite journalists to visit your site, ask members of your group if they want to be there and get involved by having their photograph taken or be interviewed. It is important that you ensure you have permission to photograph people.
- Send your news releases by fax or email.
- Follow up the news release: phone the news desk to check they've got the news release, and will be coming to your event.
- Be there to meet the press and introduce them to everyone who has a good story.
- Make sure that you have given them the key messages about the project.
It is essential for you to do this part of publicity so you can judge what did and did not work for future efforts.
Local newspaper journalists are sent dozens of news releases every day. To get yours to stand out follow these tips:
- Ensure that the news angle is in the introduction to your press release. Remember: WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHEN, WHERE, HOW.
- Keep it short and simple but make sure that all the facts are there.
- As much as possible try to find the human-interest angle and back it up with a quote. For example, include quotes from those who will benefit from this funding within your community.
- Contact numbers should be included on the release if more information is required.
- Include our beneficiary logo on your press release. This can be downloaded from the section below.
- If you are planning an announcement or launch, ensure that it meets the deadlines of the newspapers in your area.
- The Awards for All website has press releases (in the news sections) if you need any more help.
- The Awards for All beneficiary logo should appear on news releases. This can also be downloaded from the recipient area of the website.
- Your group has agreed to co-operate with Awards for All in publicising your project and we would like to encourage you to send us your photographs to help us to achieve this. It is important that all individuals who have their photo taken are aware that their photographs may be used for promotional materials and that they give their consent for such use.
- For photographs of children you must get written consent from their parents or guardian before photographs are taken.
- Try to ensure that our logo is clearly visible in the photos. This can be achieved by using our grant acknowledgement materials, like our plaques. If you are having a big event complete the form with this leaflet and return it to us, our regional teams may be able to lend you some support or provide some items for you to use.
- If you have any questions about making an announcement email pressoffice@awardsforall.org.uk.
- Know your audience - make sure you know who you are doing the interview for.
- Decide two or three key messages that you want to put across to achieve your objective, for example, how the funding will benefit your organisation.
- Consider what questions you are likely to be asked and how you will answer them.
- Paint a picture - avoid statistics or long lists.
- Avoid jargon or technical language.
- If you do not understand a question, ask the journalist to repeat or explain it. Do not be drawn on topics you know nothing about.
Follow the guidelines for press interviews outlined above, and check if the interview is live or recorded.
- Speak clearly and more slowly than usual.
- Your tone needs to match your message.
- Talk to the interviewer and make eye contact with them, ignore the microphone.
- Let your natural enthusiasm come over - this is one of your main strengths.
Here you can download the logo and guidelines on how to use it.
You can download the logo guidance document here.
Effective publicity will tell people who you are, what you are doing and how their community will benefit.
It is important to let people know where National Lottery money is being spent and to encourage others to apply for grants.
This certificate can be downloaded and printed off for you to acknowledge your grant.
We can loan PVC banners for events (which must be returned within 5 working days of your event) Please contact 0141 242 1400 and ask to speak to a member of the press team.
