How to Write an Op-Ed for Nonprofits

Why op-eds matter for nonprofits

An op-ed gives a person with direct knowledge of an issue a place to make an argument in public. It can help readers understand a policy choice, see how an issue affects a community or consider a solution they may not have heard before.

For nonprofit leaders and staff, an op-ed can be useful when your organization has direct experience, trusted expertise or community knowledge connected to a public issue.

• Explain what a policy decision could mean for people in your community
• Correct a common misunderstanding
• Put research or program experience into a public conversation
• Offer a policy or systems recommendation
• Bring local experience into a state or national debate
• Give reporters and editors a credible source to contact later

First decide whether an op-ed is the right format

Find the angle

Editors receive more opinion submissions than they can publish. A broad topic is rarely enough. You need a specific point of view connected to a reason the piece should run now. You can develop the argument before the opening appears, then watch for the news moment, policy decision, report or local development that gives the piece a reason to run.

• The news connection. A recent decision, report, court ruling, budget proposal, election outcome or breaking story gives your argument urgency.
• The local connection. A national issue looks different when readers can see what it means in their city, county or state.
• The misunderstanding. You know something from your work or community experience that challenges a common assumption.
• The consequence. A proposed policy may sound abstract until someone explains who will be affected and how.
• The solution. You can point to a practical action government, institutions, funders or the public can take.
• The firsthand view. The author has direct experience other commentators do not have.

Build a clear argument

1. Open with a reason to keep reading. Start with a scene, fact, question, recent event or direct statement tied to the argument.
2. State your position early. Readers should know your main argument within the first few paragraphs.
3. Support it. Use two or three strong points. Add data, research, policy context or firsthand experience where it helps. Link to primary sources when possible.
4. Address the strongest counterpoint. Acknowledge a serious objection fairly, then explain why your recommendation still makes sense.
5. End with a specific next step. Name the decision, policy, practice or behavior you want changed.

One op-ed should make one main argument. If you are trying to prove five different points, you probably have several pieces instead of one.

Sample opening

Last month, our food assistance program turned away 47 families in one week because our emergency fund had run out. The need did not suddenly increase because families became less responsible. Rent, groceries and child care costs rose faster than many household budgets could absorb. As county leaders prepare next year's budget, they should increase emergency food funding and make the application process easier for families already facing a crisis.

Fictional example for structure. Do not invent numbers for an op-ed. Verify every statistic, quote and factual claim before submission.

Use community stories with care

Nonprofits often have access to personal stories. Those stories can help readers understand an issue, but access does not automatically mean permission to publish.

• Get clear permission when the person can be identified
• Explain where the piece may appear and how widely it may be shared
• Do not include details the person did not agree to make public
• Consider whether removing a name is enough to protect identity
• Avoid using someone's hardship as a writing device without context or agency
• Follow your organization's privacy, legal and safeguarding requirements

If a story involves health, immigration status, housing instability, legal matters, violence or another sensitive issue, use extra care.

Write for readers outside your organization

Internal language can make sense to staff and still lose a general reader. Remove acronyms readers may not know, sector jargon, academic language when a simpler phrase will do, long descriptions of your organization and promotional claims.

Working length. There is no universal word count. The Washington Post currently limits op-ed submissions to 800 words. The Los Angeles Times says most published pieces are about 750 to 1,000 words. The Minnesota Star Tribune caps commentary at 700 words. Check the outlet's current rules before sending.

Choose the right outlet

The biggest publication is not always the best first target. Start with the audience you need to reach.

• Local outlets for local policy, community issues, public services and place based stories
• State outlets for legislation, statewide policy and state agencies
• National outlets when the argument has national significance and the author brings relevant experience or evidence
• Trade or sector publications when the audience includes practitioners, funders, association members or decision makers in a specific field

Before pitching, review recent opinion pieces, typical length, submission method, exclusivity rules, author bio requirements, disclosure rules and AI policies.

Pitch and submit

Some outlets use a form. Others accept email. Some want the full draft. Others are open to a short pitch first. Follow the publication's instructions.

A useful pitch answers four questions quickly. Who are you? What is your argument? Why does it matter now? Why are you the right person to write it? Keep the note short and conversational. Before sending, confirm the editor covers the issue and check any stated preferences for how they want to be pitched.

Common reasons op eds miss

• The argument is too broad. A publishable piece needs a specific claim and reason to run now.
• The organization takes over the piece. Keep the focus on the issue and argument.
• The author waits too long to make the point. State the position early.
• The piece has no timely reason to run. Connect the argument to a current decision, event, report, anniversary, trend or public debate.
• The evidence is weak or unsourced. Check every number and link to credible sources.
• The pitch ignores the outlet. Read the publication before contacting it.
• The submission breaks the rules. Word limits, exclusivity, formatting, disclosure and AI rules can determine whether a piece is considered.
• The ending does not ask for anything. Give the reader a clear next step.

After publication

Do more than post the link once. Share the piece with policymakers and officials connected to the issue, funders or partners, community organizations, reporters, staff and board members and professional networks.

When sharing, pull out the main idea and explain why the issue matters now.

Track what happens next, including media inquiries, interview or speaking requests, responses from policymakers, new partner conversations, reader questions and follow up coverage.

Final checklist