Fact Sheets (2024)

Description

A fact sheet presents information and data about an organization, campaign, service, or topic in a text-based format that emphasizes key points concisely, using images, tables, bullet points and/or headings, on a single page.

There are two types of fact sheets:

1. Comms Fact Sheet: This content type is the Office of Communications' official branded overview of ACF program offices (template has defined fields and a sidebar) to provide information about their missions, leadership, budget info, contact information, etc. to the media/public in a consistent format.
2. Fact Sheet: This content typeprovides target audiences with compelling information and overviews about ACF programs, initiatives, campaigns, and other mission-related topics using a simpler format.

When to Use

Use the appropriate content type to provide useful information and key points about ACF program offices (Comms Fact Sheet ), programs, initiatives, campaigns or mission-related topicsin an easy-to-understand way.

When to Avoid

Do not use fact sheets to tell stories or create documentation with no connection to ACF’s mission, offices, and programs.

Guidance

• A fact sheet should preferably be a single page long. (2 pages max.)
• Keep it brief! Avoid long sentences or wordy paragraphs
• The fact sheet must be self-contained - do not refer to previous documents or assume readers know the information
• Consider your audience: anticipate how the information you are presenting addresses their concerns, problems, and needs
• Use plain language: Write in lay terms, using words that the average person can understand. Find ways to simplify complex ideas. Avoid jargon.
• Follow the image and content guidelines outlined on the Digital Toolbox
• Use lots of white space, bullet points, and headings.
• Only reference current data. Double check all numbers and percents used
• Include contact info and clear call(s) to action (a phone number, email address, website, social media links, etc).
• Provide links for sources or attributions.

Fact Sheet Components

This is a live view of the Comms Fact Sheet content type.

Editing Screen

Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).

1. Title*: Enter a descriptive title for your Fact Sheet.
2. Subtitle: Enter the subtitle, if applicable. This text will appear beneath the title.
3. Permalink*: The permalink will generate automatically when the title is entered the first time. It may be adjusted. It will not automatically update when the title is changed. This is also the URL for the page.
4. Summary*: Enter a brief description to provide context for your Fact Sheet. This will appear in search results.
5. Image (Header): Select a header image for your Fact Sheet. This is one of the rare image fields that does not have specific dimensions.Note: Official ACF fact sheet image headers are available in the media library.
6. Thumbnail Image: Upload a high-resolution image, it will automatically be scaled to 100px × 100px.
7. Office Information*: Select the relevant office and editorial group from the drop-down menus. The office information section is also where you indicate the publication date/time.
8. Taxonomy*: Select from a list of terms to classify the following fields: Audiences, ACF Issues*, Programs and Program Topics. Required taxonomy fields must be filled out in order to publish the fact sheet content type.

Overview Section*

9. Mission Statement*: Enter the program’s mission.
10. Program Description*: This field provides the information and the details about the program.

11. Programs/Initiatives: List relevant programs and initiatives.
12. Program Administration: Outline how the program is administered to support mission objectives.
13. Priorities: The information in this field should outline official priorities.
14. Goals: Explain what you want to achieve strategically or operationally.
15. History: Describe how your program or initiative was established.
16. Applicable Laws/Statutes: List relevant laws and statutes that govern the program.
17. Statistics: Include the current data relevant to the program, campaign, or topic. Include sources.
18. Populations Served: The total number of people assisted or intended to receive aid.
19. Files: Attach any relevant documents by selecting the Select Files button.

20. Sidebar:
    • Leadership Name*: Enter the name of the program office leadership in this field.
    • Leadership Title*: Enter the individual’s official title.
    • Address*: Enter the office address.
    • Phone Number*: Enter the appropriate phone number in this field.
    • Fax Number: Enter the appropriate fax number in this field.
    • Email Address: Enter the appropriate email address in this field.
    • Website URL*: Include website URL
      URL: Enter <front> to link to the homepage. Enter <nolink> to display link text only. Link Text: The text that displays as the link.
21. Budget Information*: Provide a data table outlining budget/funding information for a defined period, often reflected annually.
    • Additional Information: Enter any supplementary information about the topic or office in this field.

22. Save/Preview/Delete*: Use these buttons to save, preview, or delete content type. Always save before previewing changes.