An annual report doesn't need to be long to be effective. It needs to show what changed because of your donors, and make them proud they gave. Use this checklist to plan yours.
The essentials
- A short leadership letter. One page from your executive director or board chair, focused on the year's biggest wins and what's next.
- Your mission in one sentence. New readers should know what you do within seconds.
- Two or three impact stories. Real people, real outcomes. Stories make the numbers mean something.
- Key numbers. Pick the five to seven that matter most, like people served or meals delivered, and explain what each one means.
- A simple financial summary. Where the money came from and where it went, in a chart or short table.
- Thank your donors. A donor list or a heartfelt thank-you section. Check every name carefully.
- What's next. One page on next year's goals, which sets up your next ask.
- How to give or get involved. A clear next step on the last page.
Tips that make a big difference
Start early. Gathering stories and numbers takes longer than writing. Give yourself six to eight weeks.
Plan for more than print. Turn the report into a web page, a short email and a few social posts so more people see it.
Lead with people, not programs. Donors remember a person's story far longer than a program description.
Want help with your report?
I write annual and impact reports for nonprofits, from interviews to final copy. See how annual report writing works, or book a free call.