How to create an effective not for profit annual report.
An annual report is an important document that provides a summary of an organisation’s achievements, financial status, and future plans. For not-for-profit organisations, annual reports play a vital role in communicating the organisation’s impact to its stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. In this blog, we will discuss some tips on how to create an effective not-for-profit annual report.
Start with a clear message
The annual report should have a clear message that reflects the organisation’s mission and achievements. This message should be communicated through a theme or tagline that is consistent throughout the report.
Highlight the impact
The annual report should focus on the organisation’s impact rather than just listing its activities. Highlight the achievements of the organisation and provide evidence of the positive change it has brought about.
Use visuals
Visuals such as photos, graphs, and infographics can make the annual report more engaging and easier to understand. Use visuals to showcase the impact of the organisation and to break down complex information.
Keep it simple
Avoid using jargon and complex terminology. Keep the language simple and easy to understand, so that everyone can understand the impact of the organisation.
Provide financial transparency
Not-for-profit organisations rely heavily on donations and grants. It is important to provide financial transparency by including financial statements, including revenue, expenses, and assets.
Include testimonials
Testimonials from donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries can add credibility to the annual report. Use quotes to demonstrate the impact of the organisation and how it has positively affected people’s lives.
Make it accessible
Ensure that the annual report is accessible to everyone, including those with visual impairments. Use accessible design and formatting, such as large fonts, high contrast colours, and alternative text for images.
Use it as a marketing tool
The annual report can be used as a marketing tool to attract new donors and volunteers. Ensure that the report is well-designed and visually appealing, so that it can grab the attention of potential supporters.
An effective not-for-profit annual report should communicate the organisation’s impact, financial transparency, and future plans. By following these tips, not-for-profit organisations can create a compelling annual report that engages stakeholders and inspires support for their mission.
