Is it time to create your nonprofit’s annual report? Don’t worry—preparing your report can be a smooth and rewarding process. By following a straightforward plan, you’ll impress your stakeholders and capture a wider audience’s attention. Here’s how to get started.

Two Key Components: Copy and a Visual Mood Board

Crafting the Copy

First and foremost, you need to prepare the content. Here’s a sampling of what to include:

1. Compelling Stories: Share real-world, visually driven stories that highlight the impact of your organization. Include anecdotes and testimonials that showcase your successes.

2. Milestones: Summarize the year’s achievements and significant milestones. Highlight major projects, events, and accomplishments.

3. Leadership and Board: Provide insights into your board of directors and leadership team. Include bios and any notable contributions they’ve made.

4. Recognition: Acknowledge donors, partners, and volunteers. Give them their moment in the spotlight and express your gratitude.

5. Financials: Present key financial information, including revenues, expenditures, and any significant financial changes. Discuss challenges faced and strategies employed to overcome them.

6. Future Plans: Outline your goals and objectives for the coming year. Make it exciting and inspiring for your audience.

Use clear, straightforward language and remember to organize your content in an easy to reference document that can be easily noted by your designer.

Creating the Mood Board

Next, gather visual elements to guide your designer’s work, consider including the following:

1. Collect Inspiration: Look through magazines, newspapers, online ads, and any other sources that catch your eye. Consider your nonprofit’s philosophy, people, and mission.

2. Visual Elements: Cut out or digitally collect images, graphics, color schemes, art, and designs that resonate with your organization’s brand and message.

3. Photographs: Gather high-resolution photos of your volunteer teams, beneficiaries, leadership, and events. Action shots and candid moments are particularly effective.

4. Infographics: Pull references of charts and graphics that you believe would effectively convey the data or numbers you want to present.

5. Interactive Elements: For digital reports, consider adding clickable links, videos, and animations.

Organize your visual materials in a folder or digital collection that’s easy for your designer to navigate and reference. Aim for a curated selection that provides clear direction without overwhelming them.

Guidance for Your Designer

Provide your designer with clear instructions and considerations in a concept brief outlining how you would like the overall annual report to look and feel, highlighting any specific areas of focus that are important to you. Be sure and outline the formats and sizes you would like the final report rendered in including print, PDFs, and digital versions.

Need a Few Examples?

Below are a sampling of a few annual reports we’ve designed here at Antarctic as well as a annual digital report hosted online:

KIND - Kids in Need of Defence Annual Report

Uplift Northwest's Annual Digital Impact Report

Volunteers of America Annual Impact Report

Please Don't Hesitate To Reach Out With Any Questions

xx Jana