Now that you’ve decided to publish an annual report for your nonprofit, what information should you include? There’s no magic formula, and actually, it’s best to tailor the report to your nonprofit and its mission.
Typical sections of an annual report may include:
Introductory Information
- Letters from the President, Board Chair, or the Executive Director
- Your organization’s mission statement
- Basic governance information
Accomplishments
In your reporting, describe your nonprofit’s major accomplishments. Why did you undertake the project? What were the results? What impact did it have toward your mission? How did it add value to the community you serve? Tell the human story of these achievements. Offer tangible examples in your annual report of how the nonprofit benefited members or others. Use real examples, direct quotes, and pictures to give life to the story as you demonstrate the outcomes of important initiatives.
Financials
Annual report financials should be uncomplicated and easy to understand. Simple charts, such as a pie chart or line graph, can give a visual snapshot of the big picture. Highlight important information like sources of income, distribution of funds among programs and activities, low administrative costs, growth in people served, etc. If you are using Aplos Software for your accounting, you can customize your Income Statement and Balance Sheet reports to show the exact pieces you need, and then export them to Excel to create dynamic charts. Not sure how to customize your Aplos reports? Check out our latest Reports webinar.
Accompany charts with a brief narrative to explain what the numbers mean. Where does revenue come from and how is it spent? How does your organization make the best use of its funds? What are your primary fundraising strategies? What cost-saving measures did you implement?
Demonstrate that your financials are subject to outside verification to bolster your accountability and build trust. For example, Aplos includes several built-in internal controls, such as auditor access for a board member or accountant to review the financials. Similarly, by using a true fund accounting system, you can show financial transparency and good stewardship, and confirm funds that were given for a dedicated purpose are used correctly.
Thanks
Give a heartfelt, public thanks to your donors, members, volunteers, and others who help your nonprofit thrive. Organize your list of donors however it makes sense for your group (alphabetically, by contribution level, etc.). For example, pulling the Income by Person report in Aplos Software will create a list of donors with their annual contributions at the stroke of a button.
Call To Action
Now that you’ve inspired people with your good works and healthy finances, let them know how they can help! For example, provide information on how to donate their money or time, and how to use planned giving options. Be clear, be specific, and make it easy.
Note
This article refers to general annual reports, typically not legally required of nonprofits. This article does not apply to legal reporting requirements, such as annual filings to the IRS via Form 990, annual financial reports to Secretaries of State, or requirements unique to your organization. Consult your attorney or tax professional for additional information.
Free Webinar: How to Revamp Your Annual Reports With Mary Calahane
Your annual report can fulfill reporting requirements, show your organization’s great work, demonstrate your effectiveness, thank and credit your contributors, and raise some money. Here’s how to make annual reports work for your nonprofit or church. During this webinar, you will learn:
- Why your annual report should originate with the fundraising team
- Why focusing the report on your contributors is the key to your success
- Practical tips to be sure your annual report is working hard
