Most non profits have their annual reports accessible on
their websites. You should place your logo, mission, goals and objectives, and
physical address in the beginning of the report. The middle section of the
report provides a framework of your achievements and the services you provided.
Include relevant data in the report; such as the board met x number of times,
there were x number of fundraiser events and we raised x dollars. Services were
provided to over x number of people. If your institution collaborates with
outside community partners list them too. If you were awarded grants list those
as well as, any private sector organizations that contributed.
Financial information can put off the average reader as can statistics about your accomplishments. It is important to humanize your achievements. Illustrate in real terms how your successes have influenced lives for the better. Incorporate the statistics and enliven them with profiles and information about real people and families. In this way your annual report will make a greater impact.
The financial
piece of your annual report should explain where revenues come from and how
they are spent. In addition to the information provided in traditional financial
statements, it is smart to include pie charts, bar graphs, or other visuals
that help readers see the big picture and understand financial trends. A short
narrative description is also essential. Using straight talk, explain the
meaning behind all those numbers. You want to make sure you share the
total amount of money that was made for the year. Compare it to what was made
in the previous year. Enumerate the areas where the money was spent. Show the
actual budget. Discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming year and how you
anticipate spending the money for the upcoming year to meet your goals and
objectives. This section is vital and should be accurate and easy to
understand. Annual reports are read by possible funders and current contributors,
so you want the Finances to be transparent.
