Creating an effective annual report will engage your donors, increase the potential for new partnerships and can attract more volunteers for your organization.
This information will explain why creating an annual report is important for your organization and how to ensure you create a report that engages all your target audiences. You will learn how to simplify your information gathering for what to include in your report; discover effective report themes, designs and styles; understand how to handle donor lists; and learn the must-have content for when space is tight. The material will address topics, such as, how to prepare financial information that your report recipients will understand; how to create an error-free report; and how to handle bad news or challenges. You will gain tips for how to avoid common mistakes (what not to do); and discover how to distribute your report in new ways to connect with your mobile donors, volunteers and supporters. You will leave with a checklist to make your job easier.
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Agenda
Reasons for Creating an Annual Report
- Objectives
- Desired Outcomes
Creating the Ideal Report for Your Target Audience(S)
- Identifying Your Audience(S)
Preparing to Create Your Annual Report
- Process
- Preparing Throughout the Year
- Timeline
- Financial Information
- Accomplishments
- Photos
- Whom to Involve
Writing and Designing Your Annual Report
- Theme
- Sections and Outline
- Ideal Length
- Writing Style
- Photos and Photo Captions
- Must Have Content
- Engaging Elements
- What Not to Do
- Addressing Bad News
- Donor Lists
- Executive Letter
Distributing Your Annual Report
- Timing
- Electronic
- Social Media
- Other Uses
Next Steps
- Checklist
- Resources
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Credits
OnDemand Course
This course was last revised on April 30, 2019.
Call 1-866-352-9540 for further credit information.
This program does NOT qualify, nor meet the National Standard for NASBA accreditation.
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.
Faculty

Eric Jacobson
Ascend Integrated Media
- Vice president, media development at Ascend Integrated Media
- Nearly 40 years of experience in communications, publishing, new product development, and mergers and acquisitions
- Ascend Integrated Media creates print and digital content for 20 associations and nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S.
- Client partners include 15 associations that specialize in health care
- Ascend creates and distributes custom content to help fully engage its partners’ members, supporters and consumers
- Writer on topics regarding nonprofit fundraising, communications and volunteering including the white paper, Improve Your Nonprofit Communications Program
- President of the Board of Directors for Cancer Action in the Kansas City metro (six years on the board)
- Volunteers in various communications and sponsorships roles for various nonprofits
- Served during 2011 on the planning committee for the annual Philanthropy Midwest Conference in Kansas City, Missouri
- M.B.A. degree, Keller Graduate School Kansas City, Missouri; M.S. degree in Journalism, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana; B.A. degree in Journalism, University of Michigan
- Can be contacted at 913-469-1110, [email protected] or www.ascendintegratedmedia.com
More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 34 years and 1.4 million customers worth of experience providing continuing education. Our passion is providing you world-class training to help you succeed in business and as a professional.

All of your training, right here at Lorman.
Pay once and get a full year of unlimited training in any format, any time!
- Live Webinars
- OnDemand Webinars
- MP3 Downloads
- Course Manuals
- Audio Recordings*
- Executive Reports
- White Papers and Articles
- Sponsored Live Webinars
Additional benefits include:
- State Specific Credit Tracker
- Members Only Newsletter
- All-Access Pass Course Concierge
* For audio recordings you only pay shipping
Questions? Call 877-296-2169 to speak with a real person.
Access to all training products for one year
$699/year
Unlimited Lorman Training
With the All-Access Pass there is no guessing what you will need for your yearly training budget. $699 will cover all of your training needs for an entire year!
Easy Registrations
Once you purchase your All-Access Pass you will never be any further than one-click away from attending any Lorman training course.
Invest in Yourself
You haven't gotten to where you are professionally by luck alone; it's taken a lot of hard work and training. Invest in yourself with the All-Access Pass.