Creating an effective annual report will engage your donors, increase the potential for new partnerships, and attract more volunteers for your organization.
Many nonprofit organizations of all sizes struggle with how to create a compelling and engaging annual report. Those tasked with preparing an annual report often don't understand what should be included and what is optional. Some nonprofit organizations believe the process of creating an annual report is too cumbersome and time-consuming. This presentation will help those responsible for creating a nonprofit annual report learn how to create an effective report that will engage donors, increase the potential for new partnerships, and attract more volunteers for the organization. The material will explain the importance of creating an annual report for an organization and how to ensure the report engages all your target audiences. You will learn how to simplify your information gathering for what to include. Discover effective themes, designs, and styles. Understand how to handle donor lists and know what the must-have content is when the space is tight. The presentation 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 also gain tips on avoiding common mistakes and discover how to distribute your report in new ways (beyond the traditional printed brochure) to connect with your donors, volunteers, and supporters. You will leave with a checklist to make your job easier and more streamlined.
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Why Lorman?
Over 36 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
- Primary Objectives
- Ideal Desired Outcomes
- Target Audiences
Preparing to Create Your Annual Report
- Process and Roles
- Preparation Timeline
- Financial Information Preparation and Approach
Writing and Designing Your Annual Report
- Themes, Content Outline/Sections and Design
- Writing Style and Photo/Visual Treatments
- Must-Have Content and Reader-Engagement Elements
Distributing Your Annual Report
- Distribution Timing
- Print Format and Alternative Digital Format Approaches
Resources and Checklist
- Publishing and Distribution Tools/Resources and Example Annual Reports to Emulate
- Voluntary Standards
- Process/Preparation Checklist
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More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 36 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 December 17, 2021.
Call 1-866-352-9540 for further credit information.
This program does NOT qualify, nor meet the National Standard for NASBA accreditation.
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More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 36 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 Media
- Nearly 40 years of experience in communications, publishing, new product development, and mergers and acquisitions
- Ascend Media creates print and digital content for dozens of associations and nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S.; client partners include dozens of associations that specialize in health care
- Past President of the Board of Directors for Cancer Action in the Kansas City metro (eight years on the Board)
- Volunteers in various communications and sponsorships roles for various nonprofits
- Served on the planning committee for the annual Philanthropy Midwest Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, 2011
- 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 913-344-1436, [email protected] or www.ascendmedia.com
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More Program Information
Why Lorman?
Over 36 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.

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