{"id":3344,"date":"2015-02-10T09:00:25","date_gmt":"2015-02-10T14:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/grafton.local\/?p=3344"},"modified":"2015-02-09T13:59:27","modified_gmt":"2015-02-09T18:59:27","slug":"essential-components-of-an-annual-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grafton.org\/essential-components-of-an-annual-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Essential Components of an Annual Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last fall, as I began the process of gathering information for Grafton\u2019s 2014 annual report, I found myself reflecting on finding a balance between reporting on the organization\u2019s highlights and accomplishments and information overload. How will I draft a report that will resonate with our stakeholders? Will folks be interested in what is included? Will they read it? Can I tell a compelling story about the impact of our work?<\/p>\n

So, where do you start and how do you decide what to include in an annual report? I started with creating a theme, \u201cImpacting the World.\u201d The report would support the theme with messages, images, quotes, and stories.<\/p>\n

Next, I drafted an outline that included objectives, target audience(s), and the following six essential elements that would constitute the report:<\/p>\n

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  1. Accomplishments:\u00a0<\/strong>What were the key highlights and results for the year? What differences did we make as an organization? How many lives did we touch? How have we made the world a better place because of our work?<\/li>\n
  2. Stories: \u00a0<\/strong>Highlight a few powerful stories about the impact of our work. Include a testimonial or two from a parent or key stakeholder.<\/li>\n
  3. Partnerships:\u00a0<\/strong>List our strategic partnerships with other organizations. We recognize that one of our greatest organizational strengths resides in value-added relationships with others.<\/li>\n
  4. Financials:\u00a0<\/strong>Describe the economic impact of the organization and include revenue, expenses, assets, and liabilities.<\/li>\n
  5. Donors\/Acknowledgements.<\/strong> Include a note to supporters acknowledging how important they are to the organization\u2019s success.<\/li>\n
  6. Call to Action. <\/strong>Use this section to let others know how they can help or support your organization.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Every organization has a compelling story to tell. The annual report represents a great opportunity to communicate an organization\u2019s story directly with stakeholders.<\/p>\n

    Here are some additional guidelines that may be helpful in assembling future reports:<\/p>\n