Annual reports are so much more than just a year in review for your organization. They’re a powerful tool that combines data, storytelling, and strong calls to action to inspire people to support your cause if you’re a non-profit or back your business if you’re a for-profit organization. At Devaney & Associates, we have the honor of working with many diverse clients who allow us to go beyond the numbers to make their annual reports one-of-a-kind, and we’re here to walk you through three essentials to ensure your report is a standout success.
Essential 1: Theme
All good annual reports are built around a solid theme. We suggest taking some time to sit back and reflect on all that you’ve accomplished this year and then think about what direction you want to go in next—this is a good place to start when beginning your brainstorming process.
Then, think about characteristics that are unique to your organization. What about your organization would make someone want to be a part of it? Are there specific stories from the year that you want to showcase? Is there a certain service line or program that you want to strengthen? All of these questions can help you come up with a theme that fully encompasses your organization’s mission and culture, and ultimately highlights what makes you special.
Essential 2: Storytelling
While facts and figures certainly bulk up any annual report, it’s the stories that go with them that truly make a difference. During the information-gathering stage, we often conduct interviews with staff, current donors, partners, volunteers, and community members to emphasize why the organization’s mission is so important to its community and how support of any kind can go a long way.
Essential 3: Brand Imagery
In addition to capturing influential stories, we also encourage our clients to use custom photography throughout their annual reports whenever possible. It’s always best to display the real people whose experiences are shared within the pages of your report and the real ways your donors, sponsors, or stakeholders are making a difference—whether it’s a naming gift for a new building, funding state-of-the-art technology, building up an essential program, or giving an unrestricted gift that can be used towards any need within your organization.
Check out some of our recent A+ annual reports for clients like
Baltimore Medical System
2023-2024 Annual Report
Carroll Hospital
2023 Annual Review
Chase Brexton
2023 Annual Report
