Annual Reports
I am writing an annual report for a nonprofit, my third time for this group. What makes it relatively easy, I realize, besides knowing the organization, is how they got ready for me:
- They told me in our initial meeting which activities they want to highlight for the year.
- They put together a notebook with press releases and media advisories, organized by topic and chronologically within each topic. Since I am paid by the hour by this group, their prep work not only made my job easier, but also saved them money.
- They worked backwards from their desired release date to develop deadlines for the draft and revisions.
Maybe you are not in such a fortunate situation. You have to write the 2007 annual report and have no idea where to start. My suggestions:
- First think of the main highlight or two you want to emphasize. What do you want people to know about what your organization accomplished this past year?
- How can you support your main messages? Don’t feel obliged to relate every activity and event–just the ones that are important to the message.
- Much as I press for well-written reports, I recognize the power of the visual. Put out the call for photos and other graphics. If you don’t have any, my own opinion is that well-designed text, white space, charts, etc. are better than stock photos, but you may differ.
- Make a resolution to start gathering materials now for the 2008 report. Just start a file into which you can put hard copies or notes to yourself, and be conscious of the need for photos.
- Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Tags: annual reports, getting organized, writing
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