Every year, your nonprofit has the opportunity to inform, celebrate, and motivate your community of supporters with a great annual report.
Sadly, many nonprofits struggle to produce an annual report that communicates the hard work and impact of the past year.
Below are 9 annual report examples that will inspire and guide you to your best annual report ever.
9 Annual Report Examples
1. Focus on the Family
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
They use social proof (testimonials of impact).
2. Navy Seal Foundation
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They include partnerships (logos).
They use social proof (testimonials of impact).
They recognize their top supporters.
3. Charity Water
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They keep the report brief (Approx. 5-10 minute read time).
They use limited copy per page (very readable).
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
4. Samaritan's Purse
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They use the power of storytelling to draw in the reader.
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
5. Wounded Warrior Project
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They use the power of storytelling to draw in the reader.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They include partnerships (logos).
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
They recognize their top supporters.
They use social proof (testimonials of impact).
6. Midwest Food Bank
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They use social proof (testimonials of impact).
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
They end with a motivating call to action.
7. Feeding America
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They use social proof (testimonials of impact).
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
They celebrate their volunteers.
8. Compassion International
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They clearly communicate their mission.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They use social proof (testimonials of impact).
They include partnership (logos).
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
9. Ducks Unlimited
View Annual Report
Why this nonprofit annual report is great:
They communicate impact with detailed numbers.
They include partnerships.
They recognize their top volunteers.
They recognize their top supporters.
They are transparent with their budgeting and resourcing.
They use high quality people-centered images throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions - Nonprofit Annual Reports
What is the purpose of an annual report for nonprofits?
An annual report informs, celebrates, and motivates a nonprofit’s community of supporters by communicating the organization’s mission, impact, and financial transparency over the past year.
What makes an annual report great?
Great annual reports clearly communicate the nonprofit’s mission, use high-quality people-centered images, show impact with detailed numbers, maintain transparency in budgeting and resourcing, and often feature social proof, partnerships, and recognition of supporters or volunteers.
Why is transparency important in annual reports?
Transparency builds trust among donors and supporters by showing how funds are allocated and spent, and by providing open access to financial data.
How can storytelling benefit a nonprofit annual report?
Good stories engage readers emotionally, illustrate organizational impact, and connect supporters with real-world outcomes of their contributions.
Where can readers view these annual reports?
Links to each nonprofit’s report are included in the blog, such as downloadable PDFs or web versions.
What is social proof and how is it used in annual reports?
Social proof includes testimonials from those impacted by the nonprofit and recognition of partnerships or supporters, which reinforce credibility and extend reach through shared experiences.
How can a nonprofit improve its annual report?
By adopting the best practices seen in these examples, such as using clear communication, compelling visuals and stories, transparent data, and engaging calls to action, nonprofits can create more impactful annual reports.
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