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Speaking to a colleague who works in a charity the other day about how to write annual reviews / impact reports that aren't the usual pdf-on-a-website format. And how to make a review of the car crash that is 2020 interesting!
Some thoughts
Some thoughts
Annual reviews can be tough â you have to find a fun way to cover all the important financial stuff, make sure every project and partner gets a mention, + big up your plans for next year to get new funders/clients excited (even when you might have no clue what those are yet). /2
Here are a few ideas to make your review more engaging, so it gets read by the right people (and doesn't end up withering in their 'to read' folder like a sad salad at the back of the fridge) /3
1. Get clear on your audience, purpose + call to action.
(Avoid spreading your message too thin. Choose one or two audiences to focus on + do summaries for the rest) /4
(Avoid spreading your message too thin. Choose one or two audiences to focus on + do summaries for the rest) /4
2. Choose an unexpected theme.
(Your 2020 review doesn't have to be â and shouldn't be â all about the pandemic. Show a different angle to your work and how it's relevant to your community.) /5
(Your 2020 review doesn't have to be â and shouldn't be â all about the pandemic. Show a different angle to your work and how it's relevant to your community.) /5
3. Share stories from within your community.
(Showcase your best bits from 2020 through the eyes of your clients, users, volunteers, staff and partners. And remember to repurpose these as case studies + SM content!) /6
(Showcase your best bits from 2020 through the eyes of your clients, users, volunteers, staff and partners. And remember to repurpose these as case studies + SM content!) /6
4. Describe your year in numbers.
(Your readers don't have time to read a gazillion pages about every last project you've been involved with. Tell the stories through stats.)
(Also super handy when it comes to writing your funding applications next year
) /7
(Your readers don't have time to read a gazillion pages about every last project you've been involved with. Tell the stories through stats.)
(Also super handy when it comes to writing your funding applications next year
) /7
5. Experiment with real-life + digital formats.
(Psst! It doesn't have to be a lengthy report. How about a
- postcard
- calendar
- podcast
- video
- live illustration
- montage of your IG account this year!)
/8
(Psst! It doesn't have to be a lengthy report. How about a
- postcard
- calendar
- podcast
- video
- live illustration
- montage of your IG account this year!)
/8
6. Don't forget to repurpose!
(Get more
for your 
by reusing stories, stats and quote in your blog posts, social media and other marketing materials)
/9
(Get more
for your by reusing stories, stats and quote in your blog posts, social media and other marketing materials)/9
What other ideas do you have? Are you trying something different or going down the tried and tested route?
Seen any good examples of innovative annual reviews? Pls share!
/10
Seen any good examples of innovative annual reviews? Pls share!
/10
