Designing Impact Reports That Actually Work

Annual reports shouldn’t feel like an obligation — they should feel like a gift. But for too many nonprofits, impact reporting is still stuck in the past: flat, uninspired, and quickly forgotten.In this episode, Eric and Jonathan unpack how to rethink your approach to reporting — and turn your annual impact story into one of your organization’s most powerful strategic tools.➔ The secret ingredient of high-performing reports. ➔ The real ROI of a well-designed impact report — and how to measure success beyond the PDF. ➔ A simple way to start small: what a minimum viable impact report looks like (and why it’s enough). ➔ How digital and physical formats can work together to spark deeper connection with supporters. ➔ Why your report is only as good as your distribution strategy — and how to plan one that delivers.If your reports are starting to feel more like homework than momentum-builders, this episode will help you reframe the process — and unlock new energy, clarity, and results from one of your most overlooked assets.Don’t just report impact. Design it. Episode Highlights:[00:00] - Why impact reports must go beyond check-the-box compliance.[01:43] - Design choices, storytelling moments, and a surprising community favorite.[04:34] - Jonathan opens up about why even EDs can dread it—and how to reframe it.[06:16] - Why that one piece matters more than you think.[07:41] - Conversation starters, trust builders, and supporter affirmation.[10:57] Why your report must have a digital component and how to make print feel like a premium experience.[14:34] - When to go immersive, when to go tangible.[17:25] Build your report all year long. Treat stories and metrics as ingredients, not afterthoughts.[21:03] - Personalized impact reports are the new frontier.[23:32] - Why “post and pray” doesn’t work, and what to do instead.[26:09] - How chunking up content triples conversions.Resources:Case Study - Equality FundArticle - The Benefits of a Digital Annual ReportArticle - How to Prepare for Your Digital Annual ReportArticle -Prove it or Lose it: Why Proof of Impact Matters in the Social Impact SpaceArticle - Turning Stats Into Stories: Supercharge Your Social Enterprise’s Proof of ImpactListeners, now you can text us your comments or questions by clicking this link.*** If you liked this episode, please help spread the word. Share with your friends or co-workers, post it to social media, “follow” or “subscribe” in your podcast app, or write a review on Apple Podcasts. We could not do this without you! We love hearing feedback from our community, so please email us with your questions or comments — including topics you’d like us to cover in future episodes — at [email protected] Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.

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