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 Fund
• Article - The Benefits of a Digital Annual Report
• Article - How to Prepare for Your Digital Annual Report
• Article -Prove it or Lose it: Why Proof of Impact Matters in the Social Impact Space
• Article - Turning Stats Into Stories: Supercharge Your Social Enterprise’s Proof of Impact

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Thank you for all that you do for your cause and for being part of the movement to move humanity and the planet forward.