Best Annual Report Examples of 2021 – Yearly

Looking for some inspiration for your annual report? Check out some of the best annual report examples from nonprofits in 2021, rounded up by our team at Yearly.

All of these annual report examples were created using our nonprofit-first software, designed to help build and template annual reports.

Now, let’s dig into the best annual report examples of the year.

Wings Ministry

Wings Ministry, a well-known religious nonprofit, created a stellar annual report using some of our best free tools. Detailed, easy-to-read, and mission-centric, this organization’s report is a perfect example for other religious organizations.

What we love about this report:

• Expert data visualization which helps readers to understand revenue and expenses
• Contextualization of data that allows supporters to understand exactly how their money is being spent
• Consistent branding that is in line with their style guide
• Clear commitment to mission and values

HJF

Most healthcare nonprofits have lots of high-level information at their disposal. For many, most of their work involves medical terminology, jargon, and industry-specific metrics. Despite the dense material that often comes with a healthcare nonprofit, HJF dos an excellent job of making their annual report donor-centric and reader-friendly.

What we love about this report:

• The inclusion of social media allows people to follow them right from report, and feel more connected to the mission
• Prioritizes visual storytelling through photos and videos
• Offers transparency through staff and leadership lists

Ubongo

As far as 2021 annual report examples go, Ubongo takes the prize. With vibrant colors, graphics, and more, their annual report is a show-stopper. Above all, Ubongo’s report makes readers feel like they’re a part of their story and engaged with the mission, which makes this report the ideal marketing tool.

What we love about this report:

• The use of their nonprofit style guide allows them to stand out from competitors in the space
• Expert storytelling through interactive visuals like maps, charts, and timelines
• The inclusion of a case study allows readers an intimate glimpse into their impact

My Own Two Hands

My Own Two Hands, whose goal is to tackle systemic poverty and gender inequality, exemplifies emotive storytelling. Unlike other annual reports that talk about their impact in the abstract, and offer lists of metrics, this nonprofit’s passion for the cause shines through. And even more importantly, the impact of their work shines through.

What we love about this report:

• Numerous testimonials from beneficiaries and impacted populations
• Emotional language and photographs
• Lists of future goals and achievements and how supporters can help

Rebuilding Together DC Alexandria

One of the best ways to use your annual report to foster more donations is to include custom donation links. Rebuilding Together’s annual report, which prioritizes interactivity and user-friendliness, nails this. Bold, clear, and easy to contribute, this report allows readers to act on their inspiration immediately.

What we love about this report:

• Clear donation CTA (call-to-action)
• Lists of key donors and contributors for transparency
• Outline of key initiatives and goals so readers feel informed and connected

Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

For nonprofits, every year is different. That’s why your annual report should never look the same year to year (though you should use years past as templates!). Every year, it’s important that organizations mention relevant current events and their responses, as well as trends and highlights in the industry. This signals to readers that your organization is up-to-date in tackling topical issues.

Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village handles this perfectly. With pages dedicated to local and national news, their organization stands out from the rest.

What we love about this report:

• Emphasis on strength of the community and gratitude for their efforts
• Links to all social media platforms for current updates

Mcdonogh School

One of the best parts of this educational annual report is the clarity of the report. With vibrant colors, easy-to-read text, photos, and more, readers are sure to understand exactly what this organization has accomplished and is hoping to achieve in the future.

What we love about this report:

• Focus on donor gratitude
• Integration of video content
• Candid photos of staff, volunteers, and community members

What do all of these annual report examples have in common?

Though each of these organizations listed above has different missions, values, goals, and audiences, their annual reports have a few things in common.

1. The use of a free, annual report builder

Most nonprofits search for annual report examples because they have no idea how to build their own. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. So many people in the nonprofit industry have no idea what an annual report is, why it’s important, or how to create one themselves.

Each of the above annual report examples utilized Yearly to create their annual report template, format their content, and design their report from scratch. Without any knowledge of coding, or graphic design skills, each of these organizations created stellar annual reports with free tools from Yearly.

2. The prioritization of digital software

Going digital has some major benefits for nonprofits. With software like Yearly, these organizations can add their annual reports to their websites send them out via newsletter, or even download them as pdfs. Plus, going digital means your annual report can be interactive, which is one of the best ways to turn readers into donors.

3. The use of their annual report as a marketing tool

So many nonprofits think of their annual report as another headache on their “to-do” list. While the annual reporting process can be onerous, it’s important to make the most out of it. One of the best ways to do that is to emulate the above annual report examples and incorporate visuals, clickable links, and more, so that your annual report becomes your best marketing tool.

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