How & Why to Write Annual Report Themes | Yearly
The summer months are quiet for most industries. Depending on your audience, this might be true for your nonprofit, too.
While the summer is the perfect chance to unwind and take a necessary break from your laptop, it’s also a great opportunity for some real focused work. Preparing and getting organized in the summer is a fantastic way to reduce some stress in the future.
Here are three ways you can make the most out of your summer:
1. Audit your work
During the busy seasons for nonprofit work, there’s little to no time to make changes to your operations. Both large organizational changes and more minor shifts get lost in the chaos.
The summer is a perfect opportunity to step back from the day-to-day grind and take a hard look at some of your processes. Does your marketing language need some updating? Do you donor letters need editing? Do you need to hire more staff?
Refining both more minor details and big-picture elements throughout your work can be beneficial in the long run. By carving out the time to analyze what’s working and what isn’t, you’ll feel more prepared for the months ahead.
2. Get organized for your annual report
Despite being a year-end review, the annual report takes weeks, sometimes months to assemble. With so much going on throughout the year, nonprofits often leave this project to the last minute. They don’t have time during the busier seasons.
When your donors and volunteers are on vacation, take the time to get organized. Comb through your best snapshots of the year, your favorite testimonials, and start gathering all the necessary financial information. Though organizing for the annual report may feel a bit premature, it’s important to have a foundation to work off of. When it comes time to complete the project, you’ll feel confident that you’ve already put a few pieces in place.
For some early brainstorming, check out our best practices blog.
3. Dedicate time for connection
One of the most fundamental pieces of nonprofit work is connection. Donors and other stakeholders need to feel like part of your mission and your impact—their giving depends on it. Despite how crucial this piece of nonprofit work is, organizations often don’t have enough time to invest in cultivating this connection.
The quiet summer months are great for building or strengthening new and existing connections. Send a summer mid-year update, a friendly “hello,” or even take the time to make a few calls and set up a few meetings. Your supporters will appreciate the effort, setting you up for more success.
