Logo - H - tiff
Not-For-Profit News
March, 2016
The Importance of an Annual Report
 
By Sandy Strelka, CPA
Supervisor

An annual report can be a great way for nonprofit organizations to show their accomplishments to current and future donors, provide online fundraising opportunities, and insightful visitor data.  Nonprofits are not required to produce an annual report, and they often struggle deciding what to include in them.  Here are some suggestions on creating a meaningful annual report.

1. Consider going digital
and producing online reports.  Studies show that over half of printed annual reports go unopened.  People are more likely to read an online report, and you will be able to offer embedded video and online links. 

2. Focus on the accomplishments that you have achieved related to your mission statement.  People are looking for the results of your activities.

3. Include photos, captions, and interactive video throughout the report.  Focus on who you help, not your staff or board members.  A meaningful photo of a child, animal or location can speak louder than words to convey your mission.  Someone skimming through the report and just looking at pictures and reading captions should get a good idea of what good things you have done.

4. Include real stories of real people, rather than a general summary of your work.  Share some personal profiles or a volunteer's story of how they made a positive difference.  Show overall statistics of what you have accomplished.

5. Present summarized financial statements along with a summary explaining them.  Include commentary on where the revenue comes from and how it is spent.

6. Many annual reports include a list of donors.  Don't let this list take up too much space in your report.  If the donor list is extensive, consider recognizing them in another way, such as monthly newsletters or other mailings.

7. Always give donors an opportunity for future support.  Let them know specifically how they can help you.  Are there any volunteer opportunities available to them, can they donate stock, do you need any products or services?  Provide a "donate" button on your online annual report to make it easy for people to give.

8. Keep the report simple and easy to navigate and avoid clutter. Don't try to include too much information and always focus on major accomplishments.  Include the organization's mission statement and logo and post the report on the organization's website.

Providing an annual report can be time-consuming, but if done well, can elevate your organization to a higher standard.  It can be used as a general marketing brochure for new potential donors and presents the organization with a professional appearance.  It will make an impact.
WKMR Sponsors Biz Connection Radio Show

WKMR is proud to sponsor the Biz Connection Radio Show, a weekly radio program hosted by Jim Rosetti & Ron Nielsen aimed at the business community. Business owners of large and small companies, and at all stages of their business life, are guests on the show

Upcoming Programs include:

March 26 & 27 - David Nennig of Harbor Lights.
April 2 & 3 - Daniel Otte of Firefly Arial Photograpy Service.
April 9 & 10 - Matt & Michelle Mielke of Life Leadership..

The show is broadcast in the Milwaukee area on WJYI-AM 1340 at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoons.  More information on the show and a schedule of upcoming guests can be found at http://bizconnectionwi.com/index.php.


WKMR Fraud Services

If you suspect fraud may be occurring in your organization, there is action you can take.  At Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C. our Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE) can assist you with putting internal controls in place to help prevent and detect fraud. Our CFEs have the ability to: 
  • Identify the underlying factors that motivate individuals to commit fraud
  • Examine data and records to detect and trace fraudulent transactions
  • Interview suspects to obtain information
  • Write investigation reports
  • Advise clients as to their findings
  • Testify at trial

If you suspect fraud is occurring at your organization or would like help putting internal controls in place, give us a call.


 

Contact us:


 

                Brookfield                                Oconomowoc

235 N. Executive Drive,        1040 Oconomowoc Parkway

             Suite 160                        Oconomowoc, WI  53066

  Brookfield, WI  53005                         262.567.6540      

          262.797.9050            

                               

 Watertown

138 Hospital Drive, Suite 100

Watertown, WI  53098

920.261.6767 

 

 

Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook, "Follow" us on LinkedIn and Subscribe to our Blog at www.wkmr.com/blog.

 

 

       

 

At Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp S.C., our not-for-profit team provides quality audit, accounting, tax, and consulting services to a variety of not-for-profit agencies, government funded businesses, private foundations, and assorted charitable organizations. Our experienced team has helped many not-for-profit organizations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin grow and thrive including:

  • Human Service Agencies
  • Cultural & Arts Organizations
  • Charitable & Religious Organizations
  • Educational & Day Care Institutions
  • Professional & Trade Associations
  • Assisted Living Facilities
  • HUD/WHEDA Housing Projects
  • Government-funded For-Profit Businesses

We concentrate on helping you best manage public or donated funds, analyzing how to get the most from your resources and helping you implement your plans to stretch every dollar. Our team of professionals understands your complex financial reporting needs, and will help you to accurately report your finances in an understandable way. We provide the independent audit and accounting services required by many of your funding sources by taking a value-added approach, implementing ever-changing tax reporting requirements, providing information technology consulting, and working with every aspect of your organization to support your success.

 

Not-For-Profit News 
- The Archives
  
For archived issues of
Not-For-Profit News, click on the link below.
 

 

Not-For-Profit News Archives



Volume: 6  Issue: 2
In This Issue
 
WKMR

Not-For-Profit Team

 

Mark Potts 

CPA, PFS Shareholder

Paul Sehmer 

CPA 

Shareholder

Lawrence Gebhard 

CPA

Manager

Renee Bardenwerper 

CPA

Manager

Sandy Strelka 

CPA

Supervisor

Kensie Drinkwine 

Senior

 

 

Rick Grochowske 

CPA

Senior

Jeni Caldwell 

CPA

Senior


CPA
Associate

Join Our Mailing List

Your Not-For-Profit Team 

Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C.