Key takeaways
- An annual report tells stakeholders what you achieved, how money was used and where you are going.
- Plan content early: leadership message, highlights, programme results, financials, governance and stories.
- Use infographics, charts and real photos so key numbers can be understood at a glance.
- Produce both a print edition and an accessible, compressed digital PDF.
An annual report is more than a compliance document. It is a chance to show shareholders, donors, members and partners what you achieved, how resources were used and why they should keep believing in you.
What to include
- Cover, contents and organisational overview.
- Message from the chair and CEO or executive director.
- Year in numbers: key highlights.
- Performance, programmes or projects with results.
- Case studies and human stories.
- Governance: board, management and committees.
- Audited financial statements and summary charts.
- Partners, donors and outlook for the coming year.
Plan early
Set a timeline, assign content owners for each section and agree on the theme of the year. Late content is the main cause of rushed, error-filled reports.
Design principles
- Brand consistency: use your colours, fonts and logo correctly. See brand identity vs logo.
- Infographics: turn key figures into charts, icons and visual summaries.
- Real photography: authentic photos of your people and beneficiaries.
- Hierarchy: clear headings, pull quotes and white space.
- Readable financials: summarise with simple charts before the full statements.
Print and digital editions
Print a high-quality edition for board members, donors and events, and publish an accessible, compressed PDF or web version for your website, email and social media.
Common mistakes
- Walls of text with no visuals.
- Inconsistent numbers between sections.
- Poor-quality or generic stock images.
- Spelling and formatting errors from skipped proofreading.
Our graphic design and publishing team designs and prints annual reports for companies, NGOs and institutions.
Permalink Business Ltd. helps Kenyan businesses with websites, software, branding, networking and security. Request a free quote today.
Frequently asked questions
What should an annual report include?
A chair or CEO message, year highlights, performance or programme results, financial statements, governance, partners and outlook.
How long does it take to design an annual report?
Usually 3 to 6 weeks from final content, depending on page count, reviews and printing.
Should we print or publish digitally?
Most organisations do both: a printed edition for boards and partners and a digital PDF or web version for wider reach.
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