Annual reports are useful tools for collaboratives because they:

• Communicate your progress to the community.
• Provide a succinct way to find out information about the collaborative.
• May fulfill legal requirements for nonprofit corporations.
• Provide information to funders.

Annual reports typically include:

• A letter from the chair, including a thank you message to partners, funders, volunteers, board members, and others.
• Goals for the year and progress achieved.
• Vignettes highlighting volunteers, staff and board members.
• Success stories, including evaluation data.
• A list of committees and an overview of organizational structure.
• A financial report, including a listing of funders.
• Pictures of volunteers, staff, and partners in action.
• A list of current staff (placed at the end of the report).

An annual report is the document to spend money on and not cut corners; use color graphics or colored ink and photographs. If your budget allows, hire a writer and graphic designer. Local businesses may be willing to underwrite the cost of production.

Set up a production schedule, especially if you are using contract designers or photographers. Select your paper stock early - your printer may have to order the paper. Consider using a color scheme that is complementary with your stationery. (Consider providing a packet of information about your collaborative that would include a business card, newsletter, annual report, and cover letter. They should coordinate and look well with each other.)

An eye-catching cover is important. A title for the annual report helps to convey a message about your collaborative. You could use children's artwork to decorate the cover or section pages. Quotes from community leaders who are familiar with the work of the collaborative can be sprinkled throughout the report. Field-test the first draft by giving it to a friend or neighbor to read - someone who is unfamiliar with the content. Ask for their feedback. Edit, edit, edit. A volunteer committee from the collaborative should be asked to read the report for accuracy and readability.

Print plenty of copies and distribute widely and appropriately. Make sure that funders of the collaborative receive copies. Local government, school board, Chamber of Commerce leaders, and others should also receive copies. Prepare a news announcement on the release of the annual report, along with an informational packet about the collaborative, and hand-deliver or mail them with the annual report to the local media. Be sure to follow up with a phone call. Remember, an annual report is an investment in the future!