Online Course Makes Writing an Annual Report a Breeze (Well, Almost)

When I was a green-horn development officer with a nonprofit long, long ago, I was frozen with fear at the prospect of developing my first annual report.

I had been in a business setting before and knew how to handle a for-profit annual report, but hadn't a clue how to deal with a nonprofit report. I was also faced with a limited budget and no staff. I was it.

I coped and got something out, but I wish I had been able to access the material in Kivi Leroux Miller's e-course on writing an annual report.

Miller, a consultant to nonprofits and a whiz bang expert on nonprofit writing, offers an ecourse on writing annual reports that is a must for the novice and that is helpful even for an experienced writer.

The beautifully arranged four-week course walks you through the basics of creating your annual report and takes the fear out of the process, from collecting the information to production and mailing.

The course answers crucial questions such as:

• why do an annual report?
• who is the audience?
• how do nonprofit annual reports differ from for-profit annual reports?

The course also provides:

• excellent examples
• check lists
• a basic outline
• exercises

Here are a few things you'll learn:

• How you can make your annual report compelling instead of boring. Hint: Organize it like a magazine and/or develop a theme.

• How to handle the financials. Hint: You do not have to include everything. Most of your readers will not be CPAs.

• How to make the message from your executive director a must-read instead of a "ho-hum." Hint: It is not an "add-on." Make it an organic part of the report.

• How to handle the actual production of your report and tips on the creative process:
  • Who is responsible for what.
  • How to work with freelancers.
  • How to develop a schedule that will ensure on-time mailing of your report.
  • How to keep production costs down, and tips on distribution of your report.

If you are new at your job or just want to make sure you are not missing anything crucial about annual reports, this course may be just right for you.