Happy Summer – and Happy FY2026!
A warm welcome 🌅 to all the new subscribers who found me through Tom Ahern’s newsletter and downloaded Level Up Your Annual/Impact Report: 3 Must-Haves to Engage Donors and Raise More Money.
I’m so glad you’re here!
(And big thanks for your endorsement, Tom! 🙏🏻)
Speaking of annual reports… have you thought about yours yet? 🤔
I know… there’s still lots of uncertainty – economic, political, social – and you may be wrestling with how to talk about your year in a way that feels both honest and hopeful.
But guess what? That’s exactly where the opportunity is.
In that wide-open space where others are pausing or pulling back, you can step forward…
You can be the voice reminding your community what’s possible – even now.
And your annual report? That’s your microphone. 🎤
A clear, compelling impact story can do more than inform – it can inspire. When done right, it doesn’t just recap the past year. It rallies support for the year ahead.
So… how does yours measure up?
If your annual report still feels like a static summary or glorified thank-you card, there’s room to grow.
👉 But this isn’t about starting from scratch – it’s about making a few intentional, low-lift shifts that help your report work harder for you: to raise awareness, deepen engagement and yes, raise more money.💰
Here are 3 smart micro-moves (from my Level Up guide) to help you spark connection and inspire giving:
1. Speak Directly to Your Donor 🫶🏻
Use second-person pronouns like you and your. This creates intimacy and brings your donor into the story – as if you were sitting across from them, sharing what they made possible.
👉 This one small shift makes your message warmer, more relatable and more powerful.
(Hat tip to Tom Ahern, who taught me this simple, powerful move.)
2. Lead with Emotion, Then Follow with Evidence 😍
Start with a captivating story, a meaningful quote, or a photo that tugs at the heartstrings. Let the reader feel the impact before you show them the stats. Emotion opens the heart. Data seals the deal.
👉 Your reader doesn’t want to read a report – they want to feel connected and inspired.
3. Make Your Report Skimmable 👀
Design for short attention spans. Use subheads, pull quotes, photo captions – and my fav infographics 🤩 – to highlight your most important points. Your donor should be able to grasp the heart of your impact at a glance.
👉 Remember, most people won’t read every word – but they’ll scanfor meaning. Make it easy for them to find it. 😉
These three tips are just the beginning…
If you haven’t grabbed it yet (or want to take a deeper dive):
👉 Download the full Level Up guide here →. 🤩
It’s packed with design and storytelling best practices to help you create a report that not only looks good – but resonates, inspires and drives action.
At km design, we support schools and nonprofits through the full creative process – from strategy and messaging to design and branding. Whether you’re starting from a rough draft or a blank slate, we can help shape a report that connects with heart and grows lasting support. 💛
Want to see these micro-moves in action?
I’d be happy to share samples from km design’s recent annual and impact reports. Email me, and I’ll send a few your way.
