When it comes to annual reports, there's an exciting opportunity to do more than just present data and updates. These reports can be a creative showcase for your brand, helping to tell a compelling story that connects with your audience.

In our experience working with small and mighty teams in the social sector, we have created a variety of different annual report solutions. Some organizations use a consistent framework year after year, making small updates to fit their evolving story. Others bring a fresh, thematic approach to each annual cycle, aligning multiple materials under one cohesive design for the year.

In this article, we'll share a collection of examples from our portfolio to inspire your next annual report.

Streamlined annual reports that can last for years

Many of our client partners have a designed Annual Report template that can last for a few years or more. Often the look and feel of these templates uses the organization’s brand styles. They are consistent in this way with other branded materials and this helps them stay relevant for years.

In terms of content creation, having a template helps an organization “get it done” as they can to write to the template, which becomes easier each year.

To help differentiate the new year for long time supporters, we create new cover art, and having new content that comes with new photos gives it a refreshed look. When an organization’s content doesn’t fit a particular layout in the template, we collaborate to make small revisions.

The following are some examples for inspiration.

Riis Settlement annual report

Riis Settlement wanted to level up their annual report and stretch their investment over multiple years. We created a look and feel that matched their brand look, and created layouts that worked well to present the stories they wanted to highlight.

To help each year have a bit of a refreshed look, we create a new cover and change out the content. What stays the same is general layout and the design styles.

EmbraceRace impact report

The core style and layout of EmbraceRace’s Impact Report has worked well for a number of years. As a dynamic organization, each year something new or different needs to be expressed. So, we work with them to adjust layouts and introduce new design treatments on select pages to help them share their most timely stories and content for the year. A few spreads we repurpose each year which helps save time and also provides guidance in gathering content to share.

Annual reports that mark a special occasion or theme

An annual report can be a great story telling tool. Whether to support an occasion like an anniversary or to showcase a theme to express your impact, they can showcase your organization creatively to rally support and build trust.

The following are more examples for inspiration.

Reel Works 20th anniversary annual report

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of this amazing organization, Reel Works used their annual report to celebrate the occasion and their impressive impact. The design created is bold, polished, strong, youthful, and energetic. All words that describe the work and community of Reel Works.

The New York Foundling and the use of annual themes

The New York Foundling typically creates an annual theme — something that captures an aspect of their work and impact for the year. “Building Futures” and “Transformation” are examples of themes used in recent years. The theme is carried through multiple pieces including their annual report and annual appeal. They invest in designing a look for each theme that cleverly ties into their core branding in some way. The annual report is a showcase piece of the theme, telling stories, and highlighting updates from the year that bring that theme to life.

The following showcase "Building Futures", "Transformation", and "Growing Together" themes.

Wrapping up: designing annual reports that evolve with your brand

Annual reports offer more than just a snapshot of your organization's work—they are a vital part of your brand's story. Whether you're working with a template that evolves year by year or creating something entirely new to celebrate a milestone, the right design can help you communicate your impact in a way that resonates.

At Minds On Design Lab, we believe in tailoring these pieces to fit each organization’s unique needs, offering flexibility to adjust content while maintaining brand consistency. These examples are just a glimpse of what’s possible when creativity and strategic design come together. As you plan your next report, think of it as an opportunity to not only inform but to inspire your audience to engage further with your mission.