Summer Institute for Alumni Relations Pre-Institute Sessions-Impact Reporting Sarah Lawlor 2023

Impact Reporting Sarah Lawlor 2023

Pdf Summary

The document discusses the importance of impact reporting in philanthropic giving and provides tips on how to create successful impact reports. Impact reporting refers to the measurement and communication of the difference philanthropic gifts make in someone's life. It includes narrative reports, financial reports, events, visuals (such as videos and photos), and other forms of storytelling. <br /><br />The document also highlights some stumbling blocks in creating effective impact reports, such as the lack of compelling stories, insufficient resources, and passing the responsibility to others. To overcome these challenges, the document suggests making gratitude an organizational value, focusing on the human beneficiaries, and having adequate system support. It also emphasizes flexibility in form and specificity in content, using templates as tools rather than requirements.<br /><br />Creating successful impact reports leads to satisfied donors who feel that their gifts have made a difference. Satisfied donors are more likely to become advocates and share their positive experiences with others. Good customer service and stewardship also attract more customers. Additionally, compiled stories build institutional pride and create a common belief in the value of the institution.<br /><br />The future of impact reporting involves more multimedia and online integration, giving a competitive advantage to those who excel in reporting. Donor demands for specific and measurable reporting, such as return on investment, are also increasing. Lastly, pre-defined outcomes play a role in defining the success of impact reporting.<br /><br />Overall, impact reporting is crucial in demonstrating the value and impact of philanthropic gifts, and creating successful reports requires storytelling, focus on beneficiaries, system support, flexibility, and specificity.

Keywords

impact reporting

philanthropic giving

successful impact reports

measurement and communication

narrative reports

financial reports

events

visuals

storytelling

compelling stories