8 Nonprofit Impact Report Examples to Inspire You

You’ve done the work. Lives changed, goals met, mission in motion. Now let’s show people what actually happened.

A nonprofit impact report gives your supporters a clear look at the results. It turns data into something people feel—with stories, photos, and wins that matter. When done well, an impact report becomes one of your strongest engagement tools.

But not all reports land. Some get skimmed. Others get shared.

Let’s make yours the second kind.

In this quick guide, you’ll see real nonprofit impact report examples (all designed by our team) that stand out. We’ll show you what to include, how to tell your story, and why investing in thoughtful impact reporting is worth it.

What is an impact report?

A nonprofit impact report is a focused look at what your work actually achieved. Unlike an annual report (which can feel like a bigger collection of info), an impact report zooms in on results from a specific campaign, program, or moment.

It’s simple: what changed, who was affected, and why it mattered.

You’ll often use real stories, clear data, and visuals that bring it to life. Done right, it builds trust and shows donors their support worked (and yep, they'll love you for it).

If you’re researching nonprofit impact reports, impact report templates, or looking for inspiration for your next report—this guide has you covered.

Why Nonprofit Impact Reports are Important

People want to know they’re making a difference and your impact report is proof that they are.

When done right, nonprofit impact reports keep donors engaged, give funders confidence, and help your team (and yes, your board too) see the mission in motion.

And if it’s clear, heartfelt, and actually enjoyable to read? People will want to share it. Really. It happens.

What Should Be Included in an Impact Report

However you design it (print, PDF, microsite), include the good stuff:

• Your mission. Front and center. Everything should point back to it.
• Key wins. Be specific. Who did you help? What changed?
• Where the money went. Charts, visuals, or even napkin math—just make it clear.
• Shoutouts. Donors, partners, volunteers—give credit where it’s due.
• Visual design. Branded, tidy, scroll-stopping. No clunky layouts allowed.

Use this list whether you’re creating your first impact report, revamping your existing process, or exploring nonprofit impact report templates for inspiration.

8 Nonprofit Annual Impact Report Examples That Got It Right

These are all Acton Circle projects. Some lean annual, some lean impact, but each one highlights the organization’s results clearly and beautifully.

Planet Women

Planet Women empowers women in conservation around the world. Their report feels like a coffee-table magazine—full of bold imagery, nature-inspired textures, and confident typography. It’s not just pretty, either: it’s built to inspire today’s donors and lay the groundwork for future partners.

Takeaways:

• Use full-bleed photography to evoke emotion and transport readers into the work.
• Let textures + colors echo your mission (nature, community, local culture, etc.).
• Confident typography can make a smaller org feel established and credible.

Learn more about Planet Women's nonprofit report

Making Waves Education Foundation

Making Waves Education Foundation supports students through college coaching and financial literacy. Their report puts students in the spotlight, blending personal stories with data that actually makes sense. From color-coded sections to branded illustrations, it’s easy to read—and even easier to understand.

Takeaways:

• Combine clearly labeled sections with icons or color codes to guide the reader.
• Pair every key metric with a real student story to make the data human.
• Use branded illustrations to reinforce identity without clutter.

Learn more about Making Waves Education Foundation's report

Making Waves Academy

Making Waves Academy's report is a great companion to the foundation’s—clean, bold, and full of energy. With real photos, bright blues, and open layouts, it captures the spirit of the school while keeping everything polished and professional.

Takeaways:

• Open layouts give breathing room and make long content feel approachable.
• Use energetic brand colors strategically to highlight key information.
• Let authentic photography do the heavy lifting—real students create real connection.

Learn more about Making Waves Academy's report

10,000 Degrees

10,000 Degrees’ report is a great example of cross-platform storytelling. Supporters can dive into their impact through an interactive microsite or a vibrant, easy-to-share PDF. Each version features hand-drawn illustrations, bold colors, and donation links right where you need them. A built-in QR code smartly bridges print and digital—making it easy to move from inspired to involved.

Takeaways:

• Offer multiple formats (PDF + microsite) to meet donors where they are.
• Add CTAs or donor links inside the report—not just at the end.
• QR codes are your friend when you want to turn reading into action.

Learn more about 10,000 Degrees' report

Wu Yee Children’s Services

Wu Yee Children's Services' report makes strong visual choices that stick. Red overlays pull photos together, and bold graphics highlight data without overwhelming the reader. Everything feels on-brand—from custom icons to clean illustrations.

Takeaways:

• A single accent color used consistently can unify your entire report.
• Strong, simple data visuals beat complicated charts every time.
• Branded icon sets instantly elevate the professionalism of your design.

Partners in Development Foundation

Partners in Development Foundation went simple and smart: one bold, infographic-style summary with greens, yellows, and leaf patterns honoring Hawaiian roots. No fluff, just the heart of their impact, and it’s plenty powerful.

Takeaways:

• One-page summaries work beautifully when you want quick engagement.
• Cultural motifs (colors, patterns, symbols) help connect impact to place.
• Focused storytelling can make a single page feel more powerful than 12.

Ministry Leadership Center (formerly CYMT)‍

This report blends individual stories with community-wide impact, centering ministry leaders and their real-life challenges and growth. The design uses clean layouts, strong quotes, and warm, faith-centered photography. The report is honest, hopeful, and mission-aligned without being overly formal.

Takeaways:

• Use testimonial-style quotes to make intangible work (leadership, formation, ministry) feel tangible.
• Warm photography tones help convey heart-centered missions.
• Keep your layout simple when the stories themselves carry emotional weight.

University Department

This university department’s report pulls together the year's program data, articles, and student voices into one clean, cohesive layout. Designed to highlight global engagement, the spread shown above uses location-based infographics, bold stats, and vibrant student photos to keep readers engaged. It’s a polished blend of credibility and heart—academic meets accessible.

Takeaways:

• Location-based maps or infographics are perfect for global or multi-site programs.
• Blend articles + student stories to appeal to both academic and donor audiences.
• Use consistent stat styles (size, color, placement) to create rhythm and clarity.

How to Design an Impact Report That Works

Want a report that instantly connects with people? Here’s how to make it work—whether you’re creating a full annual report, a short impact summary, or a nonprofit impact report your donors will actually read:

• Start with your audience. Who are you writing this for—donors, partners, community members?
• Keep it timely. Share recent wins and relevant data.
• Make it human. Skip jargon and highlight real people and real results.
• Design it for real life. Clean layouts, strong hierarchy, bold headlines.
• Stay true to your mission. Every section should reinforce your values.

These principles apply whether you're designing a custom report or working from an impact report template.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best nonprofit impact reports can miss the mark if you’re not careful. Here are a few common missteps—and how to sidestep them:

• ‍Trying to say too much. If your report feels overwhelming to you, it definitely will to your readers. Stick to the most important highlights and cut the fluff.‍
• Burying the good stuff. Lead with your strongest stories and most meaningful wins. Don’t hide them behind too much background or filler.‍
• Writing for insiders only. Avoid acronyms, jargon, or assuming everyone knows your programs inside out. Clear, friendly language goes a long way in making your report feel welcoming.‍
• Publishing and disappearing. Your report isn’t a one-and-done. Share pieces of it across your channels—social, email, donor updates, and events—to get the most out of your effort.

Read more: How to Repurpose Nonprofit Content Into 5 Canva Designs (Without Starting from Scratch)

Nonprofit Impact Report FAQs

What does a good impact report look like?

It’s focused, easy to navigate, and clearly tied to your mission. The strongest nonprofit impact report examples combine data, storytelling, and visuals that make your outcomes personal and memorable.

What is the difference between an impact report and an annual report?

An annual report covers an organization’s activities over a full year. An impact report zooms in on the results of a specific program or campaign—making it more focused and often easier to share.

What is the goal of an impact report?

The goal is simple: show people that their support made a difference. A strong impact report builds trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires continued support.

How long should an impact report be?

Most nonprofit impact reports fall between 4–12 pages. Keep it long enough to show value—but short enough to keep readers engaged.

What are the elements of an impact statement?

An impact statement is a short, powerful summary of the difference your organization made. It usually includes who you helped, how you helped them, and what changed as a result. Keep it clear, specific, and emotionally grounded.

Ready to Create Yours? Book a call and let’s talk about your vision. Whether you need a full nonprofit impact report, an annual report, or support designing a donor-ready layout—we’ll help you bring it to life.