Annual Reports: The Agony and The Ecstasy

For most nonprofits and foundations, the annual report is the flagship of communications. It allows an organization to tell its story, convey a professional image, educate readers about philanthropy, encourage new donors – the list goes on and on. "Let us send you a copy of our annual report," is a phrase often heard by those making inquiries.

Although many of us look forward to our annual report's release, few of us relish the hard work and long hours it can take to actually get there. Any project of this scale will have its ups and downs, its share of hurdles and headaches. But if you know where you're going and how to get there, you can make producing an annual report a much more manageable task. Keep reading >>

This article is provided by WordOne and is adapted from An Annual Accomplishment: A Step-By-Step Guide for Creating an Effective Annual Report for Your Foundation. WordOne has more than a decade of marketing communications experience working specifically with nonprofit clients. WordOne, a Mansell Group Company, is located in Atlanta, Georgia can be found online at www.wordone.com.

What is the Open Seat Matching (OSMP) program?
OSMP allows nonprofit professionals AND nonprofit board members the opportunity to take continuing education and professional development courses offered by some of Atlanta's premier higher education institutions-- at significantly reduced prices. A sampling of upcoming courses:

Managerial Leadership offered by the Emory University Goizueta Business School: Monday through Friday, Dec. 3-8, 2007; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $5000 per person; GCN price: $2000
Location: Emory University Goizueta Business School
Materials Needed: None
GCN Registration Deadline: Nov. 25

This program will teach you how to formulate and execute strategy, develop a personal leadership model, and affect and manage change. Through an intensive five-day sequence of class discussion and videos, case analysis, problem-solving scenarios and small group breakouts, you will discover the skills needed to be an effective manager and leader. You'll also receive personal coaching to help you integrate your skills into your company and your career.
Read course details here.

Strategy Execution: The Most Critical Leadership Competency offered by the Georgia Tech College of Management
Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 24-25, 2007; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Read course details here (pdf).
Cost: $1900 per person; GCN Price: $460
Location: Georgia Tech, College of Management
GCN Registration Deadline: Oct 18
Materials Needed: None
Register here (Word doc).

Essentials of Fundraising-Board and Volunteer Development
This session helps develop basic fundraising knowledge and skills. The course provides fundraising essentials to organizations and individuals seeking current effective, ethical fundraising activities to support and grow their work. Instructor: Dave Pass
Date and Time: 8/08/2007 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
50 Hurt Plaza Suite 845, Atlanta
Fee: $100.00 (member) $150.00 (non-member)

Register for this course here.

Basic Grant Writing: Locating Sources and Writing Winning Proposals
Turn organizational needs into fundable ideas, and present them in competitive proposals to foundations and corporations. Participants will learn to craft competitive grant proposals to foundations, government agencies and corporations. Topics will include organizing information and needs, reviewing proposal format and components, and understanding the process for ascertaining and meeting funders' proposal needs. Recommended for those with minimal experience in writing proposals.
Instructor: Tina Jones-Dantzler

Date and Time: 8/23/2007 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
50 Hurt Plaza Suite 845, Atlanta
Fee: $75.00 (member) $75.00 (non-member)

Register for this course here.

 member spotlight

Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA)

GNESA was founded in 1982 as a loose network by the seven existing rape crisis centers in Georgia; the network helped the centers develop into viable entities. As the network grew, the member centers recognized the need for a central office. Therefore, in late 1997, GNESA incorporated as a non-profit organization, secured office space, hired its first staff members, and started to develop its programs. Current membership includes 23 rape crisis centers, several supporting organizations, and individual members. GNESA, the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault, is a non-profit coalition of sexual assault agencies and concerned individuals that share the common goal of ending sexual assault. We are a membership organization. Read more about GNESA's programs and services

View the Center's newest members or learn more about the benefits of membership.

 funder spotlight

Funders That Support Animal Welfare:

Mattie H. Marshall Foundation Trust (404-588-7347)
Community Foundation of Northwest Georgia, Inc.
Nestle Purina Petcare Company
Maddies Fund
Compassion for Animals Foundation (310-204-6600)