Share Your Impact Clearly

As we close out the year and step into this holiday week, we want to wish you a warm and meaningful Merry Christmas. This season is a reminder of connection, generosity, and hope — values that nonprofits embody every day. 

Nonprofits often do incredible work behind the scenes — but supporters don’t always see the full picture. Impact reporting bridges that gap. By sharing clear, meaningful outcomes, you help donors, volunteers, and community partners understand exactly how your mission is making a difference. 



An impact report doesn’t have to be long, complicated, or filled with dense statistics. In fact, simple and focused reports often resonate the most. When people can quickly grasp your results, they’re more likely to stay connected, give again, and share your work with others. 

Here are a few practical ways to create an impact report that is both informative and engaging:

1. Start with your core message. 

What is the heart of the work you want people to understand? Choose one central theme or outcome to highlight — like support group attendance, care package distribution, or community engagement. This keeps the report focused and easy to follow. 

2. Choose numbers that mean something. 

Data is most powerful when it tells a story. Instead of listing every metric, highlight the ones that clearly communicate progress: families served, sessions held, volunteers engaged, or new partnerships formed. One or two strong numbers can have more impact than a full spreadsheet. 

3. Use stories to bring the numbers to life. 

A short testimonial, a volunteer moment, or a community snapshot can help readers emotionally connect to the impact your numbers represent. Stories make the report feel human, relatable, and memorable. 

4. Keep the design clean and visual. 

Your audience should be able to understand the report at a glance. Use simple graphics, clear headings, and concise descriptions. A well-designed visual — like the Missing Pieces support group impact graphic — helps readers absorb information quickly. 

5. End with gratitude and a clear next step. 

Impact reporting should strengthen relationships. Invite readers to stay engaged, attend an event, donate, or follow along for more updates. 

Sharing your impact clearly doesn’t just inform your supporters — it inspires them. When people see the difference your work is making, they feel part of something meaningful, and that connection fuels long-term support.