Trust. Family. Compassion. Safety. Wisdom. Tenacity.
Click this link to read one of the best annual reports I’ve ever seen. Let me tell you why.
When working with nonprofits to identify their core values, I often begin with examples of value sets of actual organizations and ask those in the room to identify the type organization they describe. Through such an exercise nonprofit leaders begin to understand why articulating your core identity—your core values—is an important exercise. Core values are the rich soil into which you sink your roots and they are evident in everything you do. They serve as both a foundation and a compass for good decision making.
If I were to tell you that the values listed above are from an organization that works with children from distressed families, you wouldn’t be surprised. The board and staff of KID spent several months last year working on a strategic plan. They began with core values, digging deep into the heart of why they exist and what they deem nonnegotiable. Once they defined their core values, they posted them around the board room throughout the strategic planning process. Seeing them on the wall (along with the vision, mission, and brand position) during each planning session was a powerful reminder about what is most important.
Using these values as the basis for their annual report is powerful on its own. But K.I.D. went a step further; by using compelling stories their work comes alive for the reader. They turned what is often a dry document into a gripping, persuasive case. The metrics describing their impact are still there in sidebars. But, the way they masterfully put this report together, leaves the reader feeling both emotionally and intellectually engaged—and I think, deeply appreciative of the work they do.
Follow their lead on this annual report and you won’t go wrong.
Jim
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