The Tool Trunk

Private foundations are poised to play an even greater role in nonprofit sustainability. With government funding under strain and economic uncertainty persisting, many nonprofits are turning to foundations for critical support.

According to Nonprofit Tech for Good’s 2025 Online Fundraising Statistics, monthly giving now accounts for 31% of all online revenue for nonprofits. For organizations that offer it, monthly donations make up 46% of their online income—nearly half.

Even the best teams get stretched too thin. And when it comes to developing an annual report—a project that requires focus, strategy, and storytelling—that stretch starts to show. If your annual report always feels like it’s running behind (or rushed at the end), you’re not alone. Here's why it happens—and what you can do differently this year.

This isn’t a failure of good intention—it’s a challenge of capacity.

When it comes to nonprofit annual reports, financials are often the most misunderstood section—by both readers and the people assembling them. At Elephant Creative Co., we’ve helped dozens of nonprofits present their financial story clearly, confidently, and beautifully. Here's what we've learned about what to include, how to present it, and why unaudited financials are perfectly okay in an annual report.

Turn your annual report into a powerful tool for fundraising, engagement, and brand clarity.

In 2025, nonprofit organizations across the United States are confronting unprecedented challenges due to sweeping federal funding cuts...

(And Why It Matters for Annual Reports and  Grants) Why Impact Data Matters More Than Ever Whether you're preparing a grant application,...

Why Internal Language Can Sabotage Your Annual Report (and How to Fix It) Passion is powerful—but it doesn’t always translate. Nonprofit...

At its best, a brand tells your story before you even say a word. For nonprofits, branding isn't about marketing fluff or a trendy new...

A capital campaign is one of the most high-stakes efforts a nonprofit can undertake. It’s bold, it’s ambitious, and it requires deep...

An annual impact report is more than a year-in-review—it’s a chance to celebrate your mission, strengthen donor trust, and spark deeper...

As the year comes to a close, consider these campaign approaches to close out your calendar year on a high note.