Get the eBook today!

Take a peek of what’s inside:

No items found.

Fund Accounting Without The Hassle

General tools just won't cut it- You need true fund accounting

Aplos is specifically built to serve the unique financial needs and dynamics of nonprofit groups and faith-based organizations. You can confidently manage your books, financial health, and bottom line the right way, the first time and every time.

check list icon

Perfect for both large and small organizations

check list icon

Advanced accounting tools and beautiful reports for organizations that need them

check list icon

World-class fund and donor accounting features specific to the needs of nonprofits and churches

True fund accounting software for nonprofits and churches
image background line

Clean, clear board reports

Aplos is a robust accounting system that allows you to keep track of your grants, programs, and fundraising so you can give your board clarity on your finances. 

aplos-software-preview
aplos-software-snapshot

Find the Plan That's Right for You

Lite
$79/month
$79/month*

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

check list icon

Fund accounting

check list icon

Financial Reporting

check list icon

Donation Tracking

check list icon

Contribution Statements

check list icon

Online Giving Forms & Widgets

check list icon

Event Registration

check list icon

People CRM Database

Core
$99/month
$74.25/month*

No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

check list icon

Fund accounting

check list icon

Donation tracking

check list icon

Online giving forms

check list icon

Financial & giving reports

check list icon

Event registration

check list icon

Budgeting

check list icon

Accounts payable & receivable

check list icon

Recurring transactions

check list icon

Pledge tracking

check list icon

Partner integrations

Advanced

For organizations tracking budgets and financials for grants, programs, departments, or multiple locations.

Customized solutions start at $189/month. Contact our sales team for a personalized quote.

check list icon

Fund accounting

check list icon

Donation tracking

check list icon

Online giving forms

check list icon

Financial & giving reports

check list icon

Event registration

check list icon

Budgeting

check list icon

Accounts payable & receivable

check list icon

Recurring transactions

check list icon

Pledge tracking

check list icon

Partner integrations

check list icon

Budgeting by fund

check list icon

Project, campaign, or department budgeting & reporting

check list icon

Fixed asset tracking

check list icon

Income & expense allocations

check list icon

and more...

*Promotional pricing. Offer valid for new customers only.
quote icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon

Source:

Trusted worldwide by

fargo moorhead science museum logoywca southern azembrace mhbig brothers big sisters of central cacacwa-logotrlibrary logochildren's cancer fund llogola catholics logoreading in motion logo
fargo moorhead science museumywca southern azembrace mhbig brothers big sisters of central cacacwa-logotrlibrary logochildren's cancer fund llogola catholics logoreading in motion logo
Academy
Church Management
How to Write an Annual Report for a Church
What is fund accounting and who do nonprofits need it
Church Management
10
min read

How to Write an Annual Report for a Church

Aplos Success Team
Published on
February 4, 2022
Collapse

How to Write an Annual Report for a Church

Aplos Success Team
Published on
February 4, 2022
Expand Video

The mere thought of putting together a church annual report can cause church staff members to feel intimidated and overwhelmed by such a foreign task. Fear not! Completing this exercise is not as challenging as it may seem.

The following article will explain how to create a fun yet thorough annual report for your church.

Learn more about our church reporting tools, budgeting features, and church accounting solutions. Try Aplos free for 15 days.

What Should Be Included in Your Church Annual Report?

Typically, the first question that comes to mind when putting together a report of any kind is, “What important elements should we include?” One major concept to keep in mind when creating the report is that it should be more about inspiration and your ministry and less about the financial aspect of running a church.

Think of it as a casual presentation woven together with uplifting stories, inspiring images and videos, encouraging data, and impactful goals that provide a glimpse into the upcoming year and help you cast your church’s vision for the future. It will be similar to a nonprofit annual report, but it will be completely unique since it will reflect the ministries and mission of your church.

Examples of Annual Reports From Other Churches

These are some real church examples of annual reports you can find inspiration from:

Common Components of an Annual Report for Your Church

Inspirational Stories

This is as simple as it sounds. Gather moving stories happening in the church throughout the year that will inspire both current and new attendees. Be sure to include great examples of how God and your church have impacted the lives of people in your community.

Relevant Pictures and/or Videos

Including images of real people in your ministry is a great opportunity to showcase God, your members, the volunteers in your church, and events that your church has put together. Videos are also a nice touch if your report is digital. Both images and videos offer an excellent opportunity to show people that their contributions are being put to good use.

Statistics and Achievements

This section of the report should be used to present statistics related to attendance, tithes, a building campaign, money given to missions, baptism numbers, and other relevant information. The goal here is to be transparent and have congregants feel like they are truly a part of the process, and not to overload the readers with tons of data. Simple and interesting is the way to go here.

An Overview of Future Plans

After using the previous sections to touch on stories, highlights, and statistics from the past year, this section should be dedicated to laying out plans for the coming year. Use this part of the annual report to fill your church in on upcoming events, recent developments, and any other exciting information that will build confidence in your ministry and clearly demonstrate your church’s vision for next year and beyond.

How to Use the Report Once It Has Been Created

You have created a comprehensive church annual report that will both educate and inspire your readers. Great! Now what?

Below are some ways to use the report once it has been completed.

Add the Report to Your Church Website

This is an excellent way to demonstrate transparency to your congregation while also making your church attractive to visitors.

Mention the Report During Your Services

Your services provide a great opportunity to casually mention the report to your church. No need to make a big announcement; just work it into the service at a time that seems natural.

Email It to Current Members, New Members, and Visitors

This is another effective way to build trust and confidence in the plan for the future of your church. Keeping current members of the congregation in the loop creates a sense of transparency, and makes prospective new members feel welcome and appreciated.

Personally Distribute It

Hand your annual report out to visitors, new volunteers, families, and individuals who have recently joined the church. Going the extra mile by hand-delivering the annual report will mean a lot to people who interact with your church on a regular basis. The positive impression and word of mouth could result in increased attendance and greater generosity when people tithe.

Software to Assist With Church Reporting

Whether you need help with your annual report or contribution statements, or you just want an accounting solution that is specifically made for churches and nonprofit organizations, Aplos was specifically created with the needs of your church in mind.

[Free eBook] Essential Reports Churches Need

Collapse
Expand Video

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

Aplos Success Team
Aplos Accounting free 15-day trial
We'll manage your finances so you can focus on your mission
Try It For Free