Impact Reporting

The SDG Report is typically written by national governments in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners. National governments are responsible for producing the report, which provides a comprehensive assessment of progress toward achieving the SDGs in their country. However, other entities such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations, private sector organizations, and academic institutions can also consider writing the report. They can provide additional perspectives and information on the progress toward achieving the SDGs and contribute to the report's completeness and inclusiveness.

It's important to note that national governments are ultimately responsible for the report. Still, they can and should involve other entities as well as experts in the process of writing the report. This can help to ensure that the report is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant to the needs of different stakeholders.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) report tracks progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

The goal of the SDG Report is to provide a comprehensive assessment of progress toward achieving the SDGs at the global, regional, and national levels. The report is intended to inform policy-making and to mobilize action to achieve the SDGs.

The most important criteria for the SDG Report include the following:

1. Relevance: The report should focus on the SDGs and their targets and indicators and provide information relevant to decision-making.
2. Completeness: The report should provide a comprehensive assessment of progress toward achieving the SDGs, including an analysis of progress, challenges, and opportunities.
3. Transparency: The report should be transparent and easily accessible, providing clear and concise information that is easy to understand.
4. Timeliness: The report should be produced and disseminated on time to inform policy-making and mobilize action.
5. Methodological soundness: The report should use robust and internationally comparable data and methods and be based on internationally agreed standards and guidelines.
6. Indicator-based: The report should be based on the SDGs and their targets and indicators and provide information on progress toward achieving these targets.
7. Inclusiveness: The report should consider the perspectives and experiences of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia.
8. Participation: The report should involve all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and academia.
9. Evidence-based: The report should be based on reliable and up-to-date data and evidence and free of political bias.
10. Action-oriented: The report should provide concrete recommendations for action to achieve the SDGs.

Community reports are typically written by organizations or government entities that serve a specific community or geographic area. These organizations may include non-profits, local government agencies, schools, or businesses.

The primary purpose of a community report is to provide an overview of the community's current condition and progress, as well as the organization's activities and impact within the community. In addition, community reports can inform the public, stakeholders, and funders about the organization's mission, goals, and accomplishments.

A community report should include the following key elements:

• Community profile: An overview of the community's demographics, economy, and other relevant information that provides context for the organization's work.
• Organization's mission and activities: A description of the organization's mission, goals, and programs, along with statistics on the number of people served and outcomes achieved.
• Impact: An assessment of the organization's impact on the community, including any measurable results or successes.
• Community partnerships: A description of the organization's partnerships with other organizations, government agencies, and businesses in the community.
• Financial Information: A summary of the organization's funding sources and expenses, including a statement of the organization's financial health.
• Plans: A brief overview of the organization's plans for the future, including goals and strategies for achieving them.
• Call to action: Encouraging readers to get involved and support the organization's mission and work.

Overall, community reports are an essential tool for organizations to communicate their value and impact to their stakeholders and the community they serve, and also a way to build trust and engagement.

Overall, nonprofit annual reports serve as a transparent and accountable way to inform stakeholders about the organization's activities, impact, and financial health, and also as a way to acknowledge and thank donors. An excellent example of a nonprofit annual report is the one published by the American Red Cross. It includes the following key elements:

• Executive Summary: A brief overview of the organization's mission, major accomplishments, and financial highlights for the year.
• Financial Information: A detailed report of the organization's revenue, expenses, and assets, including an independent auditor's report.
• Program Description: The organization's programs and services, including statistics on the number of people served and outcomes achieved.
• Board of Directors and Staff: A list of the organization's board of directors and key staff members, along with their biographies.
• Donor Recognition: A list of donors who have made significant contributions to the organization and a summary of the organization's fundraising activities.
• Future plans: A brief overview of the organization's plans for the future, including goals and strategies for achieving them.
• Audited Financial Statements

A donor impact report is a document that shows the impact of a specific donation or group of donations to a nonprofit organization. It is intended to provide transparency and accountability to donors and show them how their contributions have made a difference.

An example of a purpose for a donor impact report might be to show the results of a fundraising campaign for a specific project, such as building a new community center. The report might include information such as the total amount raised, the number of donors, a breakdown of expenses, and a description of the progress made on the project. It could also include pictures or testimonials from people impacted by the project.

An impact assessment report is a document that describes the potential effects of a proposed project, program, or policy on different stakeholders and the environment. The report typically includes an analysis of the project's social, economic, and environmental impacts, as well as an assessment of the risks and benefits associated with it. Impact assessment reports are used to inform decision-making and to ensure that a project is sustainable and socially responsible.

Organizations, government agencies, and companies considering undertaking a project or implementing a policy that may impact the community or the environment should consider using an impact assessment report.

A team should write an impact assessment report of experts with knowledge and experience in the areas relevant to the project, such as environmental science, social science, and economics. The team should also include representatives from the community or the groups affected by the project.

An impact assessment report should include the following elements:

1. A description of the proposed project, program, or policy, including its objectives, scope, and location.
2. An analysis of the project's potential social, economic, and environmental impacts on stakeholders, including the community, workers, and the environment.
3. A description of the potential risks and benefits associated with the project and an assessment of how these risks and benefits can be mitigated or maximized.
4. An assessment of the alternatives to the proposed project and an analysis of the costs and benefits associated with each option.
5. A summary of the findings and recommendations for the project, including measures that can be taken to mitigate negative impacts and maximize positive impacts.
6. Conclusion
7. References
8. Appendices (if needed)

It's important to mention that impact assessment reports should be written in clear and concise language and accessible to all stakeholders, including those who are not experts in the field.