Annual report writer for not-for-profit and social enterprise teams

Structure and support to bring your annual report to life

Tanya Hollis sits cross-legged on an office chair holding a closed laptop computer.

Dreading the months swallowed by the annual report cycle?
Facing messy inputs and circular approvals?
Trying to turn scattered information into a clear report?

Annual report writing with structure and calm

Video Transcript

I’ve been where you are and I know the juggle is real.

You’ve got a mountain of raw data, input from multiple departments and an annual report deadline inching closer.

Meanwhile, there are still newsletters to publish, social media to maintain and fundraising campaigns to run.

You don’t need more hours in the day, you need the right support.

Hi, I’m Tanya Hollis, a communications specialist helping purpose driven organisations produce clear, accessible content without the overwhelm.

The stress that often comes with an annual report isn’t really about the writing. It’s about the process.

What needs to go in? What should be left out?

Who’s responsible for what and by when?

When you’re already stretched, it can feel impossible finding time to:

  • map your year’s work into a clear structure
  • chase meaningful input from across the organisation
  • turn raw numbers into meaningful impact stories
  • and bring everything together into one clear narrative.

That’s why my role isn’t just writing the report, it’s holding the structure so the report doesn’t spiral.

It’s supporting small not-for-profit and social enterprise comms teams with clarity, structure and calm. Ensuring the annual report cycle runs smoothly and the final report meets both storytelling and governance expectations.

If that sounds like what you need for your next annual report, have a look through this page and book a time to plan your report.

Person rests head on lapboard keyboard as though frustrated. They hold a coffee in one hand. They are surrounded by balls of crumpled paper.

Isn’t it time you felt proud of your annual report?

Just because it’s a legal obligation doesn’t mean your annual report has to be boring.

You and your team work hard delivering services that improve lives and strengthen communities. Your work deserves to be celebrated.

With the right structure and narrative, your annual report can bring that impact to life.

Turn your annual report into something worth reading

Annual reports are major projects that pull your team away from business as usual. When the goal becomes simply ticking it off the to-do list, the result can feel lifeless. A missed opportunity.

Your annual report is a governance document first. With clear structure and intent, it can also become a powerful storytelling tool that:

  • highlights the impact of your work
  • builds awareness and support
  • meets governance and compliance requirements.
    Messy and cluttered office desk covered in papers and folders.

    Limited spots available

    To deliver the highest quality to my clients I limit my annual report writing services to just 6 each year.

    With repeat clients locking in their reports early, this leaves only a few spots available for new clients. Want in?

    Ethical storytelling

    Sensitive stories deserve thoughtful, respectful handling. With Story Caretaker training through Our Race, I approach every story with care, integrity and an understanding of the responsibilities involved.

    Illustration depicts heart filled with people of all abilities.

    Accessible content

    Reduce confusion, build trust and respect your diverse audiences by making content easier to understand and navigate. I’m familiar with WCAG standards and ISO Plain Language principles.

    Tanya Hollis sits on a stool and smiles at camera.

    Meet Tanya Hollis

    I’m a communications specialist crafting kind and careful content for organisations that value access and inclusion.

    Drawing on experience across journalism, public relations and marketing, I support solo comms leads and small teams navigating competing priorities, sensitive stories, annual report deadlines and board scrutiny.

    For more than 25 years I have worked in-house and as a consultant with not-for-profits and government agencies focused on health, medical and social sector communications.

    Reliable, versatile senior communications support to ease the pressure.

    What’s included?

    Throughout the process, I keep you updated on progress so the report moves forward smoothly.

    Point-to-point journey icon.

    Planning

    Clear report structure
    Gives everything a logical place.

    Content planning
    What goes in, stays out and why.

    Timeline and inputs
    Coordinating information and deadlines.

    Hand holding pen icon.

    Writing

    Drafting content
    Shaping clear, impact-focused narratives.

    Content development
    Collecting insights from interview subjects.

    Consistent tone and style
    For a cohesive, readable report.

    Hand holding platter with star icon.

    Polishing

    Independent proofreading
    To catch errors and inconsistencies.

    Inclusive language check
    Respecting audience sensitivities.

    Accessible Word document
    Formatted and ready for design or layout.

    No obligation – simply a chance to talk through your report and timeline.

    Is this annual report writing service for you?

    I specialise in annual report writing for Australian not-for-profits and social enterprise teams that want a governance document to also tell their story clearly.

    My service gives support and breathing space to time-starved in-house comms teams. This service is a good fit if you:

    • are responsible for producing the annual report but juggling multiple priorities
    • have information coming from across the organisation that needs shaping into a clear report
    • want a report that meets governance requirements while still telling your story well
    • value clear communication, reliable timelines and thoughtful editorial judgement.

    What others say

    Projects like an annual report, which has input from so many areas of our organisation, can be time consuming and tedious to put together – Tanya is always one step ahead with a first draft that reads like a final.

    Sarah Mokbel

    Marketing and communications coordinator, Travellers Aid Australia

    We found working with Tanya very easy. She is a dedicated professional who is extremely quick and efficient at what she does. Tanya is recommended to anyone looking for a professional copywriter.

    Amanda Kearney

    Engagement and communications manager, Willoughby City Council

    Working with Tanya on our annual report was easy and beneficial for our communications team. Her expert copy editing added consistency and clarity to our publication, while her deep understanding of inclusive language and narrative flow enhanced our messaging. Tanya works independently, anticipates needs and delivers high-quality content that requires minimal revision. With her professional yet friendly approach she was a valuable contributor within our team.

    Erica Naughtin

    Communications senior manager, genU

    We recently engaged Tanya Hollis Writes to write the copy for our annual report. We found working with Tanya very easy. Tanya was very responsive at all times and provided excellent quality work.

    Karin Waldman

    Chief operating officer, Survivors & Mates Support Network (SAMSN)

    Annual report clients

    Arts Law Centre of Australia logo.
    Willoughby City Council logo.
    Travellers Aid logo.
    MindBlank logo.
    Metro Assist logo.
    MCM logo.
    Survivors & Mates Support Network logo.
    genU logo.
    A lone pine tree and magpie on the beachfront at Cosy Corner, Torquay

    Based on the Surf Coast, servicing Australia

    While I’m proud to call the Surf Coast and Geelong region (Wadawurrung Country) home, I collaborate with clients right across Australia.

    Whether you’re a local organisation or a national team, I provide annual report writing support wherever you are based.

    Don’t give your evenings and weekends to the annual report.

    Get senior communications support to keep the process moving and the report on track.

    How it works

    Clients repeatedly say how easy I am to work with. I look forward to showing you why.

    • Chat: share your vision for the report, along with any known challenges, deadlines and budget.
    • Proposal: I’ll send a clear proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline and investment.
    • Project underway: I gather your information, confirm the report structure and milestones, and begin shaping your material into a clear, cohesive report.
    • Draft and review: you’ll receive a first draft in Word with comments and queries. We work together to refine the content until it’s ready.
    • Final report: your professionally proofread copy is delivered in an accessible Word document ready for design.

    Don’t worry.

    I’ll stay on hand to assist with small edits during the design stage if needed.

      Your Investment

      Prices are shown inclusive of GST.

      Every organisation starts in a different place. What level of support do you need?

      Final pricing depends on report complexity, number of contributors and the amount of drafting required. A fixed project quote is provided after the planning session.

      Annual report writing FAQs

      How does design fit into the annual report process?

      If your organisation already has a designer or a previous report template, the design stage is usually straightforward.

      If you are creating a new report design or working with a new designer, it’s helpful to involve them early so the report structure and word counts align with the layout.

      I’m happy to collaborate with your designer to ensure the content and structure work smoothly with the final design. If required, I can also recommend a designer specialising in accessible publications.

      Will my annual report be WCAG compliant?

      I supply the words for your annual report in an accessible Word document set up to make it easy for your designer to create a final accessible document. This does not guarantee World Content Accessibility Guidelines compliance, but it is definitely an important step towards it. My service is performed in keeping with content accessibility best practice and within the limitations of platforms and software used in production. I also cannot guarantee how the designer and client chooses to use the material supplied by me.

      Find out more about WCAG and content accessibility.

      Do you handle the financial report?

      My service does not include writing any part of the financial results. While I will edit and proofread this section to maintain style and tone, I do not check for accuracy of financial reports. This section of your annual report is best handled by your finance team and external auditor. This service also excludes submission to the ACNC.

      Why do you prefer Microsoft Word?

      Microsoft Word has many useful accessibility features that export well into other platforms, including PDF. It is also better at preserving accessible formatting than other popular applications such as Google Docs.

      How do you check for inclusive language?

      I have a bank of commonly misused terms that I keep a look-out for. I also have a radar for terms that don’t feel quite right and will research those if they arise. Some clients add their own list of problematic words to watch for.

      What if we don’t have a style manual?

      No worries! I have my own style manual built on the Australian Government Style Manual and ABC Style Guide. I can also help develop a customised style guide with use cases relevant to your organisation.

      Turn scattered inputs into a clear, compliant annual report your team can feel proud of.

      Happy person looking relaxed at their office desk.

      Imagine your annual report without the stress, late nights and overwhelm.

      Focus on your priorities while your annual report is guided from raw material to finished report.

      The fine print

      Before we begin your annual report, you’ll receive a proposal outlining the scope of work, timeline, pricing and terms. Once this is signed and returned, your project will be scheduled to start.

      Pricing includes revisions within 14 days of receiving the first draft. If the approval process takes longer than this, additional editing may be quoted.

      This service does not include financial reporting or submission to the ACNC.

      All prices are inclusive of GST.

      More than annual report writing

      Get structured support that keeps the process on track.

      Have a question before getting started?

      Contact me directly at tanya@tanyaholliswrites.com.au or call 0401 628 599.

      Or simply click below to discuss your report needs and timeline.