Free, no sign-up to start: the plan opens as a live, editable Gantt chart. 12 tasks across 4 phases, about 13 weeks if every task runs in sequence.
What's in the template
| Phase | Task | Example duration |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Theme, outline and owners | 5 days |
| Plan | Request data and stories | 10 days |
| Content | Year-end financial statements | 21 days |
| Content | Write narrative sections | 14 days |
| Content | Photos and charts | 7 days |
| Design | Layout and design | 10 days |
| Design | First review round | 5 days |
| Design | Revisions | 5 days |
| Design | Leadership approval | 3 days |
| Publish | Proofreading | 3 days |
| Publish | Publish online and print | 5 days |
| Publish | Distribute to stakeholders | 3 days |
Durations are examples to replace with your own estimates, not benchmarks.
About this annual report production
An annual report waits on two tracks: the year's numbers and the stories around them. Writing can start before final figures, but design and approvals need both. This plan lists the steps in order, with room for review rounds, so design starts once both the figures and the narrative are ready.
It fits nonprofit impact reports and company annual reviews. Regulated financial filings follow their own rules and deadlines.
Who it's for: Communications teams, finance teams and nonprofit development staff.
How to use it
- Open the plan. Click Open in the editor.
- Start from the approval date. Adjust durations until leadership approval lands before your publishing date.
- Mark review owners. Name who reviews each round so feedback isn't late.
- Share with contributors. Send a read-only link to everyone supplying content.
Planning tips
- Ask for data and stories early; they are usually the bottleneck.
- Limit review rounds and reviewers.
- Proofread after the final layout, not before.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does an annual report take?
- This template totals about three months in sequence; writing and financials often overlap.
- Can I export the timeline?
- Sharing is free. PDF and CSV downloads are on Solo ($12/month).
- Is it free?
- Yes. Opening and editing the template is free.
Related templates
The free plan saves one project. Downloads (PDF, CSV) and more projects are on Solo, $12/month.