Before you start writing, it helps to be clear about what kind of report you aim to produce. These terms are often used interchangeably but have slightly different expectations, formats, and audiences.
What is an Impact Report?
A report that focuses on the outcomes of your programs or initiatives — especially the social or environmental change created. Common in nonprofits, foundations, B Corps, and social enterprises, impact reports emphasize storytelling, community outcomes, and learning.
Primary focus: Outcomes of mission-driven work (social/environmental impact)
Tone & format: Narrative, qualitative, people-centered
Audience: Donors, beneficiaries, partners, general public
Common uses: Nonprofits, B Corps, foundations, social enterprises
What is a Sustainability Report?
A sustainability report is a broader report that covers an organization's environmental, social, and economic performance. Typically structured around ESG pillars or aligned to frameworks like GRI or the UN SDGs. It shows how sustainability is integrated into operations, strategy, and culture.
Primary focus: Environmental, social, and economic performance (including operations and strategy)
Tone & format: Structured by ESG or SDG pillars; combines narrative and data
Audience: Companies, institutions, municipalities, hybrids
Common uses: Nonprofits, B Corps, foundations, social enterprises
What is an ESG Report?
An ESG report is a disclosure-focused report that presents environmental, social, and governance data relevant to financial risk and performance. Often aligned with investor standards like SASB, TCFD, or CSRD, ESG reports prioritize comparability, metrics, and regulatory compliance.
Primary focus: Quantified risk and performance factors that affect financial value
Tone & format: Data-heavy, risk-focused, investor-aligned
Audience: Investors, analysts, rating agencies, regulators
Common uses: Public companies, investor-facing orgs, financial institutions
Tip:
You don’t have to choose one label — many organizations combine these formats depending on who they’re reporting to. What matters most is being clear about your intention and who you’re trying to reach.
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Guide to Creating Impact, ESG and Sustainability Reports
A Practical Guide to Impact and Sustainability Reporting
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Why Sustainability Reporting Matters
A Way to Earn Trust, Align Strategy, and Drive Real Progress
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Tools for Building Reports
Platforms, software, and workflows that actually work for real teams
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Choosing the Right Report Framework(s)
Structure, Standards, and Getting it Right
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Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
What credible reports get right — and where others fall short
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Resources and Templates
Tools to get started, stay organized, and keep improving
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Gathering and Managing Data
How to Collect, Verify, and Organize the Data You’ll Need
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Materiality: Focusing on What Matters Most
Not every topic belongs in your sustainability or impact report. That’s where materiality comes in.
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Structuring the Report — Sections and Flow
What to Include, and in What Order
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Writing the Report — Tone, Style, and Clarity
Striking the Right Balance Between Facts and Voice
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Design and Accessibility
Good Design Makes a Better Report
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Sharing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Report
Get it out — and make it count
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