Which Program Should I Report On?

Before opening the report builder, take a few minutes to decide which program(s) you will report on. Here is what to keep in mind.

Report at the program level. We recommend completing your Impact Report at the program level, not the organizational level. A program-level report focuses on one specific intervention, including: who it serves, what it does, and what outcomes it creates. This makes your report more accurate, more useful to funders, and easier to complete.

Pick the program you know best. Start with the program you have the most data on. This will make it easier to work through the outcomes and budget sections without getting stuck. You can always create additional reports for other programs later.

Choose a program with a clear theory of change. The report works best for programs where you can describe a clear path from activities to outcomes. Think about: Which program would you highlight first if explaining your organization's impact to a new donor? That is usually a strong candidate.

Consider data availability. You will need to provide information on who you served, what outcomes they experienced, and what the program cost. Choose a program for which you have reliable data on at least some of these areas. You do not need perfect data and your best available information is the right starting point.

You can report on more than one program. Depending on which platform you're creating your report in, you may be able to report on multiple programs by creating  separate reports for each. We recommend starting with one and adding more once you have completed your first. Please note that as of May 2026, Charity Navigator users can only create one program report for now.

For guidance on what to gather before you begin, see How to Get Started with Your Impact Report.