Turning Insight into Impact: Is There a Report on That?

In the world of social entrepreneurship, passion drives action. Our hands are full — managing projects, pursuing funding, developing new ideas. We're constantly on the move. But in the fury of doing, one critical task often gets overlooked: writing reports. Whether it’s a needs assessment, an organisational activity report, or a gaps and opportunities analysis, reporting isn’t just another piece of paperwork. It’s a strategic tool.

Writing a report about your activities forces you to pause and reflect: What did you set out to do? What actually happened? What did you learn? This process brings clarity — for you, your team, and your stakeholders. Whether you’re assessing community needs or reviewing your impact over the past year, documenting your findings helps you make informed decisions, refine your strategies, and align everyone around clear priorities.

Stakeholders — whether they’re funders, community partners, or local authorities — expect transparency. They want to understand, what actions you’re taking, why you’re taking them, and how you’re measuring success. A well-written report shows that your work is grounded in real needs, backed by evidence, and part of a thoughtful strategy. It adds credibility to your actions and shows you’re serious about accountability and learning.

Every published report strengthens your fundraising potential. When writing grant applications, referencing high-quality data or quoting from your own needs assessments demonstrates that you understand the problem deeply, you've listened to the community and also, that you’ve already taken meaningful steps — even before applying for funding. This kind of preparation signals commitment, initiative, and expertise. It can make your proposals stand out and win the trust of funders looking for impactful projects.

I love writing reports — not only for what they produce, but for the clarity and direction they bring our organisation. I’ve had the opportunity to co-author several reports, including:

Baseline Survey on Multilingual and Transdisciplinary Urban Arts Education

Young Thespians. Report on Needs Assessment on the Inclusivity of Performing Arts Education for Youth in Austria and Iceland.

and our first report at ALO Ísland:

Story-sharing for Social Change: A Needs Assessment on Social Engagement, Empowerment, and Inclusion through Storytelling Methods.

Currently, I'm working on two exciting new projects:

With Ós Pressan and our partner Red Door in Copenhagen, we’re co-authoring a report on Multilingual Writing, exploring how language, identity, and creative expression intersect across cultures and communities.

At ALO Ísland, we’re preparing a report on RVK Poetics, documenting the evolution and impact of Reykjavík’s multilingual literary event series.

Am I excited? Absolutely. These reports will not only capture important cultural insights but also contribute to broader conversations about inclusion, creativity, and the future of our community.

*photo credit: Dan Zerin