An interim report is a progress report prepared partway through a project or evaluation to provide stakeholders with an update on activities, findings, and any emerging challenges. Unlike final reports, which summarize outcomes and lessons after completion, interim reports serve as checkpoints that support reflection, learning, and course correction during implementation.
These reports typically include information about what has been achieved so far, preliminary results, any changes to the original plan, and recommendations for the remaining phases of the project. Depending on the nature of the project or evaluation, an interim report may also highlight early signs of impact, barriers faced, and adjustments made in response to new insights or unforeseen circumstances.
Purpose and Benefits #
- Interim reports have various benefits:
- Keep stakeholders informed: Interim reports offer transparency and keep funders, partners, and team members updated.
- Support decision-making: They provide evidence for making timely adjustments or re-allocating resources.
- Encourage learning: They facilitate reflection on what’s working and what isn’t while there is still time to act.
- Improve accountability: Interim reports demonstrate responsible management and responsiveness to context.
Considerations #
An effective interim report should be clear, concise, and focused on actionable insights. It should avoid overly technical language and present findings in a way that supports practical decisions.
Interim reports are, thus, valuable tools for real-time evaluation and adaptive project management, helping to ensure that initiatives stay on track and achieve their intended outcomes.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
This blog post by the CFI Team provides a clear overview of interim statements—also referred to as interim reports—explaining their purpose, providing a practical example, and comparing them with annual financial statements to highlight key differences.
The Double-edged Sword of Interim Reports
This article by Bonnie Lakusta gives a brief on why clients often ask for interim reports, along with the various challenges and considerations for including an interim report.
For in-depth understanding #
A Complete Guide to Interim Financial Reporting
This book by Deepa Agarwal serves as a practical guide for preparing interim financial statements and results, specifically for companies registered in India. It outlines the process in line with the provisions of Ind AS 34 on Interim Financial Reporting and the applicable sections of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
This chapter, from the book IFRS Policies and Procedures edited by Barry J. Epstein and Eva K. Jermakowicz, introduces the concept of interim reporting and describes the important aspects of interim financial reporting that are put forth by IAS 34.
Case study #
China Road Safety Engagement Strategy: Interim Report
This interim report by Tony Bliss, Jeanne Breen, and Eric Howard summarizes key review findings and presents them within an operational framework for a new engagement strategy aimed at improving road safety in China. It outlines a project concept focused on scaling up investments and knowledge transfer at national, provincial, and city levels, with particular emphasis on strengthening lead agency roles and multisectoral coordination. The report also details next steps for finalizing the project concept before moving to implementation planning.
Kyrgyz Republic : Enhancing Pro-poor Growth
This World Bank report was developed to support the Kyrgyz government in formulating and executing its National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NPRS). An interim version, delivered in August 2002, examined the link between economic growth and poverty, with a detailed focus on how these dynamics play out in the labor market and agricultural sector. The timing of the interim report aligned with the NPRS preparation schedule.
References #
What Is an Interim Statement? Definition, Purpose, and Example
