How to write a Nonprofit Mission Statement in 2024 [+ Examples]
Do you want to learn how to Write a Strong Nonprofit Mission Statement? Check out our 10-step template and examples.
Branding is key to nonprofits, but how do you ensure your communicate your brand messaging the right way?
It’s easy to know what your Nonprofit’s goals are. It can be very hard to put it into words, in a way that not only explains what you do but also spark a movement.
A well written Nonprofit Mission Statement can help you communicate better.
In this article, we’ll go into How to write a Strong Nonprofit Mission Statement and we’ll provide a Template and Examples of great Nonprofit Mission Statements.
What is a mission statement
First, let’s take a step back and understand what a mission statement is.
“A mission statement is a short statement of why your Nonprofit exists, what its overall goal is, identifying the goal of your operations: what kind of product or service do you provide, who do you primarily help, and your geographical region of operation. It may include a short statement of such fundamental matters as the organization’s values or philosophies, a nonprofit’s main competitive advantages, or a desired future state—the “vision”.
Good Nonprofit Mission Statements should be clear, concise, useful and inspiring, as you will see in the examples below.
What is the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement
The vision statement focuses on tomorrow and what your nonprofit wants to become. The mission statement focuses on today and what your nonprofit does. While organizations commonly use mission and vision statements interchangeably, it’s important to have both. One doesn’t work without the other, because having purpose and meaning are critical for any charity.
10 steps to write a Strong Mission Statement for your Nonprofit
Let’s get started with writing a strong nonprofit mission statement. Follow the steps below and we’re sure you’ll create something great!
Don’t be too hard on yourself. All nonprofits have revisited their mission statement multiple times and re-written it.
Just get started and iterate.
10 steps to write a Strong Mission Statement for your Nonprofit
- Check out the examples of strong nonprofit mission statements below to get inspired
- Make a shortlist of mission statements you love
- Underline which elements of the mission statements you love
- Write at least 10 different mission statements for your nonprofit
- Is the mission statement longer than 20 words? Try to cut down to a maximum of 15 words.
- Let it rest for a couple of hours / day(s)
- Revisit your mission statements and make adjustments
- Get feedback from your team and others
- Back to the drawing board
- Get advise from a couple of professionals and people you serve
In other words. Don’t write your mission statement within a day! 😉
Writing a strong mission statement takes time and a lot of feedback. You have a maximum of 15 words to tell your story. That’s not an easy task!
Examples of Strong Nonprofit Mission Statements
Team Rubicon: Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.
Center for Biological Diversity: Saving life on earth.
TED: Ideas worth spreading.
Watts of Love: Watts of Love is a global solar lighting nonprofit bringing people the power to raise themselves out of the darkness of poverty.
Oceana: Protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
The Humane Society: Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.
First Descents: First Descents provides life-changing outdoor adventures for young adults (age 18-39) impacted by cancer.
Smithsonian: The increase and diffusion of knowledge.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: To inspire conservation of the oceans.
Khan Academy: To provide a free, world‑class education for anyone, anywhere.
Bright Pink: Bright Pink helps to save lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering women to know their risk and manage their health proactively.
Wounded Warrior Project: To honor and empower wounded warriors.
Gulmakai Network, Malala Fund: To accelerate and amplify the impact of local education advocates in countries where girls are most likely to miss out on secondary education.
Best Friends Animal Society: A better world through kindness to animals.
Project Concern International: PCI’s mission is to empower people to enhance health, end hunger and overcome hardship.
Kiva: To connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.
Livestrong: To inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
CoachArt: CoachArt creates a transformative arts and athletics community for families impacted by childhood chronic illness.
Invisible Children: To bring a permanent end to LRA atrocities.
Red My Lips: To transform our culture of sexual violence by educating, inspiring, and mobilizing a global community to red their lips, raise their voices, and create real change.
Public Broadcasting System (PBS): To create content that educates, informs and inspires.
USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families.
Human Rights Campaign Working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.
National Wildlife Federation: Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.
Oxfam: To create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and social injustice.
charity: water: Bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
American Heart Association: To build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Environmental Defense Fund: To preserve the natural systems on which all life depends.
New York Public Library: To inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
The Nature Conservancy: To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
CARE: To serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world.
Panthera: Ensure the future of wild cats through scientific leadership and global conservation action.
Museum Of Modern Art: Dedicated to being the foremost museum of modern art in the world.
National Parks Conservation Association: To protect and enhance America’s National Park System for present and future generations.
JDRF: To find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research.
Heifer International: To work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth.
ASPCA: To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
Defenders of Wildlife: The protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.
Amnesty International: To undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending grave abuses of these rights.
Dignity Health: Dedicate resources to delivering compassionate, high-quality, affordable health services.
Creative Commons develops, supports, and stewards legal and technical infrastructure that maximizes digital creativity, sharing, and innovation.
March of Dimes: We help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.
American Diabetes Association: To prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Habitat for Humanity International: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
In Touch Ministries: To lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: We see equal value in all lives.
Cleveland Clinic: To provide better care of the sick, investigation into their problems, and further education of those who serve.
The U.S. Fund for UNICEF fights for the survival and development of the world’s most vulnerable children and protects their basic human rights.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
Teach for America: Growing the movement of leaders who work to ensure that kids growing up in poverty get an excellent education.
Save the Children: To inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.
San Diego Zoo is a conservation, education, and recreation organization dedicated to the reproduction, protection, and exhibition of animals, plants, and their habitats.
Art Institute Of Chicago: To found, build, maintain, and operate museums, schools, libraries of art, and theaters.
International Rescue Committee: To help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.
Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.
Make-A-Wish: We grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.
American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
American Museum Of Natural History: Discover, interpret, and disseminate – through scientific research and education – knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society: We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.
GlobalGiving: To transform aid and philanthropy to accelerate community-led change.
Doctors without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) works in nearly 70 countries providing medical aid to those most in need regardless of their race, religion, or political affiliation.
Allina Health System: Create a healing environment where passionate people thrive and excel, and lead collaborative efforts that solve our community’s health care challenges.
American Civil Liberties Union: Realizing the promise of the Bill of Rights for all and expanding the reach of its guarantees to new areas.
Feeding America: To feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger.
African Wildlife Foundation: To craft and deliver creative solutions for the long-term well-being of Africa’s remarkable species, their habitats, and the people who depend upon them.
Susan G Komen for the Cure is fighting every minute of every day to finish what we started and achieve our vision of a world without breast cancer.
Audubon: To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.
Mayo Clinic: To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research.
The Rotary Foundation: To enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
AARP: To enhance quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service.
Boy Scouts of America: To prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
FAQ
What is a nonprofit mission statement?
A nonprofit mission statement is a concise explanation of the organization’s purpose, outlining its goals, the community it serves, and its approach to addressing its core mission.
Why is a mission statement important for a nonprofit?
It provides a clear direction, guides decision-making, communicates the organization’s purpose to stakeholders, and helps in attracting donors, volunteers, and support.
What are the key components of an effective nonprofit mission statement?
An effective mission statement includes the organization’s purpose, target audience, the services it provides, and its unique approach or values.
How long should a nonprofit mission statement be?
It should be concise, typically one to three sentences long, clearly articulating the organization’s purpose without unnecessary complexity.
How can a nonprofit develop a strong mission statement?
Develop a strong mission statement by involving key stakeholders, reflecting on the organization’s core values and goals, and focusing on clarity and inspiration.
Can a nonprofit mission statement change over time?
Yes, it can evolve to reflect changes in the organization’s focus, societal needs, or strategic direction, though core values often remain consistent.
What is the difference between a mission statement and a vision statement for a nonprofit?
A mission statement describes what the organization does and for whom, while a vision statement outlines the ideal future or long-term goal the organization strives to achieve.
How should a nonprofit use its mission statement?
Use it in all communications, fundraising efforts, and strategic planning to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging and organizational goals.
What role does a mission statement play in nonprofit branding?
It’s central to branding, defining the organization’s identity, values, and purpose, which shapes how the public and stakeholders perceive it.
How can a nonprofit mission statement inspire donors and volunteers?
A compelling mission statement can inspire by clearly articulating the impact and importance of the organization’s work, resonating with donors’ and volunteers’ values and motivations.
What makes a nonprofit mission statement effective and memorable?
An effective and memorable mission statement is clear, concise, emotionally resonant, and reflects the unique purpose and values of the nonprofit organization.
How often should a nonprofit review and potentially revise its mission statement?
It’s advisable to review the mission statement every few years or when significant organizational changes occur to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with the nonprofit’s goals.
What is the impact of a well-crafted mission statement on a nonprofit’s success?
A well-crafted mission statement can significantly impact a nonprofit’s success by clarifying its goals, attracting the right support, and guiding strategic decisions.
How can a nonprofit involve its stakeholders in developing a mission statement?
Involving stakeholders can be done through surveys, focus groups, or discussion forums to gather diverse perspectives and build a sense of shared purpose.
What are common mistakes to avoid when writing a nonprofit mission statement?
Common mistakes include being too vague, using jargon, being overly lengthy, and failing to differentiate the nonprofit from similar organizations.
Can a mission statement affect a nonprofit’s ability to secure funding?
Yes, a clear and compelling mission statement can influence funding decisions by effectively communicating the organization’s purpose and impact to potential donors and grantmakers.
How should a mission statement align with a nonprofit’s programs and services?
The mission statement should directly align with and be reflected in the organization’s programs and services, ensuring coherence between purpose and action.
What are the best ways to communicate a nonprofit’s mission statement to the public?
Best ways include featuring it prominently on the website, in marketing materials, and through storytelling that illustrates the mission in action.
How does a nonprofit’s mission statement guide its organizational culture?
The mission statement serves as a foundational element that shapes the nonprofit’s culture, values, and behaviors, influencing how staff and volunteers carry out their work.
What is the role of a mission statement in nonprofit governance?
In governance, the mission statement acts as a guiding principle for board members and leadership, ensuring that strategic decisions align with the nonprofit’s core purpose.
How does a nonprofit mission statement differ from its objectives?
The mission statement articulates the overarching purpose and direction of the nonprofit, while objectives are specific, measurable actions taken to achieve this mission.
What are the challenges in creating a mission statement for a new nonprofit?
Challenges include clearly defining the nonprofit’s unique purpose, ensuring inclusivity and relevance, and distilling complex ideas into a concise statement.
How can a nonprofit’s mission statement influence its marketing strategies?
The mission statement should be the cornerstone of marketing efforts, ensuring that all messaging aligns with and reinforces the organization’s core purpose.
What role does a mission statement play in recruiting and retaining nonprofit staff?
It helps in attracting individuals aligned with the organization’s values and serves as a motivational tool for staff retention by reinforcing the meaningful impact of their work.
How can a mission statement be integrated into a nonprofit’s daily operations?
By making decisions and designing programs that consistently align with the mission statement, ensuring that day-to-day operations reflect the organization’s core purpose.
What is the importance of simplicity in a nonprofit mission statement?
Simplicity ensures that the mission statement is easily understood, remembered, and can effectively communicate the essence of the organization to diverse audiences.
How can a mission statement help in building partnerships for a nonprofit?
A clear mission statement can attract like-minded organizations for partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures that further mutual goals.
What is the relationship between a nonprofit’s mission statement and its impact measurement?
The mission statement provides a framework for measuring impact, guiding the metrics and indicators used to evaluate the organization’s effectiveness.
How does a mission statement reflect the values of a nonprofit?
It encapsulates the organization’s fundamental beliefs and principles, serving as a declaration of its values and ethical stance.
Can a nonprofit’s mission statement evolve over time, and how?
Yes, a mission statement can evolve to reflect changes in the organization’s focus, the needs of the community it serves, or shifts in the societal landscape. This evolution should be a thoughtful process that involves stakeholder input and careful consideration of the organization’s long-term vision.
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