Nonprofit Mission Statements - 8 Best Practices

When asked about your organization's mission statement, do your volunteers, staff, and board members tell you "Well, it's written down somewhere - I think in the strategic plan - but I'm not sure I could tell you what it is exactly"?

If this is you - you're not alone. Most organizations don't get the most out of theirs.

MISSIONS TRIPS

As a consultant to nonprofit boards and organization, I can tell you that having a clear, concise, and memorable statements (vision, mission, and values) is one of the hallmarks of a well-managed nonprofit organization. It's the thread that binds the varying passions, opinions, and attitudes together into a cohesive direction and strategy.

Take a moment to read through these eight Best Practices:

1. The Mission Statement should be short and sweet - a compelling statement about what is being delivered by the organization. This statement should summarize the who, what, where, and why of your organization's purpose. It should be written in a way that inspires your employees, board, and donors.

2. The board, staff and volunteers should revisit your mission annually. A good statement will last for many years. An annual visit allows your entire organization to take a closer look at your statement to ensure that everyone is on track with the mission and can recommit to it.

3. Discussion of your vision, mission, and values should be a prominent part of all orientations. While every new employee, volunteer, and board member should be familiar with these before they begin working for the organization, all orientation sessions should include a discussion of these statements and their importance to your organization.

4. Your statement should be on all literature, on the web site, and posted in the workplace. This is the reason your donors invest in you and your partners want to continue being your partner. It is the beginning of every "elevator speech."

5. Start every meeting with a "Mission Minute" - someone telling a story about a client or the organization's contribution. This grounds the meeting in the purpose of the organization - and reminds people why they have decide to contribute to your organization.

6. The Mission should be written on all board and staff agendas. This reminder of the purpose of your organization is essential to motivating your board and staff.

7. It should be on all board minutes. Again, this reminds board members why they have chosen to carve out time for your organization.

8. All staff, board and volunteers should KNOW the mission (by heart). When I work with an organization whose key players know the mission statement, I know I have a winner on my hands. It tells me that this entire group is able to work in concert with one another because they know their primary purpose and are inspired by the mission statement.

Nonprofit Mission Statements - 8 Best Practices

MISSIONS TRIPS