Nonprofit Mission
A Consistent, Shared Vision Gets Results

If your vision is your dream, your mission is your game plan. We like to think of a vision as the ultimate situation - what you are working toward. A vision is a big statement, like: end homelessness or find a cure for breast cancer. You will be taking lots of smaller steps as you work toward that vision. Those steps are your mission - what you are doing everyday to reach towards that vision.

Your statement is a universal description of your organization that all constituents – staff, board, volunteers, donors and service recipients – understand and appreciate. A statement is carefully crafted with just the right words. No one needs to memorize it but the gist of it should be what everyone in your organization says when asked, “What do you do?”

Everything you do is focused on your singular vision. Your statement serves as a guide. It is the starting place and reference point as you determine priorities and set goals. Use it as a check: what have you done today? Has it helped you reach your goals? Your mission statement is a guide for you and for everyone else in the organization.

More information to help you: Create a great statement

Samples of great statements

Get the word out: be sure everyone is mission-focused. Print and post it. Include it in your email signature. (Have some fun: Create your own short, to-the-point version).

Mission Based Fundraising is the way to go, read about it here.

We have a great tool for you! Check out the Mission Meter