What is a Mission Statement?

The mission statement should be a clear and succinct representation of the organization which clearly defines the services to be performed and describes the purpose for which your organization exists. Your mission statement should incorporate concepts such as the moral/ethical position of the organization, the target clients, services, and expectation of growth. The statement can range from very simple to a very complex set of ideas.

Every nonprofit organization must have a mission statement. Without a clear mission statement, your nonprofit may drift off course. With one, you can measure every activity against it. It will keep you clear-headed and out of trouble.

A great nonprofit mission statement is also a great branding tool. Use it to promote your organization, tell your story, and to help convey the essence of what you are all about.

Your mission is your goal –your organization’s reason for being. Try answering the question, "Why did I start this organization?" The answer will be your first try at writing your mission statement.

The Benefits of a Well-Defined Nonprofit Mission Statement

It focuses your energy and clarifies your purpose. When you try to write your mission statement, you will find that you have to really define what you are going to do. Many questions will come up that must be resolved. For instance, who will you serve? And, who will you not? Are you concerned about just your local area? Or the whole state? Be careful to keep your mission narrowly focused to ensure that you don't bite off more than you can chew.
A well-defined mission statement can and should motivate board, staff, volunteers, and donors. It also helps attract people and resources. A mission statement is not just for internal use or to submit to the IRS for tax-exempt status. It is a beacon that will attract people and resources to your cause. And, they will be the right people and resources. Make your mission statement compelling as well as clear. It will be your best public relations tool.
A good mission statement can help you get 501(c)(3) status. If you plan to apply for tax-exempt status--501(c)(3) or some other IRS classification--the IRS will be looking at your mission statement to see if your organization matches its requirements for that type of entity. Know what you are applying for and draft your mission to match the requirements.

Some Tips for Writing Your Nonprofit Mission Statement

Bring in many perspectives. Get lots of input from the community you plan to serve, as well as from your board, staff, and volunteers. Ask people what they think or need in regard to the area of services you plan to offer.

Allow enough time. Time spent now will pay off later. So, don't rush the process. Provide time to reflect on the information you gather, to write an initial draft, to allow key participants to read it, and to make changes.

Be open to new ideas. This is especially important for the founders of the organization. You may have had tunnel vision while getting your organization set up, but now it is time to get some fresh perspective. Be open to different interpretations of what you should be doing and new ideas about how to accomplish your goals.

Write short and only what you need. The best mission statements are short and state the obvious. Your statement's length and complexity depends on what your organization wants to do, but keep it as brief as possible. You should be able to use the statement frequently, so make it brief and succinct.

Avoid jargon and language that is stilted. The goal should be a mission statement that you are proud to display on your website and in your publications, and that everyone can understand and remember.

Review your mission statement frequently. The community you serve changes and the organization changes, so a review is important to ensure that there is alignment between your purpose and reality.

Examples of Mission Statements

"Strengthen Arkansas Nonprofits": Arkansas Coalition for Excellence

"National Voice. State Focus. Local Impact": National Council of Nonprofits