Revolutionize Your Non-Profit's Impact with These Mission Statement Hacks!

An effective mission statement is a clear description of the purpose of the organization, and where it is heading in the future. The best non-profit mission statements are easy to read and inspirational, and they let people know why the organization exists, whom it serves, and how it serves them. There's no one way to write a mission statement, but following the guidelines below can help you write one that is clear, concise, and compelling.

How To Begin Writing Your Non-Profit Mission Statement

Narrow the focus. An organization can't be everything to everyone. Writing a mission statement forces you to zero in on precisely what your nonprofit does. Start by answering these questions: Who does the nonprofit serve? Why does it serve them? How does it serve them? Zeroing in on these items helps to clearly define what your focus is and helps to avoid mission creep in the future.

Consider other perspectives. Ask the community what they think about the services you plan to offer, and why they're needed to make sure your mission is in alignment with the needs of the community. Also, get input from your board and staff. Stay open to different views on what you're doing and how to accomplish your goals.

Take your time. Don't rush the process, allow yourself enough time to develop the right mission statement. Reflect on the information you gather, and write more than one draft. Remember, it's about capturing the essence of your organization's purpose and direction, not just settling for the first idea that comes to mind.

Edit down. As you brainstorm, your mission statement may become longer than it needs to be. In the end, it should be no more than a couple of sentences. The best mission statements are brief, clear, and easy to read. Remember, simplicity often resonates more deeply than complexity, so aim to capture the essence of your purpose in the most concise way possible.

What to Avoid

When writing a mission statement, try to keep it clear, compelling, and concise. Get rid of anything that could get in the way of people understanding it or could make the organization come across as unrelatable or insincere. That includes avoiding:

• Language that only professionals in the field would know

• Buzzwords or slang

• Overly formal language and long words

• A passive voice ("XYZ is an organization that helps women achieve independence") instead of an active voice: ("XYZ helps women achieve independence.")

• A focus on the organization, rather than the people it serves

• Unattainable generalities, such as "saving the world" or "eradicating poverty"

More Considerations

A nonprofit's mission statement is part of its branding, just like a logo or website. It helps attract new people and more resources to your cause, and it can be an effective public relations tool. Donors, supporters, and volunteers will look for a mission statement on a nonprofit's website, annual reports, fundraising materials, and more. In addition, the IRS will review it to determine if the organization matches its requirements if you plan to apply for tax-exempt status, 501(c)(3), or another IRS classification.

Be sure to review the mission statement every few years. It is important to ensure that as the organization grows and the needs of the community change, there is an alignment of purpose and reality.

Do you need assistance with writing your mission statement, or would you like an expert to review your draft? Schedule a call with me on Calendly calendly.com/uniquecarper to discuss how I can assist you moving forward.