Write an Impact Focused Nonprofit Mission Statement

Every nonprofit organization has a mission statement, but not all mission statements are created equal. Crafting a compelling mission statement is crucial because it succinctly communicates what your organization aims to achieve and who it serves. However, it's not about what you do; it's about the impact you make. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of writing a nonprofit mission statement that resonates and drives your organization forward.

Why Mission Statements Matter

Mission statements matter because they serve as the foundation for everything your organization does. They outline your purpose, your target audience, and the desired outcomes of your efforts. Unfortunately, many mission statements fall short by focusing on strategies rather than outcomes. Rebecca Brett, host of For Purpose Live, emphasizes the importance of honing in on the impact you're striving for. "Everything you do, all of your activities, all of your programs need to be for that mission," she says.

Crafting Your Mission Statement

Rebecca breaks down the process of crafting an effective mission statement into several key components:

1. Desired Result: Your mission statement should clearly articulate what you're trying to achieve. For example, if you provide basic necessities for homeless populations, instead of merely saying, "providing basic necessities," delve deeper. What outcomes are you aiming for? Are you restoring dignity, providing a sense of security, or fostering self-worth? Define your desired result in measurable terms.

2. For Whom: Specify who your organization serves. Be exclusive rather than broad. For instance, if you're supporting foster youth, state it explicitly. Being specific helps potential donors and supporters understand exactly who they're helping.

3. Exclusivity: Exclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and clarity. Just like Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are exclusively for individuals struggling with addiction, your organization's focus should be exclusive to your target audience.

4. Articulate Impact: Use impactful language that communicates the outcomes you aim to achieve. Avoid getting bogged down in specific strategies; instead, focus on the ultimate impact of your work.

Example: The Arc of Fayette County

An excellent example of a well-crafted mission statement is that of The Arc of Fayette County: "Allowing members of our community with different abilities to embrace and optimize the human experience."

This mission statement hits all the right notes:

• Desired Result: Embrace and optimize the human experience.
• For Whom: Members of the community with different abilities.
• Exclusivity: Specifically focuses on individuals with different abilities in Fayette County.
• Articulated Impact: Clearly communicates the ultimate goal of helping individuals embrace and optimize their human experience, regardless of their abilities.

Measuring Impact

Once you've crafted your mission statement, the next step is measuring your impact. Utilize qualitative and quantitative methods to gauge how well you're achieving your desired outcomes. For example, conduct surveys to assess if your target audience feels they've embraced and optimized their human experience after engaging with your organization.

Final Thoughts

Your mission statement is the heart of your organization. It guides your actions, attracts supporters, and defines your impact. By focusing on the desired outcomes and articulating them clearly, you can create a mission statement that not only resonates but also propels your nonprofit forward. Remember, it's not just about what you do; it's about the difference you make in people's lives. Craft your mission statement with purpose and clarity, and watch as your organization makes a meaningful impact.

For more insights on nonprofit strategy and impact, check out For Purpose Live and explore the Impact Roadmap at forpurposelive.com/impact.