The Executive Suite: How to Write a Mission Statement for a Nonprofit Organization

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

How to Write a Mission Statement for a Nonprofit Organization

There are many nonprofit organizations; many are dedicated to worthy causes. A mission statement is designed to convey the purpose for a nonprofit organization. This statement needs to be clear and concise, while communicating why the organization exists. Those who write a mission statement are aware of the goals of the group, its activities and its priorities. An effective mission statement is the driving force behind a nonprofit organization.

Access to information about the nonprofit organization
Interview with associates in the group
Notebook and writing utensil or tape recorder
Computer or word processor
Notes and recordings
Access to a computer or word processor

Suggestions

Learn as much as possible about the establishment. Gather written data and set up a meeting with associates from the nonprofit organization. Assemble materials necessary for the interview. These include information gathered, a notebook and a writing utensil. Ask if the associates would allow the interview to be taped to save time.
Create questions for the people who will be interviewed. The specific questions will vary according to the nonprofit organization. Ideally, the mission statement will cover:

Why the institution exists
Who benefits from the program
What are the core priorities
How competent is the nonprofit organization
What are the institution's activities
Consider where the mission statement will be featured. This declaration is typically showcased in press releases, any correspondences with the public and even on stationary and business cards. Many institutions feature their mission statements on their websites as well.
Prepare for the challenge. When someone writes a mission statement, he has to integrate the most significant information in as few words as possible. Cyrano de Bergerac once said "If I had more time, I'd write you a shorter letter." Concise writing takes a lot of effort.

Write down the main elements of the nonprofit organization. Focus on the purpose, the business (activities and who is affected) and the commitment. Each of these should be included in the mission statement.
Look at examples of other mission statements. This helps to give some perspective of how to approach the writing. These examples will vary and some will be more effective than others.
Write the mission statement according to its purpose, function (business) and commitment. Approach the task as if it were a speech delivered in one minute. Some writers may want to look at the task as a one-minute commercial when they write a mission statement.
Memorize the mission statement and recite it aloud. Does the writing communicate the reason the organization exists? Is there a clear conveyance of the activities and individuals affected in the program? Are its priorities clear?
Have the finished mission statement ready for review. Get feedback and revise it if necessary.

Tips

Many nonprofit organizations already have mission statements that need to be reworked.
Get to know the passion that drives the nonprofit organization.
Ask associates in the institution to describe the purpose for their nonprofit.
Have another person listen to and read the mission statement.
Think in terms of selling the nonprofit organization.
Avoid overanalyzing the mission statement.
Do not include all of the program descriptions in the mission statement.