How to Write a Mission Statement that People Actually Remember
Nonprofits: mission statements can feel about as exciting as flossing your wisdom teeth. But hold on to your dentures! A good mission statement is like your superhero landing pose – it tells the world who you are and what epic good you're doing.
So what makes this one-liner so powerful? Here’s the lowdown…
How Your Mission Statement Works for You
Have you ever tried to describe what your nonprofit, only to be met with blank looks? When that happens, you’re losing out. Let’s face it, nobody wants to fund (or even talk about) projects that make them scratch their heads.
This is where I encourage a lot of nonprofits to focus on their mission statement.
This statement does a lot of heavy lifting.
First, looking inward, a mission statement focuses and motivates your organization. From board members to volunteers, having a clear vision of your organization’s purpose and those you serve keeps everyone on track.
Every time you read it, this statement should pump you and your team up, reminding you why you're rocking this nonprofit thing in the first place.
Secondly, it scores major points with individual donors and grantmakers. Imagine a potential donor. They see your name, but what do you do? A strong mission statement cuts through the noise and grabs their attention. It tells them whether your cause aligns with their values. And when it does, they’re more excited to invest their dough.
In essence, this one sentence can be the difference between a confused passerby and a passionate new supporter.
Now that you're pumped (or at least slightly less intimidated), let's jump into crafting your mission statement masterpiece!
How to Take Your Mission Statement From Meh to Marvelous
Grab your team (don’t forget the snacks): Brainstorming is best done with a crew. Get your board, volunteers, and friends involved. The more ideas and viewpoints are in the mix, the more fire your mission statement will be.
Who? What? Why? These are your guiding questions. Who are you helping? What problem are you solving? Why are you passionate about this cause? Aim for a statement that covers all of these questions like a boss.
Nix the jargon: Mission statements are for everyone, not just grant committee wizards. Ditch the fancy lingo and use clear, concise language that anyone off the street can understand — and hopefully share.
Short and sweet: Think more tweet, less (or not at all) Tolstoy. What’s the sweet spot? Around 20 words.
Punch it up! Don't be afraid to add a dash of personality. If your organization is quirky, let your statement reflect that! This can really help donors and funders remember your organization and feel more drawn to your cause.
Bonus Tip: Read your statement out loud. Does it drip off the tongue or leave you tongue-tied? A good mission statement should be easy to remember and repeat.
In conclusion…
Remember: Your mission statement is a living document. As your nonprofit grows and evolves, your statement might need a little tweaking too. To keep it fresh, look over it every couple of years to make sure it still aligns with your organization.
So there you have it! With a little creativity and collaboration, you can craft a mission statement that's as powerful as it is memorable.
Now go forth and conquer the nonprofit world, one impactful statement at a time!
Photo credit: David Iskander
