Your Mission Statement Matters!
Your Mission Statement Matters!
In the grant writing context, a mission statement is just about the most requested piece of information I see, aside from contact information. I am sure you have heard all of this before, but your mission statement is like the face you present to the world. It should be short and pithy. It should be inspirational. And here is the hard part – it should represent who you are more than what you do. I have seen many mission statements that are comprised of a list of what an organization does, and while instructive, these are not memorable. You want to be memorable.
So, how do you get there? In my experience, getting to a great mission statement is not easy. In fact, it can be a bit messy (sorry!). It does not usually result from one person sitting down in front of a keyboard and working out a mission statement. The best mission statements are hard won through a collaborative process of stakeholders – people who care deeply about what you do. And while this collaborative process takes work and time and dedication, it is worth its weight in gold because, having helped to create it, your stakeholders are then invested in your mission, have your mission memorized, and are better ambassadors for your organization.
Mission Statement Step by Step:
1. Do your research – read other mission statements, see what you like and don’t like. Here is a place to start: https://topnonprofits.com/examples/nonprofit-mission-statements/.
2. Gather your stakeholders for a brainstorming meeting. This meeting can include everyone from board members to clients and other interested parties. If it is not appropriate to invite clients because of the sort of work that you do, consider holding a focus group especially for them – their input is important. Come up with a list of questions that get them talking about what is special about the organization and what you do. Ask them why they care. You might want to consider having two note takers in place – one to capture big ideas on newsprint that everyone can see, and one typing verbatim notes on a laptop.
3. Have your board, staff and any other decision-makers spend some quality time with the information gathered in your brainstorming meeting(s) before they come back together.
4. Get the decision-makers together to craft the mission statement. You can start by creating a list of inspiring words that you might want to include – these should be drawn from your brainstorming meetings. This session starts as another brainstorming session and ends as a word smithing session – you’ll be capturing mission statement ideas on newsprint, and getting a sense of what resonates. Some ideas will emerge as favorites and you will word smith them until you are happy with the result. Resist the temptation to add a long string of things together. Find a way to say it succinctly. For example, if you find yourselves with a list of ideas or concepts, is there something that ties them together? Is there a theme? That tie or theme might be your mission statement!
5. Once you’ve got it, announce it to the world! Use the development of your mission statement or new mission statement to publicize your organization, to get your name and face in front of your potential clients and supporters.
So, get out your brainstorming newsprint, and gather your stakeholders to create the best mission statement ever!