Craft a mission statement that powers your nonprofit’s purpose

Your mission statement isn’t just for the “About Us” section on your site. It’s a tool your staff, board members, and supporters can use to stay aligned and move forward together. It helps you make smarter decisions, raise funds more easily, and attract the kind of people who care about the same things you do.

What is a nonprofit mission statement?

A nonprofit mission statement is a short sentence or two that explains why your organization exists. It’s not about the programs you run or the events you host—it’s about your purpose. At the core, it answers one big question: What are we here to do?

Your mission statement should be clear, honest, and specific to your organization. It’s not a slogan or a marketing pitch—it’s a compass. And when it’s done right, it helps everyone—your team, your supporters, even new volunteers—move in the same direction.

Why your organization exists – and how to articulate it

Before you can write a great mission statement, you’ve got to get really clear on why your organization exists. That might sound obvious—but when you’re deep in the day-to-day work, it’s easy to lose sight of the big picture.

Think about what drives you. What problem are you trying to solve? Who are you here to help? And what kind of change are you hoping to see long term? These are the roots of your mission—and your statement should reflect them.

Take charity: water as an example. Their mission? “To bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.” That’s it. No fluff. No buzzwords. Just the truth behind why they exist. And because it’s so clear, it’s easy for supporters, staff, and partners to get behind it.

When you start writing your own mission, keep it simple. Use real words. Talk like a human. If you can explain your mission to someone who’s never heard of your organization—and they immediately get it—you’re on the right track.

What makes a good nonprofit mission statement?

A good mission statement feels like your organization in one breath. It’s short, clear, and easy to remember. It makes people feel something—and also tells them exactly what you do.

The best ones usually have a few things in common:

• They’re specific. No vague buzzwords. You know exactly who the org helps and how.
• They’re focused. It’s not trying to say everything at once. It hits one strong idea.
• They’re human. You don’t need fancy language. You just need truth.

Let’s look at a few examples. Feeding America says, “Our mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.” Simple. Powerful. Focused.

A great mission statement doesn’t have to be perfect grammar or poetry—it just has to be you. If it sounds like something your team would say out loud, you’re close. If it reads like it came from a grant proposal, you might want to loosen it up.

Bottom line? A good mission statement works because it’s honest.

How to write a mission statement for a nonprofit

Writing your mission statement can feel overwhelming—but when you break it down, it’s just a series of small, doable steps. Here’s how we recommend approaching it, based on what we’ve seen work again and again:

Step 1: Gather your team

Start by pulling in your board members, staff, maybe even a few close supporters. These are the people who live and breathe your mission every day. You’ll get better ideas—and more buy-in—when you do this together.

Step 2: Identify your organization’s values and long-term goals

What do you believe in? What kind of impact do you want to have five, ten, twenty years from now? Your mission should speak to your purpose now, but it should also point to where you’re headed.

Step 3: Tell your origin story and define your “why”

Why did this organization start in the first place? What need did it grow out of? If you can capture that story in plain language, you’ll get closer to your mission’s heart.

Step 4: Create a mission statement draft collaboratively

Once you’ve got the ideas, take a stab at writing it down. Keep it short. Aim for clarity over cleverness. This is where a whiteboard (or a shared doc) really comes in handy.

Step 5: Get feedback from board and staff

Once you’ve drafted a version, test it. Share it with your board, staff, and even volunteers. Ask: does this feel true to who we are? Does it make sense right away?

Step 6: Finalize, test clarity, and roll it out

Once you’ve tweaked and refined it, start using it! Put it on your website, your email signature, your fundraising appeals—everywhere. If it’s doing its job, people should “get it” fast.

Common mistakes when writing a nonprofit mission statement

Even experienced teams can trip up when writing their mission. The good news? Most of the common mistakes are easy to spot—and even easier to fix once you know what to look for.

Trying to say everything

It’s tempting to pack your mission with every program, audience, and goal. But if you try to say too much, people won’t remember anything. Keep it focused. One strong idea is better than five watered-down ones.

Using vague language

Phrases like “empowering communities” or “driving innovation” sound nice, but don’t really tell us what you do. Instead, be concrete. Tell people exactly who you help, and how.

Writing it like a grant proposal

Your mission statement isn’t for funders only—it’s for everyone. If it sounds too stiff or formal, loosen it up. If a high school student can’t understand it, simplify.

Forgetting the emotional connection

People support nonprofits because they care. If your mission sounds like a checklist, it’s missing the heart. Even one well-placed word—like “safe,” “clean,” or “equitable”—can make a difference.

Leaving the team out of the process

When only one person writes it, the rest of the team may not connect with it. That’s why bringing in voices from your board and staff makes a big difference. When it’s a shared statement, it’s easier for everyone to stand behind it.

Mission statement examples from leading nonprofit organizations

Sometimes the best way to write your own mission statement is to see how others have done it. Here are a few real examples from nonprofits that have nailed it—each one is simple, focused, and full of heart.

charity: water

“To bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.”
Why it works: It’s crystal clear. You know exactly what they do, who they help, and why it matters. No fluff. No confusion.

Feeding America

“Our mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.”
Why it works: It speaks to both the problem and the solution. It also hits on values like equity and access in a way that feels grounded.

Girls Who Code

“To close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does.”
Why it works: It’s bold and future-focused. It’s not just about programs—it’s about changing a whole culture.

The Trevor Project

“To end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning young people.”
Why it works: This one hits hard in the best way. It’s direct, urgent, and leaves no question about who they serve and why.

Notice something? These statements aren’t trying to say everything. They say enough to move people—to make them care and want to be part of it.

Your mission statement supports strategic planning

Your mission statement isn’t just a feel-good line—it’s a decision-making tool. When it’s clear and strong, it becomes the foundation for all the big (and small) choices your team makes.

Need to decide which programs to keep or grow? Go back to the mission. Writing a new grant? The funder will want to see how your work ties into your core purpose. Launching a new campaign? Your mission should be front and center.

It’s also a powerful guide for your board. When everyone agrees on why the organization exists, planning becomes smoother. It keeps you from drifting into things that sound good but don’t really fit. That focus saves time, energy, and resources.

And here's something we’ve seen a lot in our work at Harness—teams with a clear mission raise more money. Why? Because donors want to invest in organizations that know exactly what they’re doing and why. A strong mission builds trust, and trust brings support.

Finalizing your statement and putting it into action

Once your team agrees on the mission statement, it’s time to actually use it. This part is just as important as writing it.

Start by putting it everywhere people look: on your website, in your email signature, on your donation page, and in your fundraising materials. Share it in staff meetings. Add it to volunteer trainings. Talk about it with your board. Make sure it shows up often, not just once.

If your mission statement just sits in a file, it won’t help much. But if you build it into your everyday work, it becomes part of your culture. It gives your team direction and reminds everyone why they do what they do—even on the hard days.

Also, remember it’s okay to come back to your mission later. As your organization grows, things may shift. That doesn’t mean you got it wrong—it just means you’re evolving. Revisit your mission every few years to make sure it still fits.

Make your mission meaningful

Writing a mission statement isn’t just another task to check off. It’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your nonprofit grounded and growing. When your mission is clear, your whole team moves with purpose. Your donors connect more deeply. Your decisions get easier. And your impact becomes sharper.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned working alongside hundreds of nonprofits, it’s this: the clearer your mission, the stronger your momentum.

So whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing what you already have, take the time to get it right—and make it real. And if you need a partner along the way, Harness is here to help. From strategy to tools to hands-on support, we’ve got your back so you can keep doing the work that matters most.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a mission and vision statement?

A mission statement explains what your organization does right now and why it exists. A vision statement talks about the future you’re working toward. Think of the mission as the engine, and the vision as the destination.

How long should a nonprofit mission statement be?

Keep it short and simple—one or two sentences max. If it can’t fit in a tweet or be said out loud without losing someone’s attention, it’s probably too long.

Who should be involved in writing a mission statement?

Ideally, bring in a mix of board members, staff, and maybe even a few close supporters or volunteers. The more perspectives you include, the more true-to-you the statement will feel.

What makes a mission statement “bad”?

If it’s vague, too long, or full of buzzwords, it won’t land. A mission that doesn’t clearly say who you help or what you do probably needs some work.

Can a nonprofit change its mission statement?

Yes—and sometimes, it should. If your focus has shifted or your community has changed, it’s okay to update your mission to reflect where you are now.

Should a mission statement mention specific services or locations?

It depends. If your services or location are core to who you are, include them. But don’t overload the mission with every detail. Keep the big picture front and center.

How often should a mission statement be reviewed?

Every few years is a good rule of thumb—or anytime your organization goes through a big change. Even if you don’t change it, checking in helps make sure it still fits.