Through a compelling, concise, and memorable statement, your mission communicates why your nonprofit exists and what you do. Gather input through conversations with your board, staff, and other key groups. Consider delegating the writing to an individual or small task force, and resist the urge to spend months as a large group wordsmithing your mission.
Everything in your strategic plan ultimately ties to achieving your mission. Throughout your strategic planning process, think about whether your organization’s people and resources are used in the best possible way to deliver on your mission.
A nonprofit’s vision and values help guide everything you do. Your vision is a statement of what the world will be like when your nonprofit achieves its mission. Your values are the enduring principles that guide your nonprofit’s actions and practices as you fulfill your mission and vision. Mission, vision, and values are distinct yet connected statements.
There are many reasons that your organization’s mission, vision, and/or values may need revisions. Possible reasons include shifting demographics or outcomes for the communities served by your organization, realignment after a merger of two nonprofits, or significant changes in revenue streams since your incorporation. If you suspect that your nonprofit’s mission, vision, and values need an overhaul, the Envision stage may be the most important focus area for your current strategic planning process.
From the start, ensure the strategic planning team and others involved have clarity around final decision-making related to mission, vision, and values work. Based on your organizational structure and decision-making procedures, your nonprofit’s board may be responsible for formally approving the mission, vision, and values.