Sample Mission Statements

Free Examples of Statements for Non-Profit Organizations

Nov 1, 2006

These free sample mission statements will help you understand what makes a good mission statement and what doesn't.

To enrich women’s lives.

Sounds wonderful, right? Who wouldn’t want to support an organization with that? Turns out that comes from cosmetic marketer Mary Kay. I’m not saying Mary Kay doesn’t enrich women’s lives, but it does so in finite ways. (Please look at the Sept. 29, 2008 comment called "SAMPLE MISSION STATEMENTS" below for examples of real company's statements.)

The purpose of a mission statement is to describe what your values are, what you do, and who you serve. A mission statement is not a slogan. You can come up with a slogan; you can even derive a slogan from a good mission statement. But remember that the mission statement’s principle function is not to sound catchy, but to let people in and out of the organization know what its purpose is and to guide decision-making.

Be clear and specific in your wording. For instance, you can include your geographic reach and services provided. "To end homelessness" might perfectly describe your organization’s mission… if it’s global in scope and uses a plethora of venues to achieve its goal. But chances are something more specific and realistic like "To combat homeless in HometownCounty through job-training, affordable housing, and advocacy." would work better.

You don’t want your organization’s mission statement to be too narrow, however. "To decrease homelessness by 25% in HometownCounty through affordable housing at the 12th Street Apartments" might be a great goal for a specific project, but as a mission statement is very limiting in terms of future partnerships or growth.

The following mission statement from a local United Way is both clear and flexible: "To inspire the people of York County to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors through financial generosity and volunteer commitment." Dissected, you find that the mission statement conveys:

Values: making a difference in the local community
Geographic reach: York County
Purpose: Leveraging donations and volunteers

A mission statement often is a full sentence: "The mission of the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), a nonprofit charity watchdog and information service, is to maximize the effectiveness of every dollar contributed to charity by providing donors with the information they need to make more informed giving decisions." This statement is effective because it gives someone without prior knowledge of the organization a good understanding of what the AIP does and why.

For completeness’ sake, a mission statement can also be more than one sentence. Be wary, however, of a too-long mission statement. It should definitely not sound like legalese. It also need not describe the organization’s every strategy (for instance, the first bullet of this mission statement suffices). You can (and should!) write your organization’s specific goals and objectives separately – but leave the mission statement crisp and digestible.

The copyright of the article Sample Mission Statements in Non-Profit Governance is owned by Estela Kennen. Permission to republish Sample Mission Statements in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

May 6, 2008 8:20 AM

Guest :

your not helping me any!! =p

Aug 16, 2008 7:30 PM

Guest :

very informative

Aug 21, 2008 2:13 AM

Guest :

educative and informative.Thanks

Aug 27, 2008 7:08 AM

Guest :

Thanks, it is a Godsend!!!

Aug 30, 2008 8:59 PM

Guest :

Thank you, this has helped me.

Sep 5, 2008 10:44 AM

Guest :

Could you explain the difference between a vision statement and a mission statement please.

Sep 9, 2008 6:20 PM

Guest :

not helping !!!!!!! :(

Sep 9, 2008 7:13 PM

Estela Kennen :

A mission statement is what your organization's reason for being is... it's main task/goal. A vision statement typically describes what your community/target audience would look like if you perfectly achieved your goal. For instance, if your mission is "To combat homelessness in HomeTown etc., etc.", your vision might be "That every HomeTown citizen has a safe, affordable, and permanent place to call home."

Hope that helps!

Sep 10, 2008 10:23 PM

Guest :

Tnx anyway

Sep 12, 2008 7:34 AM

Guest :

this isnt helping.

Sep 12, 2008 1:08 PM

Estela Kennen :

So, half the comments say this article is helpful; the other half say not so much. What would help? More examples? Or?

Sep 13, 2008 3:19 PM

Guest :

how can you make the best mission statement ever...? how can you get it so great that when other people read it they want it?

Sep 16, 2008 8:46 AM

Estela Kennen :

How to make the greatest mission statement ever:

First, it helps to be doing something that you really believe in and that is filling some unmet need (see http://nonprofitmanagement.suite101.com/article.cfm/before_you_start_a_nonp rofit)

After that, it is mostly about brainstorming and wordsmithing until you find something compelling. The more ideas generated and feedback/reactions from people you can get during this process, the better. Get ideas from the top of everyone's head at first, then turn to a thesaurus. Look for quotes that relate to your organization's core values (for inspiration, not for "borrowing"). It might take you several hours, broken up between several days or weeks, to come up with that perfect mission statement. And it can be worth the effort.

Keep in mind, however, that you don't need the perfect mission statement from day one. You can change it once the organization has matured (especially if it's not plastered over reams of stationary). And also remember, actions speak louder than words. People will forgive a mediocre mission statement if you have a great organization, but the best mission statement in the world won't compel people to contribute their time and/or money to a shoddy organization.

Sep 17, 2008 5:40 AM

Guest :

you are not helping me i want free examples of mission statements that i can see from and see whether i can formulate mine pliz do what qam requesting for

Sep 18, 2008 6:36 AM

Guest :

I want to make my mission statement as a management student.please help me.

Sep 18, 2008 4:06 PM

Estela Kennen :

Do you mean a personal mission statement or a mission statement for a hypothetical business? Go to http://www.suite101.com/member/contact.cfm/ekennen to contact me directly.

Sep 25, 2008 7:35 AM

Guest :

i need to find out a mission statement for first time business starters

Sep 29, 2008 8:49 AM

Estela Kennen :

SAMPLE MISSION STATEMENTS

A good mission statement explains what … sometimes why and sometimes to who, if it can be done briefly. People can and should expound on the hows and the values of the organization, but not in the mission statement.

Nike: "To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (* "If you have a body, you are an athlete.")
-- This is an uplifting, energizing, and brief. It is a fittingly broad mission statement for a multinational corporation, but too ambitious for most.

"Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."
-- This is straightforward and clear, yet very broad and ambitious. Some people might prefer a catchier mission statement, but this wording seems like an extension of the simplicity of Google’s interface.

Bayer: “We have set our course for the future.”
-- What does this mission statement mean? Those words sound important and might even inspire employees, but lack clarity to someone not familiar with the company.

“The mission of the United States Air Force is to deliver sovereign options for the defense of the United States of America and its global interests -- to fly and fight in Air, Space, and Cyberspace.”
-- This mission statement seems like it was written for two audiences. The first part is full of precise jargon loved by the military and bureaucrats, while the second part – probably for the general public and recruiting purposes -- is easy to understand and catchy.

“Mercer University is a faith-based institution of higher learning that seeks to achieve excellence and scholarly discipline in the fields of liberal learning and professional knowledge.”
-- A little jargonny, but clear and appropriate.

“Hudson Institute is a non-partisan policy research organization dedicated to innovative research and analysis that promotes global security, prosperity, and freedom.”
-- Serious and clear.

“Alpha Epsilon Pi was founded to provide opportunities for the Jewish college man seeking the best possible college and fraternity experience.”
-- This is a good example of how to succinctly include the “who” in a mission statement.

Oct 4, 2008 7:27 PM

Guest :

Your web helped me a lot I am in the process of creating an organization, and I am finding a lot resource here that will help me to put the organization together.
Thanks
Francois

Oct 14, 2008 4:03 AM

Guest :

Thank you for providing a clear and succinct article on mission statements. Also, I appreciate your conscientious efforts to answer the vague questions from anonymous readers.

Oct 14, 2008 7:04 AM

Estela Kennen :

The comment about answering vague questions made me laugh. Actually, I think those anonymous posts and my attempts at answers have hopefully made this a more informative article. So, keep it coming! :)

Oct 14, 2008 10:49 AM

Guest :

Exactly what I was looking for....THANKS!

Oct 16, 2008 10:42 AM

Guest :

deum kinda confusing...bt iL get there...

Oct 16, 2008 11:18 AM

Guest :

This is fantastic!!!

Oct 17, 2008 12:23 PM

Guest :

this site sucks we cannot see samples of mission statement you are no help at all

Oct 19, 2008 7:49 PM

Guest :

I personnally think your information was great. It is right on target for what should or should not be included in a mission statement. The person or persons who answered that this site "sucked" are rude and crude. If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all.

B.H.

Oct 19, 2008 7:56 PM

Estela Kennen :

Thanks for vote of confidence! As for the negative comment, it's good to remember that you can't please all of the people all of the time, whether it be with article writing or creating a mission statement. ;)

Oct 22, 2008 4:02 AM

Guest :

Helpful, but more information is required.

Oct 22, 2008 6:50 AM

Guest :

not helping at all

Oct 24, 2008 9:53 AM

Guest :

that wats LESS than unhelpful!

Oct 26, 2008 9:30 PM

Guest :

i'm a business student. can u help me, what should be considered in designing a mission statement?

Nov 6, 2008 11:05 AM

Guest :

Just curious if you have any examples specific to church security ministries? Mission or Vision statements?

Nov 6, 2008 11:08 AM

Guest :

Just curious if you have any examples specific to church security ministries? Mission or Vision statements?

Nov 23, 2008 2:46 PM

Guest :

Very helpful!

Nov 23, 2008 6:37 PM

Guest :

This was a wonderful post. I really appreciate the time and effort you have put into this article and to update this and answer all your guest questions and comments. You have such an uplifting attitude that really comes out in your responses to others. Thank you so much!

Nov 28, 2008 6:17 PM

Guest :

this was and is piontless ... not gonna lie

Nov 29, 2008 3:36 PM

Guest :

i still dont get how to write a mission statement

Dec 13, 2008 2:36 PM

Guest :

I just found your site. It seems just what I'm looking for. I'm trying to form a small non-profit animal welfare organization. What shocks me is the total lack of basic manners some of these people have. The mastery(lack of) of the English language is of no help either. How do any of you think you can compose anything if you can't spell or make any sense?! Get real. I certainly wouldn't want to be remotely associated with any group that had this attitude or couldn't put together a sentence.

Jan 6, 2009 2:20 PM

Guest :

I have to agree with the previous comment, Dec 13, 2008 2:36 PM guest. I appreciate your hard work Estela Kennen you are doing a great job!! Thank you for your contributions.

Jan 14, 2009 9:16 PM

Guest :

i want mission statements of few companies as an example to help me formulate my company's statement

Jan 14, 2009 9:18 PM

Guest :

excellent......
dats d wrd...

Jan 19, 2009 10:32 PM

Guest :

I think it just makes obvious the separation between those who have done their homework and those who have not. Figuratively speaking of course, because I see a lot of students on here just looking for hypothetical answers; whereas some of us truly ARE seeking strategical alignment for the betterment of society! ;) I have found this site loaded with helpful frameworking, but the heart of the plan has to come from within!

Jan 20, 2009 4:00 PM

Guest :

This was a very helpful site. I rarely enter blog-ville because of the high volume of idiots wasting other people's time there, but I wanted to also support Estela in her creation and maintenance of this page. Anyone truly in search of some basic information will be helped here. I am newly hired to work for a Conservation District and have the task of guiding some "rancher-fellas" in creating their Mission Statement. I searched awhile but found the bulk of what I will share with them, here. Thank you!

Jan 21, 2009 12:00 PM

Guest :

This gave me a great starting point for developing a mission statment...Thanx

Jan 28, 2009 4:09 PM

Guest :

This will help my team get started on our Mission Statement. Thanks

Jan 30, 2009 4:45 AM

Guest :

I'm seeking for an example of what mission statement is. But I'm disappointed that you haven't even have mission statement examples...

Jan 31, 2009 9:55 AM

Guest :

very informative

Feb 4, 2009 7:35 PM

Guest :

For a private charity; (We help those that are willing to help themselves.)
Does that sound reasonable?
Rob

Feb 5, 2009 3:46 AM

Estela Kennen :

I like the "we help those who help themselves" concept. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered in my mind, though. If the mission statement were more complete, it might lose the catchiness I think you are going for. This might be one of those cases where you have a somewhat vague mission statement and then a supporting paragraph or explanatory bullets underneath. Who exactly are you helping? (Pickpockets help themselves...) Where? And how?
Hope that makes sense.

Feb 15, 2009 8:34 AM

Guest :

this is not any help at all. :(

Feb 21, 2009 6:56 AM

Guest :

no help

Feb 23, 2009 8:51 PM

Guest :

in the short time i've spent looking over your site, i've noticed a few things. 1. you are definitely a patient person. :-) 2. you have a wonderful amount of information available here. and 3. nothing has changed since high school - people still want you to do their work for them. keep up the good work. i'm starting a mentoring org. i'll be in touch for some guidance.
gb

Mar 2, 2009 3:47 AM

Guest :

it's giving me an idea but i really dont know how to start, this task making a mission and vission staemetn is new to me. though i have created my vission statemetn i really have difficulty of making the mission statement

Mar 4, 2009 6:03 PM

Estela Kennen :

Once again, thanks for all the kind words so many people have left. :)

For the person who has a vision, but no mission: your mission is to work to achieve your vision! So, if your vision is that all pet ferrets have a safe and loving home, then your mission might be to ensure the safety of ferrets through educational outreach, providing foster care/adoption services, and veterinary/rehabilitation services.

When you have a good vision, you are golden! Your mission should just flow out from it. Hope that helps...

Mar 10, 2009 4:13 PM

Guest :

this didn't even helP!!~

Mar 16, 2009 6:58 PM

Guest :

I think you better show a simpler one for free sample mission statement.
Example:
Mission Statement Company Category
Then, we can catch up and learn & think ourselves to create a mission statement on our own.
In my opinion, I prefer to get a collection of mission statement from successful organizations such as Nokia, Philip, Volvo etc.
Thank you.

Mar 19, 2009 6:37 AM

Guest :

This hasnt helped me much all i wanted was an actual mission statement and you dumbos gimme dis crap thats not very helpful now is it. :@

Mar 23, 2009 11:37 AM

Guest :

youre not helping me neither. =[

Mar 30, 2009 11:00 AM

Guest :

I must say Estela you have much more patience than me. This is my first visit to the site and I am a student in high school, but it seems to me that some of the people commenting couldn't even pass remedial english, much less open a business. Thank you for your tips, developing my mission and vision statements for a made up company has been a snap.
Thanks
JS

Mar 31, 2009 9:51 AM

Guest :

Hi Estela,

Thank you for this site. It has helped me a lot! Here is what I have come up with for a mission statement for my new nonprofit:

[Name of Organization] is a nonprofit educational organization that seeks to promote health and prevent addiction with individuals, families, and school communities throughout the United States.

What do you think?

Apr 1, 2009 6:08 PM

Estela Kennen :

JS -- Thanks for the encouragement. I have a feeling you could have developed the mission/vision statements in a snap without the articles. :)

Apr 1, 2009 6:29 PM

Estela Kennen :

Proposed Mission Statement:
"[Name of Organization] is a nonprofit educational organization that seeks to promote health and prevent addiction with individuals, families, and school communities throughout the United States."

Analysis:
This is close, but it needs refinement.
-- What do you mean by "educational" (as opposed to counseling or advocacy, or what?) I'm not sure you need to include the word here.
-- "seeks to" is not a strong enough statement. As Yoda said "Do or do not... there is no try." Just go straight into the action verbs (ie, "promotes")
-- "Promote health" is very broad, but "prevent addiction" is pretty specific. By promote health, do you really mean something like "promote drug- and alcohol-free living"? Be specific.
-- "with individuals, families, and school communities"... the "with" sounds awkward. Also, do you mean individuals of all ages, or are you targeting a specific age group?
-- one final thought is that you might want to make clear (in the mission statement, if possible, but at least somewhere) how this organization is different from others that target the same areas of need.

I'm not sure what your organization is trying to do, so this might be an inaccurate description, but here is an alternative mission statement:

"[Name of Organization] is a nonprofit organization that targets students, families, and school communities throughout the United States to prevent addiction and promote drug-free lifestyles."

Apr 8, 2009 11:56 AM

Guest :

THIS DID NOT HELP AT ALL!!!!!!!!!!! I ASKED A SPECIFIC QUESTION, WHAT IS SO HAR DTO UNDERSTAND ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

Apr 21, 2009 6:55 AM

Guest :

Nice but I need some that are more insised! Or more decriptive!

Apr 23, 2009 11:02 AM

Guest :

Will you help me by analyzing my mission statement?
"To provide portable nutritious food to children in need, through partnerships with disaster services and local and international humanitarian organizations, serving the health and well-being of future generations."

Apr 25, 2009 6:48 AM

Estela Kennen :

That's a great mission statement -- it gives a good overview of what your organization does, how, and why -- and it seems a worthwhile cause.

My only suggestions are: "To provide portable nutritious food to children in need [around the world?], through partnerships with disaster services and local and international humanitarian organizations, [in order to serve] the health and well-being of future generations."

Good luck with everything!

Apr 27, 2009 11:17 AM

Guest :

this did not help me at all

Apr 27, 2009 11:27 AM

Guest :

I keep asking you to show me a sample of a mission statement and i get the run around all i wanted was for u to show me what a good one looks like

Apr 27, 2009 2:15 PM

Guest :

I am a student and have been asked to create a business with the leisure industry in mind. I have decided upon a business that is a health and fitness centre for young girls which also provides advice offices for needs such as nutrition, sex education and health issues, could you give me your opinion on this mission statement?:
"Making a difference to young lady's lives in the city of Liverpool by providing an environment tht is helpful, healthy and happy" ?????

P.s. I agree with most people on this site that your advice is extremely helpful, more than I could have found anywhere else!

Apr 28, 2009 10:11 AM

Guest :

Estele, I find your sight helpful, and your insight generous. What do you think about this mission statement...Sports Medicine Society is a non-profit educational organization which promotes sports safety and athletic recovery.
Thanks, jn

Apr 28, 2009 1:37 PM

Guest :

I think if someone starts with a general knowledge of what a mission statement is and what his/her company's goals are, this article would be more than sufficient information. If it is your company's goal to have you create a mission statement for them, maybe they should start by electing someone that is able to comprehend and carry out simple directions. If you're unable to do so, show your management potential by delegating the job to someone else. ;)

Apr 29, 2009 11:38 AM

Guest :

I am appalled at the negative comments. Thanks for your patience, good advice and examples. Keep up the good work. Those of you that didn't find what you need on this site keep looking, there is a lot of good info all over the web.

May 5, 2009 4:55 AM

Estela Kennen :

Re: Sports Medicine Society is a non-profit educational organization which promotes sports safety and athletic recovery.

Great start! Now, can you add where? Also, I think the "how" gets a little lost... I think your how is education, right, and not actual medical service? You should make that clearer: "SMS is a non-profit organization that promotes sports safety and athletic recovery in the United States (or in Topeka, or what have you) through educational outreach"... or something along those lines.

May 5, 2009 5:04 AM

Estela Kennen :

Re: "Making a difference to young lady's lives in the city of Liverpool by providing an environment that is helpful, healthy and happy"

This is kind of frustrating to me, because it sounds good (I especially like the alliteration of "helpful, healthy, and happy"), and yet by itself, it doesn't give me a good sense of what the organization does... maybe because there aren't many organizations out there like it. Maybe instead of environment, which feels very broad, you can say "space", which to me sounds more like what you are envisioning.

I would also streamline the beginning to say "Making a difference to young ladies' lives in Liverpool by providing..."

Good luck with everything. This sounds like a very ambitious idea!

May 13, 2009 3:13 PM

Dorella Winston :

I currently have a mission statement for two separate organizations serving almost the same purpose, but I need to combine the two. Would you be willing to review and revise with me, please! It has become very complicated.

May 13, 2009 5:49 PM

Guest :

Estela,
This site has helped me greatly. I am in the process of starting a wheelchair transportation service and hope to have it together soon in hopes you can give me your professional opinion. Thanks!!!

May 16, 2009 12:17 PM

Guest :

Thank you so much for your help. God Bless.
E!

May 21, 2009 6:21 AM

Guest :

oh whatever, if i flunk this I'ma blame it on you okay? oh, whats your name?

May 24, 2009 1:35 PM

Estela Kennen :

Anyone is most welcome to leave a draft of their mission statement here. I will comment on (though, honestly, not very promptly). Or you can contact me directly by going to http://www.suite101.com/member/contact.cfm/ekennen
I do prefer people leave comments, though, because I'd like to think that people learn from seeing what others are doing.

May 24, 2009 1:36 PM

Estela Kennen :

Dear Blame:

My name is Estela Kennen, but Ella also works. Feel free to blame me if you flunk, though I have a sneaking suspicion it won't change your grade at all... ;)

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