Nonprofit Mission Statement Examples You Need to See

What better way to let others know your new nonprofit organization’s core values than by directly telling them yourself? This concept, a mission statement, encapsulates what your organization does and what your goals are in a way that helps others understand who you are. Crafting such a statement can be tricky; after all, this could be the one chance you get to share your organization’s passion with others. One of the best ways to get started on your mission statement? By looking at what others have done! Keep reading to see some of the best nonprofit mission statements examples so you can get started on your own right away.

Before You Get Started

Before you get started, you need to keep a few things in mind.

  • How long is the average mission statement? Many people wonder if the average mission statement can be too long or too short. And the answer is yes! Mission statements need to be short, sweet, and to the point. There are plenty of other spaces on your website or pamphlets that can go into greater detail about the workings of your organization; the mission statement isn’t that place, however. In fact, the best mission statements are roughly 15 to 30 words.
  • What does the mission statement need? Keep in mind that you won’t have much space to get your message across, so be as succinct as possible when crafting your statement. Ask yourself: What are the core values of your organization? Your goals? Weave these concepts into your mission statement in a way that leaves no doubt about what your nonprofit is all about.

Nonprofit Mission Statement Examples

Get inspired by checking out some great mission statements below.

AARP
American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP, is a US organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and well-being of Americans aged 50 and older.

The Statement
AARP enhances the quality of life for all as we age.  We champion positive social change and deliver value through advocacy, information, and service.

Word Count
24

What Makes It Great
Who doesn’t want to live their later years in comfort? This slogan is great because it is welcoming and inspirational and addresses something every human being will experience–aging. Even better, AARP directly tells you how they are going to enhance lives: through “advocacy, information, and service.”

American Red Cross
The American Red cross is all about humanitarian efforts, from disaster relief to disaster preparedness education. Of course, everyone who has read their effective mission statement know that!

The Statement
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Word Count
25

What Makes It Great
The American Red Cross has everything you need to craft a good mission statement: goals and results (preventing and alleviating suffering) and direct actions (mobilizing volunteers and effectively using fundraising money through its donor’s generosity).

Habitat for Humanity International
This Christian nonprofit is well-known for building homes in needy communities all over the world.

The Statement
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.

Word Count
19

What Makes It Great
Habitat for Humanity’s mission statement is strong not just because it is clear and direct, but also because it’s hopeful and inclusive, just like the organization itself.

Humane Society of the United States
Animals can’t advocate for themselves, which is why organizations like the Humane Society step up and give them a voice.

The Statement
To create a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people.

Word Count
17

What Makes It Great
This next-level statement casts a wide net; namely, an appealing goal (humane and sustainable world) for both animals and people.

March of Dimes Foundation
President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded this organization in 1938. Then known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, its goal was to combat polio, the disease experts believe paralyzed FDR himself.

The Statement
Our mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. We carry out this mission through research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies’ lives.

Word Count
34

What Makes It Great
If you want to write a slogan that packs an emotional punch, March of Dimes Foundation offers a great template for doing just that. Saving babies? Who wouldn’t be interested after hearing those words?

Monterey Bay Aquarium
This California aquarium is all about redefining what it means to educate the public about the wonders of the world’s oceans and leading conservation efforts. Their social media team is also pretty hilarious.

The Statement
To inspire conservation of the ocean.

Word Count
6

What Makes It Great
Short, sweet, and to the point. If you didn’t know what Monterey Bay Aquarium was all about before reading this statement, you do now.

National Wildlife Federation
The National Wildlife Federation is the largest nonprofit conservation organization in the United States. Dedicated to conservation education and advocacy, this group boasts over 4 million members.

The Statement
To inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future.

Word Count
10

What Makes It Great
It’s easy to see how this nonprofit has over 4 million members with a slogan like this; it clearly states the goals (protect wildlife), the how (inspiring Americans), and the why (for our children’s futures).

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
This hospital is what healthcare should be all about: prioritizing human life. What makes St. Jude’s stand apart from other hospitals is its dedication to research and taking in patients regardless of their ability to pay for lifesaving treatment.

The Statement
To advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.

Word Count
15

What Makes It Great
This mission statement clearly states its goals (“to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases”) and means of achieving these goals (research and treatment). Also, it’s sure to pull at the heartstrings by the mere mention of helping sickly children.

TED
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is one of the top nonprofits in the world dedicated to the spread of information.

The Statement
Spread ideas

Word Count
2

What Makes It Great
Sometimes less is more, which is certainly the case with this slogan. If the core of your organization can be distilled into fewer words, do just that!

World Wildlife Fund for Nature
Recognizable by its iconic panda logo, the World Wildlife Fund for Nature is an international nonprofit dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife across the globe.

The Statement
To conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

Word Count
16

What Makes It Great
The goals of this organization are crystal clear with this strong mission statement; what more could you want?

Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect mission statement for your nonprofit might seem like a daunting task, but just remember that every organization’s mission statements are adjusted from time to time. Instead of thinking about writing your statement as one task to complete, think of it as a work in progress with continual room for growth and improvement. As the nonprofit mission statements examples above show, there are plenty of ways to craft a compelling mission statement.

Of course, crafting a mission statement is just one piece of the nonprofit puzzle. By their very nature, nonprofits require lots of fundraising and donor generosity to meet their goals. If you want a unique way to raise funds for your organization, why not try a brick fundraiser? Download our FREE fundraising packet to get started today!

 

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