The Importance of the Mission: the Heart of a Nonprofit Organization
by James P. Reber
I am
often asked by clients and workshop attendees about the fundamentals of
fundraising. I always answer the same way. Begin with the Mission. The Mission is what provides the
motive for the board of trustees/directors and is truly the heart of a nonprofit organization.
I believe the
Mission (or Mission statement) should be a brief three to four sentence paragraph that conveys
who is being served, what the organization does, and geographical
parameters of the nonprofit organization. In some cases, a particular methodology or approach is important to include.
Ideally, the Mission should be
easy to memorize or at least be accurately paraphrased by board members, staff,
and volunteers - this is very helpful when asking for contributions.
The
board should review the Mission every few years. It should be picked
apart and put back together with the entire board participating. It may
not be delegated to a committee because it is the glue that holds
everyone and everything together.
It matters which words are
used, which is why the board must arrive at the Mission by consensus.
Everyone must believe and understand. The fact is, when it is drafted
by a board, it is owned by each member of the board.
Whenever I lead a retreat, I always begin with the Mission and sometimes it takes an hour or two to get the right language and consensus. This is very important and worth the time it takes because everything that follows is built on that important foundation. Planning or fundraising without a clear Mission is nearly impossible.
The Mission is everything.
James Reber
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Announcements
Kudos to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo for bringing into the world four newborn Red Ruffed Lemurs on May 17. This is part of a program to help this endangered species grow. Happy Hollow is being given a much-needed rebuild and is set to open in Spring 2010.
Happy Hollow Foundationis about to embark on a major Annual Campaign to raise funds for critically needed programs and services that the City's tight budgets can't cover. Consider making a contribution to this wonderful cause.
Finally, San Jose Parks Foundation is currently in the planning stages. I am seeking a few dedicated people to help me launch this organization by sitting on the inaugural board. Yes, it means being a donor and helping to raise funds. But our parks are worth it and with shrinking budgets, this foundation is needed now more than ever. Contact me if you know someone or if you are interested.
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