Learn How to Write a Mission Statement and Get Inspired By Others
Your nonprofit mission statement is the heart of your organization, defining your purpose and guiding your actions. It’s often the first impression people get when discovering your organization, whether on a site like Guidestar or your own website.
Below are our 20 favorite nonprofit mission statements (we analyzed thousands of real-world examples through an AI algorithm). Use this list to find inspiration and refine your own nonprofit’s message.
How to Craft a Strong Mission Statement
What makes a strong nonprofit mission statement? A well-crafted mission statement succinctly describes what you do and why you exist, becoming an indispensable tool in strategic planning and everyday decision-making.
A great mission statement should be:
- Clear: Communicate your purpose without ambiguity.
- Concise: Aim for a statement under 20 words, ideally 10-15.
- Memorable: Use language that sticks with your audience.
When crafting yours, focus on your organization’s core purpose and values. Mission statements are action-oriented, describing what your nonprofit does and how it serves its community.
If you’re feeling stuck, refer to your nonprofit’s vision statement for ideas—trying to force an inspirational phrase into your mission can often lead to confusion.
Questions to consider when writing:
- Does the statement clearly express what your nonprofit does?
- Can someone unfamiliar with your cause understand it?
- Is it free of jargon or overly technical terms?
Finally, draw inspiration from others. It’s wise to look at nonprofit mission statements that exemplify clarity, impact, and focus.
20 Inspiring Nonprofit Mission Statements
1. TED
Mission Statement: Spread ideas.
Why It Works: With just two words, TED encapsulates its purpose of sharing knowledge and sparking conversations globally.
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2. Center for Biological Diversity
Mission Statement: Saving life on Earth.
Why It Works: Succinct and powerful, this statement reflects their commitment to protecting biodiversity.
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3. Feeding America
Mission Statement: To feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage the country in the fight to end hunger.
Why It Works: It combines clear action with collaboration to address a critical issue.
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4. Oceana
Mission Statement: Protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
Why It Works: The message is straightforward with a clear focus on conservation.
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5. Khan Academy
Mission Statement: To provide a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.
Why It Works: It highlights accessibility and excellence, aligning with the organization’s digital tools.
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6. Malala Fund
Mission Statement: To accelerate and amplify the impact of local education advocates in countries where girls are most likely to miss out on secondary education.
Why It Works: The message addresses an urgent issue with a clear focus on empowerment and education.
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7. Monterey Bay Aquarium
Mission Statement: To inspire conservation of the ocean.
Why It Works: It has a strong call to action paired with actionable inspiration.
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8. charity: water
Mission Statement: Bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
Why It Works: The copy is clear, specific, and deeply impactful.
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9. Make-A-Wish America
Mission Statement: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
Why It Works: The message evokes emotion and collaboration with a personal touch.
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10. ASPCA
Mission Statement: To provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States.
Why It Works: The statement speaks to their commitment to animal welfare through actionable goals.
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11. American Red Cross
Mission 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.
Why It Works: The message connects immediate action with community support.
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12. Mayo Clinic
Mission Statement: To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education, and research.
Why It Works: Comprehensive yet patient-focused, the mission statement highlights their commitment to innovation.
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13. New York Public Library
Mission Statement: To inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
Why It Works: It resonates with their educational and community-driven initiatives.
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14. The Nature Conservancy
Mission Statement: To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Why It Works: Simple and impactful, the statement effectively emphasizes their focus on environmental health.
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15. Children International
Mission Statement: We connect people around the world in the fight to end poverty, investing in the lives of children to create lasting change.
Why It Works: It balances collaborative action with a focus on transformation.
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16. International Rescue Committee
Mission Statement: To help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
Why It Works: Empathetic and empowering, the message reflects a results-driven approach.
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17. CARE
Mission Statement: CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice.
Why It Works: The statement captures the scope of their mission while emphasizing key focus areas.
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18. Habitat for Humanity
Mission Statement: Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.
Why It Works: It combines action with inclusivity and faith-based values.
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19. GlobalGiving
Mission Statement: To transform aid and philanthropy to accelerate community-led change.
Why It Works: Pioneering and forward-thinking, their mission clearly focuses on empowerment.
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20. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Mission Statement: Realizing the promise of the Bill of Rights for all and expanding the reach of its guarantees to new areas.
Why It Works: Grounded in values and justice, this mission emphasizes action and inclusivity.
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Strengthen Your Mission Statement
Refining your mission is an ongoing process so it’s wise to evaluate it periodically to ensure it reflects your nonprofit’s growth and priorities. Draw inspiration from these examples or combine them with machine learning tools for creative brainstorming.
Remember, your mission statement isn’t just words on a page. Rather, it’s a reflection of your nonprofit’s impact and legacy.
With a clear and compelling mission, you can inspire your team, donors, and the community to rally around your cause. For more tips, explore our step-by-step guide to writing a nonprofit mission statement.
