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.

Explore 20 Nonprofit Vision Statements from Real-World Organizations

Your nonprofit’s mission and vision statements are essential elements of your strategic planning process. While the distinction between the two is subtle, it’s crucial. 

Your mission statement declares what your organization does and why you exist, while your vision statement describes how the world would look if you successfully completed your mission.

A great vision statement is an aspirational roadmap, painting a picture of the future state that your organization works toward. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas or refining an existing statement, drawing inspiration from effective examples can help you craft a vision that resonates with your supporters and stakeholders.

Below are updated vision statements from 20 inspiring nonprofits, researched thoroughly for accuracy as of 2025. Use these examples as a guide to define your nonprofit’s goals and direction.

How to Create Your Nonprofit Vision Statement

If you’re starting from scratch, a great vision statement should follow a few key guidelines:

• Keep it short, specific, and focused. Ideally, limit it to one sentence and no more than 20 words.
• Articulate your ideal future world. Focus on what you want to achieve, not how you’ll achieve it.
• Use simple, concrete language. Avoid jargon or complex phrasing, as these can dilute your message.

Also, be sure to ask yourself these questions during the writing process:

• What global or local problem does your nonprofit aim to address?
• What does the world look like if you solve this problem?
• Does this vision inspire action and reflect core organizational values?

20 Nonprofit Vision Statements

Here are 20 inspiring vision statements that effectively describe the ideal futures their organizations strive to create. They illustrate clarity, ambition, and purpose while avoiding overly broad or vague messaging.

1. The Humane Society

Vision Statement: A humane society.
Why It Works: The simplicity of this three-word vision conveys their ultimate goal of promoting kindness and ending cruelty toward animals.

2. Alzheimer’s Association

Vision Statement: A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
Why It Works: Clear and direct, this statement emphasizes their ultimate goal of eradicating all types of dementia.

3. Feed the Children

Vision Statement: Create a world where no child goes to bed hungry.
Why It Works: This vision speaks to the organization’s dedication to solving child hunger in a meaningful way.

4. Habitat for Humanity

Vision Statement: A world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Why It Works: Habitat’s vision highlights equality and community empowerment through access to housing.

5. PAN Foundation

Vision Statement: A nation in which everyone can get the healthcare they need.
Why It Works: Focused and aspirational, this vision addresses disparities in healthcare access.

6. World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

Vision Statement: Building a future in which people live in harmony with nature.
Why It Works: WWF’s vision perfectly bridges human health, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.

7. Americares

Vision Statement: A world in which all people have pathways to health and opportunity.
Why It Works: Americares ties health equity directly to human empowerment and opportunity.

8. Mayo Clinic

Vision Statement: Transforming medicine to connect and cure as the global authority in the care of complex diseases.
Why It Works: Ambitious yet specific, this vision establishes leadership in healthcare transformation.

9. Cross International

Vision Statement: Thriving communities united by God’s love, overcoming material and spiritual poverty.
Why It Works: The vision reflects their faith-based approach and focus on both physical and spiritual well-being.

10. Oceana

Vision Statement: To make our oceans as rich, healthy, and abundant as they once were.
Why It Works: Aspiring to restore the oceans packs this vision with emotion and ambition.

11. Save the Children

Vision Statement: A world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation.
Why It Works: Comprehensive yet succinct, this vision reflects their focus on improving children’s lives globally.

12. Teach for America

Vision Statement: One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.
Why It Works: This vision builds a compelling case for the power of equal access to education.

13. The Task Force for Global Health

Vision Statement: A world free of debilitating diseases where all people are protected by public health systems.
Why It Works: The statement emphasizes the importance of global collaboration and preventive healthcare systems.

14. ASPCA

Vision Statement: The United States is a humane community in which all animals are treated with respect and kindness.
Why It Works: Aspirational and inclusive, this vision connects humane treatment to societal values.

15. World Vision

Vision Statement: Our vision for every child, life in all its fullness.
Why It Works: This emotionally resonant vision centers on its mission to ensure every child has a fulfilling life.

16. CARE

Vision Statement: A world of hope, inclusion, and social justice, where poverty has been overcome, and all people live with dignity.
Why It Works: CARE’s vision captures its broad focus on justice and systemic poverty reduction.

17. Goodwill

Vision Statement: Every person has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential and contribute to all aspects of life.
Why It Works: Inspirational yet actionable, this vision highlights empowerment and inclusivity.

18. Human Rights Campaign

Vision Statement: A world where LGBTQ+ people are ensured equality and embraced as full members of every community.
Why It Works: The vision reflects a future rooted in equality and acceptance, promoting dignity for all.

19. The Nature Conservancy

Vision Statement: A world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake.
Why It Works: Specific and actionable, it goes beyond protection to foster a connection between people and nature.

20. Planned Parenthood

Vision Statement: Building a world where all communities have access to affordable, high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Why It Works: Anchored in inclusivity, this vision emphasizes equity and impact in healthcare access.

Creating an Inspiring Vision Statement for Your Nonprofit

To craft a standout vision, start simple. Gather your team, reflect on the world you want to create, and articulate that vision concisely. Use these examples as inspiration and keep the following in mind:

• Skip the buzzwords; focus on clarity.
• Aim for under 20 words wherever possible.
• Center your statement on your nonprofit’s impact.

Your nonprofit’s vision is more than just a tagline. It’s your north star, rallying your team and connecting with supporters. With a vision as vibrant as your mission, you’ll be better equipped to tackle global challenges and inspire meaningful change.

For more tips, check out our complete guide to writing a nonprofit vision statement.