Guide to Mission, Vision, and Values

by Amy Brugh

Many nonprofits state their mission, vision, and values. What do each of these mean and how do they go together?

When I work with an organization’s board of directors, staff, and community on a strategic planning process, it also presents an opportunity to revisit these statements (or develop them if they don’t yet exist).

Here is a brief guide to developing or revising these statements for your organization with a description of the purpose and meaning of each.

Mission statement: (Why you exist) 

A one-sentence statement describing why an organization exists. This is different than stating what an organization does.

Vision statement: (Your desired ends)

A one-sentence statement describing the clear and inspirational long-term desired change resulting from your organization’s work.

 

Values: (What guides you)

Principles or standards that:

• describe what is important or worthy to your organization

• guide your decisions, words, and actions

• convey a meaningful commitment to internal and external stakeholders