## Introduction
The purpose of a mission statement is to describe what the organization does and why it does it. A mission statement should be short, concise, and to the point. It should be written in the present tense and should include the organization’s vision, values, and goals.
A purpose driven mission statement can be used as a marketing tool to describe the organization to potential customers and clients. It can also be used to communicate the purpose of the organization internally to employees, volunteers, board members, and donors. In addition, a purpose-driven mission statement makes it easier for the board of directors to understand the organization’s purpose and goals so they can make better decisions about how to allocate resources and where to focus their efforts. A well-written mission statement will help the organization attract and retain the best people. It will also make the organization more attractive to potential donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Finally, it will make it easier to explain to the public why the organization exists and what it is trying to accomplish.
## What is a Mission Statement?
Every organization has a mission. The mission of an organization is the reason it exists. It is the purpose for which the organization was created. For example, the mission of the American Red Cross is to “save lives, relieve suffering, and promote health and wellness to all people, especially the poor and underserved.”
In addition to the mission statement, every organization should have a vision statement. A vision statement is a statement of where the organization wants to go in the future. It provides direction for the organization and helps keep the organization focused on its goals. The vision statement should include a description of the future the organization envisions for itself, its people, and the people it serves. It also should include an explanation of how the organization plans to get from where it is today to where it wants to be in the next five to ten years. A good vision statement gives the organization a sense of purpose and direction. It helps the organization stay focused on the things it needs to do to achieve its goals and to overcome the obstacles it will face along the way. A clear vision statement also gives the public a clear idea of what an organization stands for and what the public can expect from the organization in the years to come. A strong vision statement can help an organization recruit, retain, and motivate its employees and volunteers, as well as attract and keep donors and sponsors.
A mission statement and vision statement are not the same thing. A statement of purpose is a short, one- or two-sentence statement that describes the mission or vision of an individual or an organization. An example of a purpose statement is, “We are a nonprofit organization that helps children and families in need.” A purpose statement does not need to be long, but it should be clear and concise. The purpose statement should answer the following questions:
1. What does the organization do?
2. Why does it do it?
3. Who does it serve?
4. Where does it focus its efforts?
5. How does it accomplish its goals?
6. What are its values?
7. What is its vision?
8. How will it measure its success?
9. What will it do if it fails?
10. Who is it accountable to?
11. How long will it be around?
12. How much will it cost?
13. What resources will it need?
14. Who will be involved?
15. What skills will it require?
16. What time commitment will it take?
17. What training will it provide?
18. What impact will it have on the community?
19. Is it a one-time event or a long-term commitment?
20. Is the organization for-profit or not-for-profit?
21. Does the organization have a website?
22. Does it have an annual report?
23. Is there an annual meeting?
24. What other information can I find out about the organization?
25. How can I make a donation?
26. What can I do to help?
27. Who can I contact for more information?
28. What should I do if I want to volunteer?
29. Who should I contact if I have a question?
30. What questions should I ask before I donate?
31. Where can I go to learn more?
32. What do I need to know before I give?
33. How do I know if the organization is doing a good job?
34. What else should I know?
35. Where should I send my donation?
## Examples of Purpose Statements
Here are some examples of purpose statements:
1. American Cancer Society: “The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and improving the quality of life of cancer patients.”
2. Boy Scouts of America: “The mission of The Boy Scouts is to prepare young people to make ethical and morally responsible decisions over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.”
3. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): “Our mission is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination. We believe that the United States of America should be a nation in which no citizen shall be denied the right to vote because of race or color.”
4. United Way: “The United Way of the Greater Houston Area is an independent, community-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our community through volunteerism and philanthropy.”
5. World Wildlife Fund (WWF): “The World Wildlife Fund is a leading international conservation organization dedicated to conserving the diversity of life on Earth. We work with people and nature to ensure a future in which humans and other species live in harmony.”