Define Purpose and Mission

Every organization has a mission. For for-profits, it is to create profit for the owners or shareholders. In the nonprofit sector there are just about as many missions as there are organizations. Nonprofits are formed to educate our children, provide shelter for the homeless, protect our environment, feed our cultural needs, cure illnesses, research solutions to societal or political dilemmas, teach us survival and professional skills, and so on. The founder and founding board need to clarify the purpose of the organization and draft an appropriate mission statement that clearly and succinctly explains why the organization exists. Your mission statement is the key to explaining why the organization needs our support.