How to Write a Nonprofit Mission Statement That Actually Works (and Doesn’t Make You Cringe)

Let’s be honest — most nonprofit mission statements are about as helpful as a chocolate teapot. They’re crammed with showy buzzwords that sound impressive but ultimately say nothing. Have you ever read one and thought: “Wait, what do they actually do?” Yeah, you’re not alone.

Your mission statement should be your nonprofit’s elevator pitch, not a verbal puzzle. A member of our team shared this hilarious video recently and it got us chatting about this common mistake, and how these statements often go from relevant to meaningless in just a few overused phrases.

Here’s how to keep your mission statement from becoming a snooze fest:

1. Cut the jargon: Nobody cares about your “strategic synergies” or “leveraged resources.” Just say what you do, plain and simple.
2. Be short and sweet: Your mission statement should be short enough that people won’t need a coffee break halfway through reading it. If you need more words, you’re doing it wrong.
3. Show some personality: It’s okay to be a little quirky or funny. A memorable mission statement is one that sticks with people — and makes them smile. Don’t be afraid to show them who you are, but be authentic about it.

Why does any of this matter? Because if your mission statement is confusing, your mission might be too. And if people can’t figure out what you do, how are they supposed to support you?

So, next time you’re working on that mission statement, keep it clear, keep it simple, and don’t be afraid to have a little fun with it. After all, if you can’t explain what you do in one snappy sentence, maybe it’s time to rethink things. Trust us, your audience will thank you — and you’ll avoid making them glaze over like a donut.

P.S. If you enjoyed this dose of nonprofit wisdom (and a few laughs), why not sign up for our Facet 58 mailing list? We promise to keep things fun, useful, and jargon-free — just like your new mission statement. Plus, who knows, we might even throw in a cat video or two!