Mission statements are not for funders alone they are for potential members, employees, etc to motivate them to participate. They should clarify the group’s unique grounding and role in the big picture. You are right though -sometimes (too often) they just suck.

Also tagline – is another thing (be an outsider is an example).

Geoff: “no walk to substantiate it then your screwed.” Substance vs. empty words and action vs. formality was exactly my point. Thanx for clarifying.

Roger: Losing sight of the real goal and a lack of clear vision happens often because there’s not a solid foundation. As I said in the video, defining your purpose answers the why, vision answers the where, and mission answers the what. A clear purpose will help bring a clear vision and a mission statement that is full of meaning. Thanks for your comments.

http://ciscoetl.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/a-mission-statement-is-no-longer-enough/

Thanks for the thought provoking discussion.

“If ethics and missions have no grounding in reality:”… Brute translation: As in if you are BSing with no walk to substantiate it then your screwed. If a non-profit has a mission, gets funding and doesn’t it acheive it, it’s mission is meaningless. It is a faux charity that failed in its efforts. In fact Mario marino has done great work on social responsibility for non-profits, as ahas Bill gates.

Brute truth: Every organization for or not for profit should exist to fulfill its mission.

I have to disagree with you Geoff. As a matter of fact, nonprofit organizations exist to fulfill their mission. It drives their programs, outreach and organizational success. It is how they measure their impac – as to if they continue to meet the strategies that moves them toward their mission. Example: A Homeless Organizaiton’s Mission Statement maybe: To provide service for the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of homeless and enable them to reach self sufficiency.

Now, their strategic plan, operational plan, decision making and collaborative efforts are based on reaching that misison. Will this program, partnership, etc… help us to… meet our mission. Nonprofits in many ways have to be accountable in meeting thier impact in fulfilling their services when it comes to funding sources whehter fed, state or private foundations. Funders are stakeholders.

Mission statements, however, on the for profit sector have had no accountability other than to shareholders. Decision making is focused on financial returns rather than mission fulfillment. Yet, we are seeing a growing trend with CSR (corporate social responsibility ) whereby companies are alinging more and more with mission fulfillment. CSR is not just about philanthropy it includes: environmental stewardship, sustainability, human labor relations, renewable energy, fair trade.

I would not discount the importance and growing relevance of mission and impact in the for profit sector. Nonprofits have been doing this for years. with the thrust of CSR, we will see more mission accountability in years to come.

Good post, Dave,