Saying No to Mission Creep
By Shari Stucker, Director of Programs
One of the first tasks of a nonprofit board and staff is to develop a mission statement. The development of a mission statement is crucial to providing the nonprofit with a strong sense of purpose. It is good practice for a nonprofit to continually review programs and goals to make sure they are aligning with the mission statement.
It is difficult to adhere to a mission though! In today’s nonprofit world there is increasing competition for funds while the amount of funds available in some fields is decreasing. It can be tempting for a nonprofit to go outside its mission statement to “chase the money,” either to keep the agency afloat or to be seen as a large capacity agency.
While funding is critical, it is even more important for a nonprofit to say “no” to potential opportunities that stray far from its intended mission. “Mission creep” is the nonprofit term for seeking funds or programming that go outside the original mission. Mission creep can lead to unforeseen and sometimes negative consequences. (Mission creep is different from a nonprofit’s strategic adaptation of a mission or goals which needs to be done on a regular basis.)
Mission creep can lead to the following:
Inability of staff and board to clearly articulate the mission of the organization to potential funders, donors, and stakeholders;
Questions from funders and donors about the mission;
Agency staff having to work in a field outside their expertise and often without training or experience;
Stretching of staff resources in attempts to manage multiple programs in varying fields with varying requirements.
All of the above can significantly negatively impact the ability of staff and board to carry out all its programs, including those within its mission, effectively.
As daunting as it may seem sometimes, there are many positives for a nonprofit that adheres to its mission:
Staff and board can easily articulate the purpose with knowledge and passion;
Fundraising is easier when the mission and programs align;
A strong sense of purpose strengthens staff and board;
Mission focus allows staff, board, and stakeholders to explore other methods to achieve its mission. These methods lead to an expansion of the nonprofit’s network of support.
Finally, many donors, funders, and stakeholders are supportive of a nonprofit that makes the hard decision to stay with its mission. It is exceedingly difficult for a nonprofit to make the decision to not “chase funds,” however, the return on that decision is an engaged and committed staff and board, renewed support by donors and funders, and expanded support and awareness of the nonprofit’s mission.