From Mission to Impact
Mission is the reason that a nonprofit exists, and financial resources—whether as earned revenue or philanthropic support—are key to an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.
As Longwood Fellows, we became interested in why deceptively straightforward mission statements can be the site of much attention, effort, and even debate as organizations face challenges. Our research put us in conversation with leaders of organizations that ranged from small to very large, including gardens from across the US and around the globe.
Our early findings made us curious about how nonprofits can most effectively use their mission statements to guide strategy, cultivate funders, engage communities, and enhance daily operations.
This guide was created in the spirit of celebrating effective practices and highlighting great examples of organizations that have crafted impactful mission statements.
Download the 2023–2024 Cohort Project
From Mission To Impact: Evaluating Influence & Organizational Alignment