Mission and Goals
The opportunity and the possibilities of a family foundation are both energizing and daunting. Here you will find perspectives and tips for defining mission and goals for your family’s philanthropy.
For a wide variety of additional sample statements and other resources, search NCFP’s Family Philanthropy Online Knowledge Center.
READ: Where We Go From Here: Crafting a Family Mission Statement
Giving families come to recognize that a mission statement can and should be more than simply rhetoric. Mission clarity correlates with a clearer program, more grantmaking vitality, and better successor development. A strong and understood mission contributes to better family collaboration, greater likelihood of continuity, more next generation enthusiasm, and a positive family dynamic.
READ: How do we create and make the most out of our foundation’s mission statement?
Whether it’s a crisp declaration of a family’s shared values or a succinct manifesto for social change, a well written mission statement goes a long way to providing the kind of clarity of vision your giving family needs to be effective.
READ: Steps in Developing a Mission Statement
This worksheet, developed by The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, offers key questions to consider and a quick option for developing a draft mission statement. How have you given to charity in the past? What, if anything, would you like to do differently?
READ: Crafting your Charitable Mission Statement: A Guide for Donors
Articulating your goals for your philanthropy via a mission statement can be an invaluable first step. This publication helps donors think through seven key questions related to developing a charitable mission statement.
READ: Aligning Your External Mission with Your Family’s Values
Have you asked these questions: Why is our family involved in philanthropy? What impact do we hope to see in our families through this work?
READ: The Brinson Foundation’s Commitment to Living its Values
Since its creation in 2001, The Brinson Foundation has focused in the areas of education and scientific research in order to create a world where all people are valued and committed to improving the world in which we live.
WATCH: Balancing Internal vs. External Missions in Family Philanthropy (webinar)
A conversation with two family foundations that have found successful strategies for thoughtfully defining, measuring, and tracking both their internal, family focused, and their external, community focused, missions. Friends and Subscribers Only.