Too often, if you ask four people in a nonprofit what their organization's mission is, you'll get four different answers. Organizations without clearly defined and agreed-to mission and vision statements frequently find themselves adrift at sea, in real financial trouble, and unable to make an ongoing, positive impact on the community.

But an effective mission and vision statement can help an organization unify services and create a consistent approach to new program development.

Crafting Effective Mission and Vision Statements will help your organization develop (or revise) mission and vision statements that bring focus and direction to your work. With orderly, easy-to-follow steps, this engaging guide helps you:

• Build ownership for the mission and vision statements among board and staff
• Create a common understanding of your organization's goals
• Understand how mission and vision statements differ and how to use both for greatest benefit
• Develop a mission statement that captures exactly what your organization does
• Create a vision statement based on stakeholders' ideas and the organization's history, capacity for growth, and fundraising potential