Ability

The most fundamental requirement to effectively defend human rights is a clear vision how the world should look like, a clear understanding what prevents the world from this state (= the problems that needs to be solved) and what needs to be done to solve these problems (= your mission). Everyone should be able to understand your goals. 

• A nonprofit’s  vision should be compelling, inspiring and serve as a guiding star in order to achieve what it intends to. A compelling vision statement for a non-profit clearly expresses the inspiring future it strives to create. It paints a vivid picture of the ultimate impact the organization aims to achieve—one that motivates and unites team members, volunteers, and stakeholders around a shared sense of purpose. By being aspirational and forward-looking, the vision captures the positive change the non-profit seeks to bring to the world, serving as a guiding star that drives passion, commitment, and collective action.

• DonorBox has developed an Organizational Toolkit for Mission and Vision Statements. Use these worksheets to guide you through the process of developing these essential tools with your team.

• A mission statement for a nonprofit should be clear, compelling, and purposeful. It must communicate your nonprofit’s goals and emphasize the vital role your organization plays in the community. An effective mission statement serves to inspire and unify your staff and volunteers, focus the efforts of your organization’s leaders, define your goals while measuring your impact, generate support from donors and the wider community, and act as a public relations tool that legitimizes the importance of your work. To achieve this, your mission statement should be simple, clear, and memorable. Ensure your language is understandable for all. It must be specific enough to highlight what makes your nonprofit unique and worth supporting—avoiding vague claims like “saving the world.” Importantly, it should include a concrete action that clearly describes what your organization is doing to fulfill its mission.

• DonorBox has developed an Organizational Toolkit for Mission and Vision Statements. Use these worksheets to guide you through the process of developing these essential tools with your team.

Before creating a plan of priorities, it's essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis to ensure that all your decisions are well-informed and strategically targeted. This analysis should focus on three key areas: your target audience, community needs, and your positioning amongst others.

Start by identifying your target audience through demographic data such as age, location, income level, and the specific challenges or needs they face. Understanding these characteristics, preferences, and behaviours allows you to tailor your programs and services effectively to address their unique circumstances.

Next, assess community needs by engaging with local organisations, community leaders, and residents. This dialogue offers informative perspectives on the pressing issues and gaps in services within the community, helping you prioritize initiatives that will have the greatest impact.

Finally, analyse potential competitors or similar organisations operating in your area. Evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to identify opportunities for collaboration or areas where you can fill unmet needs, or where you can provide a unique added value.

By thoroughly examining these areas, you will be equipped to set clear, relevant priorities will help you to best strategise, define activities and budget.