Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers

Articulating the Foundation’s Mission
Council on Foundations
This book excerpt offers basic guidance for developing a mission statement at a family foundation.
www.cof.org/Content/General/Display.cfm?contentID=468

Developing a Mission and Guidelines (PDF)
Association of Small Foundations
An overview of the basic steps for developing a foundation mission and grantmaking guidelines (reprinted from “Grantmaking with a Purpose,” National Center for Family Philanthropy).
www.foundationinabox.org/guide/grantmaking/developing_a_mission/file

Grantmaking With a Purpose: Mission and Guidelines
National Center for Family Philanthropy
This publication describes how a foundation can develop and use a mission statement to inform its decision-making process.  Available for purchase.
www.ncfp.org/publications-main.html

A Colleague’s Perspective on Mission and Vision Statements
Council on Foundations
William Graustein, a trustee of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, shares his foundation’s experience in developing a mission and vision statements.
www.cof.org/Content/General/Display.cfm?contentid=457

Values, Vision, and Mission – What’s the Difference?
Council on Foundations
Summary descriptions of values, vision and mission statements.
www.cof.org/Content/General/Display.cfm?contentID=674

Developing a Mission Statement: The Step-by-Step Option
Council on Foundations
A practical, step-by-step process to developing a foundation mission statement with board, staff and volunteers.
www.cof.org/Content/General/Display.cfm?contentID=998

Developing a Mission Statement: The Board Retreat Option
Council on Foundations
A “do-it-yourself” guide to developing a foundation mission statement during a board retreat.
www.cof.org/Content/General/Display.cfm?contentID=998

Megan Wentworth