Strategic Nonprofit Mission Creep

However, in today’s ever-changing environment, shifting focus beyond the original mission may be the proper course of action when an organization is responding to the interconnected needs of a community of program recipients. The challenge for an organization is to resist the temptation to expand programs and services merely to chase new sources of revenue.

When Does Mission Creep Occur?

The decision to work outside the organization’s original mission commonly happens in response to an adverse event that requires immediate attention by the organization. For example, an organization may respond to the loss of a significant source of revenue by launching a new program to serve a population of program recipients that share no connection with those it currently supports.

When an organization quickly shifts focus to strategies outside its mission without carefully considering the impact on resources, it can dilute the impact of current programs and create confusion for those receiving support from the organization, and other community stakeholders.

The current school of thought is that most organizations’ missions will likely need to change over time. The key will be deciding how and when to make the change. These are strategic decisions and should be addressed proactively and purposefully during strategic planning to ensure the organization’s mission remains relevant and continues to guide it toward achieving its vision.

An Example of Focused Change

One of our clients, the Atlanta Music Project (AMP) was formed in 2010. Operating in under-resourced communities, their mission is To Empower Youth to Realize Their Possibilities Through Music. According to Dantes Rameau, co-founder and CEO, “From the very beginning our focus has been on helping our children develop the skills necessary for success in life through music.” AMP’s initial program offering was a five-day-per-week, after-school band, and orchestra program.

“This program offered our children much more than just music instruction,” said Rameau. “We provided our students the opportunity to learn how to work as part of a team and be accountable to their peers.” Through a partnership with the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation, the program also provides transportation from school, homework assistance, snacks, and a nutritious dinner in addition to music instruction.

Over the years to follow, AMP has expanded its mission and programming to include continued support of these children as they moved through middle school and high school. AMP also assists them in preparing for college, and AMP alumni are eligible for financial support to attend college through its Chestnut Family College Scholarship Fund.

Rameau commented, “We have had opportunities to secure additional revenue, particularly during the pandemic, if we expanded our programs beyond music and college support, but after careful consideration we determined this was not, at this time, in the best interest of AMP as an organization.”

Manage Your Evolution

AMP has managed the evolution of its mission and programs very effectively and their story illustrates how an organization can achieve great results through strategic planning and proactively managing change. AMP’s vision is to be A Nationally Recognized Nonprofit Organization that is a Leading Model of the Power of Music Training to Unlock Life-Changing Outcomes for Youth.

AMP is certainly making great progress in achieving its vision, To learn more about the Atlanta Music Project visit: https://www.atlantamusicproject.org/about/about-the-atlanta-music-project/.

Brady Ware Nonprofit Advisors want to help you fulfill your mission with financial health and compliance services and a network of nonprofit consultants who specialize in strategic decision-making.