How to Test Your Mission Statement Against the SAVICC Checklist

Does Your Mission Statement Measure Up?

Earlier this week, we talked about the importance of having a clear, actionable mission statement. Today, let’s take a closer look at how your organization’s mission aligns with SAVICC and how to create a statement that inspires action and clarity.

Evaluate Your Mission Statement If your organization already has a mission statement, use the SAVICC checklist to assess its strength:

• Is it specific about what you do and who you serve?

• Does it include action-oriented words that inspire energy and purpose?

• Are your values and guiding principles clearly communicated?

• Does it focus on the impact you want to create?

• Are your promises to your customers/audience clear?

• Is it concise enough to leave a lasting impression?

Create a New Mission Statement Using SAVICC If you’re working on drafting your mission statement, here’s a simple exercise to get started:

1. Answer each SAVICC prompt in a few short phrases.

2. Don’t worry about wordsmithing at this stage—focus on substance.

3. Set your draft aside for a week.

4. Revisit and refine your draft, working toward a statement that’s 10 words or fewer.

Here’s an example:

• Specific: We provide arts education programs for underserved communities.

• Action-Oriented: Empower, educate, inspire.

• Values-Driven: Accessibility, creativity, equity.

• Impactful: Creating opportunities for lifelong learning and artistic expression.

• Customer-Centered: We serve underserved youth and local schools.

• Concise: Empowering underserved communities through arts education and lifelong learning.

Your final statement might look like this: “Empowering underserved communities through accessible and creative arts education.”

What’s Next? Give this exercise a try and let us know how you get on! Whether you’re refining an existing mission or starting from scratch, SAVICC can help you create a statement that inspires your team, engages your audience, and attracts funders.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, we’ll share helpful hints on how to start and streamline your nonprofit arts organization.

Follow along for more tips!