What gets me out of bed excited to get to work in the morning? Helping arts organizations thrive by creating Mission and Vision statements that clearly articulate their impact—that’s my jam! As a self-proclaimed Mission Nerd, I’m obsessed with making sure those statements don’t just look good on paper but guide everything you create. Through a process of collaboration, we don’t just write statements—we activate them. My approach ensures that your mission becomes the guiding star for every decision, program, and initiative, focusing your work directly on impact.

I can be very critical of nonprofits' Mission and Vision statements. But that's because I know how critical it is to have a Mission and Vision that clearly communicate an organization's significant impact. I believe deeply in the power of a strong, clear mission to guide an organization’s work and amplify its impact. A mission statement isn’t just a formality, it’s the North Star that helps keep every decision, program, and initiative aligned with your ultimate purpose.

Have you ever worked at a nonprofit, and there’s that one guy who always asks, “How does this advance the mission?” Well, as the kids say, IT ME! By staying singularly focused on the mission, we create more meaningful work, inspire greater support, and ultimately make a bigger difference for our audiences, our community, and the world.

Launching Your Mission and Igniting Impact, Together

What Makes Mission Critical™ Unique?

Mission Critical™ isn’t just about crafting beautiful words. Here’s what sets it apart:

  • What truly sets Mission Critical™ apart is the Mission Activation Toolkit and the support you’ll receive long after the new statements are finalized. This isn’t just about crafting mission and vision statements—it’s about embedding them into every facet of your organization. The Toolkit includes example activations and practical tools to ensure your mission and vision continue to drive real impact. Most consultants deliver the words; I stay with you to make sure those words shape meaningful action.

  • At Mission Critical™, I don’t just swoop in with a set of statements and then disappear. From start to finish, we’re in this together. I bring my expertise in mission and vision development, and you bring your deep knowledge of your organization’s field, culture, goals, and needs. It’s a partnership every step of the way. Together, we’ll make sure your mission isn’t just words on paper, but a living guide for your organization’s future.

  • By transforming the mission from a simple business description to a compelling statement of impact, your organization will have a more powerful and effective fundraising advantage.

  • We’ll work together to ensure that every program and initiative aligns with your core mission and vision, fostering deeper stakeholder engagement and a shared understanding of your goals.

  • Your mission and vision won’t just be words on paper. I emphasize creating statements that communicate your significant impact, infusing inspiration into your messaging and programming.

The Mission Critical™ Process: In Three Acts

  • Act 1: Discovery

    First, we dive deep into your organization’s unique identity. We talk, listen, and gather perspectives—from staff to stakeholders. Together, we’ll uncover the core strengths that set you apart and clarify the true impact of your work. By the end of this act, we’ll know exactly who you are, who you serve, and where you’re headed.

  • Act 2: Writing & Revising

    Next, we take all that discovery and distill it into clear, compelling statements. We collaborate to craft your mission and vision so they not only reflect your organization’s core but also inspire your team and supporters. It’s not about finding the right words to describe what you do; it’s finding the words that move people to action.

  • Act 3: Activation

    This is where the magic happens. Using the Mission Activation Toolkit, I’ll help you integrate your mission into daily operations, marketing, program development, and more. Whether it’s guiding strategic planning or crafting mission-driven messaging, we’ll make sure your mission fuels your work long after our collaboration ends.

Bespoke for Your Organization

Mission Critical™ isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re a new organization or rethinking an existing mission, I work with you to ensure your statements reflect your current reality and future aspirations.

Not every organization wants or needs a public-facing values statement, but when appropriate, we’ll include it as part of our work to further articulate the guiding principles behind your organization.

Jeff’s Mission, Vision, & Values

I believe in the power of a well-crafted mission and vision to guide your work and show your audience who you are. These are the statements I wrote to keep me focused on the impact I want to make in the world.

MISSION

I build lasting partnerships with arts organizations to help them articulate their impact and actively integrate it into every aspect of their work. Together, we inspire a culture that celebrates creativity, champions inclusivity, and brings beauty, joy, and purpose to our world.

VISION

A world where the arts are universally understood as essential to human connection and community well-being. Our combined efforts create vibrant, inclusive communities where the potential of the arts to inspire, uplift, challenge, and unite is celebrated, shaping a culture that values and supports the power of the arts.

VALUES

My work is driven by a deep commitment to building lasting partnerships with arts organizations, guided by the following core values:

  • Mission-Driven: Every action and decision advances the mission, creating lasting change.

  • Impact-Focused: Connecting the arts' impact with everyday work and lives, showing how supporting the arts leads to a stronger, more beautiful world.

  • Empathy and Inclusivity: Meeting people where they are, valuing diverse lived experiences, and actively welcoming everyone to appreciate and participate in the arts.

  • Connection and Understanding: Bridging the gap between the arts and the broader community, fostering stronger relationships, promoting mutual understanding, and uniting across divides.

  • Laughter & Fun: Finding the joy and fun in our collaboration, believing that work should be exhilarating and that laughter amplifies creativity.

Let’s Get Critical!

Ready to launch your mission and vision into something truly transformative? Let’s connect. I’d love to hear more about what you’re working on and explore how we can collaborate to bring your mission to life.

Mission Critical™ Visual Brand Identity by Joshua Fox.

Jeff illustrations by Max Dalton.