Mission Control: How Nonprofits and Governments Can Focus, Achieve More, and Change the World

by Liana Downey

Overview

In the last ten years the number of nonprofits and social sector organizations has grown by almost 25 percent, while charitable giving declined 30 percent over the same period. As a result, many organizations are chasing grants, tweaking and adding to their core activities to match what they think funders are looking for. Almost half of nonprofits surveyed nationally in 2014 said they added additional programs in the last year. The result is colloquially known as "mission creep"— organizations trying to be everything to everyone. Yet research suggests that the more goals individuals or organizations pursue, the less likely they are to achieve them, leaving these organizations often overwhelmed, underfunded, and unfulfilled. Mission Control: How Nonprofits and Governments Can Focus, Achieve More, and Change the World is designed to restore focus and gain "mission control" to identify the things they should and should not do to drive impact. Drawing from the author's experience of working with thousands of clients at nonprofits and government agencies around the world, both large and small, the book represents the stories of countless mission-driven organizations. Downey helps leaders, teams, executive directors, and boards with the critical task of clarifying an organization's sweet spot at the intersection of what it is good at, what its clients need, and the activities that get measurable and sustainable results.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781629561233
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/02/2016
Pages:	206
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

1 Prepare for Success 1

2 Get the Facts 17

3 Set Your Goal 45

4 Identify Your Options 63

5 Identify What Works 85

6 Identify Your Strengths 105

7 Choose Your Approach 119

8 Tell Your Story 131

9 Plan for Action 145

Appendix 1 Suggested Agenda for First Workshop 157

Appendix 2 Suggested Agenda for Second Workshop 159

Appendix 3 List of Values 161

Acknowledgments 163

Notes 167

References 177

Index 183

About the Author 189

Editorial Reviews

"Readers will find this book an invaluable guide to identifying their options and setting goals; Downey has created the ultimate get-a-move-on guide for nonprofits that are trying to do too much and accomplishing too little as a result." Publishers Weekly

"Great, practical advice for nonprofits who want to focus on their mission and not get stretched too thin." – Heather McLeod, author of the best-seller Forces for Good

“Mission Control is an exciting and timely challenge to non-profits and government organizations to revisit their mission and regain focus. Liana Downey shows leaders how to reset aspirations at a high level, to inspire and genuinely make a difference to the lives of those they serve.” – Robert McLean, chair of The Nature Conservancy Australia, director emeritus for McKinsey & Co, and a board member of Philanthropy Australia

"Focus, facts, stakeholders, strategy – Mission Control leads you through all of these basics and other critical elements, wisely not glibly. If you’re new to the arena of social change, read it. If you’re a veteran, refresh on it.” – Peter Goldmark, former director, Environmental Defense Fund’s climate and air program; former chairman and CEO of the International Herald Tribune

“This book doesn't only tell you what to do, it patiently takes you through how to do it: non-profit strategy in a nutshell, minus the over-simplifications and dogmatic frameworks upon which many lesser efforts are built.” – Tom Rippin, CEO and founder, On Purpose (UK, Paris)

“Liana is a true leader who brings rare clarity and insight that helps government and community organizations define and achieve their mission. Mission Control is more than a must-read, it's a practical tool to enable many more leaders to translate their intentions and effort into clearly realized impact for the benefit of people and communities.” – Rosemary Addis, founder and chair, Impact Investing Australia

“Mission Control is a great tutorial for nonprofit leaders who are determined to accomplish big goals, even during an era of growing distractions and diminishing resources.” – Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City

"Mission Control is a timely and practical playbook for the not for profit and government sectors. Liana Downey knows how to get results." – Rosanne Haggerty, CEO of Community Solutions, Macarthur Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, Recipient Jane Jacobs Medal

“As momentum gathers globally to reorient our social system around the outcomes we want to achieve rather than just counting the actions we take, Mission Control offers a practical path for leaders to refocus their organizations' efforts on what matters most.” — Antony Bugg-Levine, CEO, Nonprofit Finance Fund; coauthor of Impact Investing

From the Publisher