Key Term

What is Mission Creep?

Definition

Mission creep refers to the gradual expansion or shift of a nonprofit organization's goals, activities, or programs beyond its original mission and core purpose. This occurs when organizations begin taking on additional responsibilities or ventures into new areas that may be only tangentially related to their initial charitable objectives, often resulting in a dilution of focus and resources.

Significance

Mission creep is a critical concern in charitable giving because it can significantly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of nonprofit organizations. When donors support organizations experiencing mission creep, their contributions may not be used as intended or may be spread too thin across various initiatives, potentially reducing the overall impact of their giving. This phenomenon can also affect donor trust and confidence, making it essential for donors to regularly evaluate whether organizations remain true to their stated missions before making contributions. Understanding mission creep helps donors make more informed decisions about which organizations will be the best stewards of their charitable dollars.