How.com.vn is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time.
This article has been viewed 27,205 times.
Having a written history statement can be useful for nonprofit organizations when they are applying for grants and other funding. It can also help to provide information for new employees and volunteers, or members of the community who are interested in learning more about the group and the people or causes it serves. A history statement can be narrative and does not need to be as strategic or concise as a mission statement. A history statement can also be useful during periods of strategic planning and development. Write a nonprofit history statement that describes and introduces the organization, including how it came into existence and what its current situation is.
Steps
Decide who should draft the history statement. It could be a board member, staff member, or a small committee of people.
Determine the purpose of the history statement.- Write with the specific audience in mind if you are using the statement for a particular grant or funding application. Gear the statement towards what the funding source is looking for in the history of the nonprofit, such as longevity, strong board support or financial stability.
- Write a general history statement if it is something you will use for a variety of purposes, such as recruitment, fund-raising, marketing and orientations. Keep it flexible and revise it as needed.
Advertisement
Explain how the nonprofit organization was founded. Reference the people or group of people who started it and why.
Describe the mission of the organization. This does not need to be the mission statement.- Explain what the organization came together to do and how it has grown.
Talk about the people or issues that the nonprofit supports.- Address how this may have changed through the history of the organization. Be sure to discuss how the customers or clients of the group evolved.
Give an idea of how the group is set up, governed and funded.- Talk about the role of the board of directors, staff leadership and volunteers. Let the reader know how the nonprofit organization brings in money to operate and help the people and causes it aims to help.
- Include an organizational chart if that will help demonstrate how the organization has changed since its inception. For example, the group may have started with 2 staff members but over 10 or 15 years has grown into 50 employees.
Explain the relationship of the nonprofit to any national organization or local chapters. Local chapters of The American Red Cross, for example, should give a brief description of how it operates in relation to the national organization.- Mention other organizations that have partnered with the nonprofit to help it grow and succeed. This can include other nonprofit organizations, foundations, church or civic organizations and schools.
Conclude the history statement with a brief and positive expectation for the future. Mention how you plan to raise more money, increase the number of people you serve or become more visible in the community.Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Ask the Board of Directors to read and approve the history statement before it becomes a part of your corporate record. Have the organization's president or Board liaison manage any revisions or suggestions for change.Thanks
- Share the history statement once it is complete and approved. Invite employees to read it, and post it on your organization's website.Thanks
- Consider including pictures or other graphics that tell the story of your organization's history. A shot of your first building compared to your present office space might be striking, for example.Thanks
References
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
