Values That Matter: Building a Purpose-Driven Organization

Your organization’s values aren’t just nice words—they’re the heartbeat of your nonprofit. They shape every decision, interaction, and impression. When your team is aligned around a shared set of principles, your culture becomes stronger, your messaging becomes clearer, and your impact becomes deeper.

If you’ve ever struggled to define your organizational values—or wondered how to make them more than just a poster on the wall—this guide is your starting point.

Inside, you’ll learn:

• What organizational values really are (and the difference between core, cultural, and strategic values)

• How values guide decision-making, team engagement, and long-term sustainability

• A simple, inclusive process to define your values collaboratively

• Ways to communicate and implement your values both internally and externally

• How to keep your values relevant and authentic as your nonprofit grows

Whether you're starting from scratch or ready to revisit your current values, this guide helps you clarify what matters most and turn that clarity into action.