What is a For-Purpose Organisation?

We’re an agency for For-Purpose organisations, but what does that actually mean?

Historically, organisations have fallen into two primary categories: for-profit and not-for-profit. For-profit organisations operate with the primary goal of generating profits for their shareholders (often at the expense of people and the planet), while non-profit organisations focus on fulfilling a specific social or environmental mission without pursuing profit as their primary objective. However, in recent years, a new breed of organisations has emerged. 

A For-Purpose organisation is any organisation that exists with a clear and explicit purpose that extends beyond driving profit. The purpose is not aspirational, but reflective of their actual mahi and culture. For-Purpose organisations encompass not-for-profits, social enterprise, NGOs and companies that create value not just for their stakeholders, but society at large.

Examples of some For-Purpose organisations we’ve had the pleasure of working with:

Nisa Workshop: An underwear label and social enterprise that provides meaningful employment opportunities to women from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Community Networks Aotearoa: The umbrella NFP organisation for local, regional and national Community Networks in Aotearoa.

Little Beauties: Little Beauties are on a mission to create the world’s most delightful fruit snacks using perfectly imperfect feijoas, berries and kiwis that get turned down by supermarkets and other retailers.

We don’t claim to be the cleanest and greenest people or agency, but we do claim to take a thoughtful approach to our work and the organisations we choose to partner with.