("Developing New Knowledge," 2010) Does the mission statement define the nonprofit organization's geographical operating parameters (whether it will conduct business locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally)?

Yes. In this case, the mission statement will briefly discuss the focus that the organization will take around the world. Then, it talks about specific areas, where its goals are augmented for particular regional / local challenges. ("Developing New Knowledge," 2010)

Is the mission statement consistent with the nonprofit organization's actual activities?

Yes. The mission statement is consistent with the organization's activities. As the Howard Hughes Medical Institute will provide funding; for a number of projects related to: medical research and science. They will then take these objectives and implement them, to specific challenges on the local level. This is important, because it shows how the actions of this non-profit, are consistent with their mission statement. As the funding that they provide for a number of projects and the focus that they take on regional challenges; improves their ability to meet the organization's long-term goals. In many ways one could argue, that is what keeps the Howard...

("Developing New Knowledge," 2010)
After evaluating the nonprofit organization's mission statement that you have selected, what changes would you make to the mission statement?

The only change that would be made to the mission statement is to discuss, how the Howard Hughes Medical Institute is continuing to achieve its objectives. This will highlight the various ways the mission statement has remained the same, yet evolved over time.

Compare and contrast vision statements with mission statements in terms of composition and importance?

A vision statement is when you are stating what direction you want the organization to go (it is similar to an idea). A mission statement is when you are taking the different views from the vision statement and refining them to create a workable set of goals. These will define the business and how it achieves its various objectives.

Bibliography

Developing New Knowledge. (2010). HHMI. Retrieved from: http://www.hhmi.org/about/origins.html

Leung, R. (2004). Howard Hughes. CBS News. Retrieved from: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/11/21/60minutes/main584945.shtml