Mission statement development and organizational purpose

¶ … nonprofit organizations have emerged, to address a variety of issues affecting a number of regions around the world. One such organization that has been at the forefront is: the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Started in 1953, this nonprofit supports and helps to provide funding, to host of medical related research activities. With the charity currently ranked as the second largest in the United States, behind the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This is important, because the work that has been undertaken by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; has provided a number of medical breakthroughs for a host of ailments. This includes: identifying the genes that are responsible for cystic fibrosis, colon cancer and muscular dystrophy. At the same time, the institute has made significant breakthroughs in: AIDS/HIV research, spinal cord injuries and drugs that can be used to treat leukemia. This shows, how the use of various nonprofit organizations, is addressing a unique need within society. Yet, when you look beyond these statistics, it is clear that the Howard Hughes Medical Institute represents an effective way of funding and researching a host of medicals conditions. To fully understand the impact of this organization requires examining the mission statement. Where, there will be an emphasis on: if the mission is all encompassing, the various products / services offered, if the entity operates from a regional / global perspective and if the mission statement is consistent with objectives of the nonprofit. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to the total impact that the Howard Hughes Medical Institute has upon society.

Is the mission statement all-encompassing yet relatively brief?

Yes. The mission statement from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute explains all of the different areas that the organization is involved in. At the same time it is keeping, the overall explanation of their mission and objectives fairly brief. ("Developing New Knowledge," 2010)

Does the mission statement delineate, in broad terms, what products or services the nonprofit organization is to offer?

Yes. In the mission statement the organization, discusses the various products / services that they are providing to include: working with the most promising scientists in their field, access to a research campus, grants for science education and special facilities for specific issues (addressing challenges in particular regions of the world). ("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 Hughes Medical Institute's activities, in line with the entity's objectives. ("Developing New Knowledge," 2010)