The document discusses mission statements, goals, objectives, and how they relate for nonprofit organizations. It explains that a mission statement describes an organization's purpose and focus, while goals are broad statements of activities and objectives are more specific and measurable. Goals inform objectives, which then inform strategies and programs. An example is provided of a mission statement, goal, and objectives for a nonprofit helping impoverished communities. The discussion asks the reader to select a nonprofit, describe its mission and goals, and explain how two of its programs would contribute to achieving the mission and goals.

1. Mission Statement and Goals
When you scrutinize programs and efforts of an organization or
agency, it is important to familiarize yourself with an
organization’s or agency’s mission statement. A mission
statement is a statement of purpose that describes or explains
the goals, focal points, and strategies of the organization or
agency. Mission statements serve as a point of reference for the
organization’s decisions, and they answer the question “Why do
we exist?” (Walker, 2008).
Mission statements and goals do not necessarily dictate an
organization’s everyday activities and strategies. Rather, they
provide a clear focus and sense of direction, suggest important
factors and outcomes, and inform
how
everyday functions are performed. An organization’s mission
statement and goals are important to executives, board
members, and other leaders who may be responsible for decision
making and designing action plans and programs.
Mission statements inform goals, while goals inform objectives.
Goals are an overall statement about the general idea of
activities and purposes. Objectives are more specific and
precise; they are further developments of goals and have an end
product that is easily verifiable or measured. Objectives follow
a goal statement and include a clear action. Strategies and
programs then follow the objectives. For example:
Mission Statement:
This organization works toward increasing quality of life
among the impoverished people of the community through

2. comprehensive programs and a philosophy of compassion and
open arms.
Goal:
To increase nourishment and promote healthier eating for
impoverished people in the community.
Objective 1:
Implement a monthly soup kitchen.
Objective 2:
Hold information sessions on applying for and using food
stamps.
Objective 3:
Create pamphlets about healthy eating on a low budget.
In this Discussion, you will examine the mission statement and
goals of a nonprofit organization you select. You will also
explore how the goals and mission statement would be fulfilled
through those programs and strategies.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Review Chapter 5 in your course text, focusing on the various
approaches to measuring need. Consider how the type of need
influences the approach to measurement.

3. Review Chapter 6 in your course text, focusing on the
development of a program hypothesis. Think about the types of
information you would require to create a hypothesis that would
accurately address the identified needs.
Review Chapter 7 in your course text, focusing on the
formulation of the mission statement, goals, and objectives.
Reflect on the role of goals and objectives in strategic planning.
Select a nonprofit organization that delivers human services to a
population in need. Review the nonprofit organization’s website
to find its mission statement and any related goals and
objectives.
With these thoughts in mind:
Do a brief description of the nonprofit organization you
selected, including its mission statement, goals, and objectives.
Then, describe two programs or strategies that the organization
might enact and explain how each program or strategy would
contribute to the organization achieving its mission and goals.