I use the term mission statement very loosely, comprised of many parts of which you have to sell your NFP to the IRS, other then filling out the textbook information. When I file my paperwork, hopefully it will go through the first time. I can assure you with the amount of "other" information I will be giving them, they will have a clear and concise vision of what we are going to achieve, if they feel like reading it all. I don't want to find out if the optional information would have been needed as suggested by our lawyer and accountant.