Nonprofit organization (nɑnˈprɑfɪt ˌɔrɡənəˈzeɪʃən) refers to an entity that has been established for a specific purpose that benefits the public. The word 'nonprofit' is spelled with a single hyphen because it is a compound adjective. The word 'organization' is spelled with a 'z' instead of an 's' because the word originated in America and adopted American spellings. The correct spelling is crucial when referring to such organizations for official purposes, as misspellings could lead to confusion and inaccurate representation of the organization.
A nonprofit organization is a type of entity that operates independently from the government and aims to serve the public interest rather than generate profit. Also referred to as a not-for-profit or NPO, it is structured as a legal corporation, typically registered at a local or national level, governed by a board of directors, and exempted from paying taxes on the income it generates. Unlike for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations do not distribute profits to individual owners or shareholders, but instead reinvest surplus revenue into furthering their mission or the community they serve.
The primary goal of a nonprofit organization is to fulfill a specific social, educational, religious, charitable, or cultural purpose, by undertaking activities that benefit society as a whole. These activities can encompass a wide range of areas including, but not limited to, healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation, human rights advocacy, and arts and culture.
Nonprofit organizations rely on various sources of funding, such as donations from individuals, grants from foundations and government agencies, membership fees, and revenue generated from activities like fundraising events or offering goods or services related to their mission. The funds raised are typically directed towards covering operational expenses, implementing programs and services, conducting research or raising awareness on specific issues, and ensuring the sustainability and growth of the organization.
In summary, a nonprofit organization is a legally recognized and tax-exempt entity that strives to advance the public interest while reinvesting any surplus revenue into fulfilling its mission for the betterment of society and the communities it serves.
The word "nonprofit" originated from the combination of the prefix "non-" (meaning "not" or "without") and the adjective "profit". The term "nonprofit organization" refers to an entity or institution that does not primarily operate for financial gain or to generate profitability as its main objective. It rather focuses on serving a social purpose, such as charity, education, research, or advocacy. The etymology of the word reflects the notion that these organizations are not primarily driven by profit-making motives.