Nonprofit organization

An organization that directs its surplus revenue toward its mission rather than distributing profits to owners or shareholders. Its legal form and tax treatment vary by jurisdiction.

Nonprofit mission: The purpose an organization exists to advance, expressed through its goals and activities. The mission gives surplus revenue its intended destination and guides organizational decisions.
Fundraising: The practice of soliciting and collecting money or other resources for an organization or cause. Fundraising supplies resources when mission-driven work cannot cover its costs through sales.
For-profit corporation: A corporation permitted to distribute its profits to shareholders or other owners. Unlike a nonprofit, it can distribute residual earnings to owners.
Charitable foundation: A nonprofit that primarily supports charitable purposes through grants or direct charitable activities. Foundations channel philanthropic assets into grants and other mission-related work.
Civil society: The sphere of voluntary organizations and collective action distinct from government and private business. Nonprofits are a major institutional part of civil society.
Nonprofit governance: The structures and practices through which a nonprofit is directed, overseen, and held accountable. Boards and oversight help ensure resources serve the stated mission.
Grant (money): A transfer of money, usually subject to stated conditions, for a defined purpose or project. Grants often fund nonprofit programs while restricting how the money may be spent.
Cooperative: A business or organization owned and democratically controlled by its members. Cooperatives can distribute benefits to members, unlike the nonprofit nondistribution constraint.
Community foundation: A charitable foundation that pools donations to address needs in a defined geographic community. It illustrates locally focused philanthropy within the nonprofit sector.
Philanthropy: The use of private resources to support public or social purposes. Philanthropic giving sustains many nonprofits and influences which missions receive resources.

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