Nonprofit Organizations (Characteristics, Types and Examples)

The Nonprofit organizations They are institutions whose main objective is very far from the economic one. On the contrary, they are in charge of orienting their efforts towards social, community, charitable, cultural and artistic areas.

Generally, the reasons that drive the formation of this type of organization are of the altruistic type, religious, charitable, educational, research, protectionist of people or the environment and others Similar.

As their intention is not for profit, they do not generate surpluses or distribute profits among their members. In the event that there is any type of profit when carrying out their activities, these would be reinvested to achieve the organizational objectives or they would be used for some social work.

It follows that there are likely to be opportunities where sufficient resources are not available to carry out their functions. That is why in many countries these types of organizations are usually exempt from taxes.

Likewise, it is also common for

Nonprofit organizations receive financial aid and donations, both public and private. In addition, the collaborators who work in them do so on their own. That is, they offer both their time and their volunteer work, Ad honorem.

Characteristics of Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations are characterized by being:

• Organizations that have structure, objectives, hierarchies, legal statutes, internal and external limits. As well as other functions and characteristics similar to those of other types of companies.
• They are private, they are not a government service.
• They are independent from other private entities and public bodies. In addition, they are autonomous, have complete control over their activity and operation.
• Its staff is voluntary and its work is not governed by any law.
• They may receive sporadic or periodic donations or financial contributions from public or private sources.
• The administration of these donations is thorough and cautious. It generates statistical reports that detail the destination of the funds, publishes them with certain periodicity. They can be consulted by the general public, especially by volunteers and donors.
• Its goals are clear and leadership emerges from the organization itself or is elected by a board.

Types of Nonprofit Organizations

Various types of non-profit organizations can be mentioned. Of the best known, the following can be mentioned:

• Organizations to offer Charity: they are in charge of providing solidarity support to people who suffer from economic deficiencies, helping them to survive.
• To serve Community Purposes: such as the promotion and encouragement of cultural, sports and environmental protection activities.
• Trade and Professional Organizations: dedicated to providing professional services without charging fees of any kind, they can be accounting, legal or similar programs.
• Sports Organizations: in this case it is about organizations of a legal nature, legal persons of law private, which have been created to serve a sporting purpose, such as the clubs of some discipline sporty.

Examples of Some Nonprofit Organizations

Some examples of organizations of this type are:

• International Amnesty: since 1961 it has been fighting to eradicate the violation of human rights in the world, it is made up of more than 150 countries or territories. It also has the support of more than 7 million people. Link: https://www.amnesty.org/es/
• Unicef: Created under another name in 1946. The current United Nations Children's Fund is responsible for ensuring compliance with the rights of children. children around the world, to protect their lives, ensure their education and help them live in a safe and secure world. inclusive. For this, it has a presence in more than 190 countries. Link: https://www.unicef.org/es

Other examples are:

• The Red Cross
• Scout Movement
• Greenpeace
• Telethon
• A roof for my country