Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not commercially motivated; not conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit. Describes an entity, typically an organization, whose primary goal is to support a social cause or provide a public benefit, rather than to generate income for owners or shareholders.

2. Noun:

   • An organization chartered for other than profit-making activities. A legally constituted entity (such as a charity, foundation, or association) whose income is wholly used to finance its objectives and operations, with no part of its net earnings being distributed to private individuals.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • She works for a nonprofit research institute focused on climate change.
  • The gallery operates on a nonprofit basis, relying on grants and donations.

• Noun:

  • He donated a large sum to a local nonprofit that feeds the homeless.
  • Many nonprofits struggle with funding despite their valuable community work.

Advanced Usage

• "nonprofit sector": Refers collectively to all organizations that are not government or for-profit businesses; also called the third sector or civil society.

  • She has built her career in the nonprofit sector.

• "to incorporate as a nonprofit": The legal process of forming a nonprofit organization.

  • They decided to incorporate as a nonprofit to gain tax-exempt status.

Variants and Related Words

• Nonprofit organization (NPO) (n): A full term synonymous with the noun "nonprofit."

  • The museum is a registered nonprofit organization.

• Not-for-profit (adj/n): Often used interchangeably with "nonprofit," though sometimes distinguished in specific legal contexts.

  • It is a not-for-profit theater company.

Synonyms

• Charitable (adj): Relating to the assistance of those in need; often describes the purpose of a nonprofit.
• Philanthropic (adj): Seeking to promote the welfare of others, typically through generous donations.

Related Phrases

• 501(c)(3) organization (n): In the U.S., a specific tax-exempt status for charitable, religious, or educational nonprofits.

  • Donations to a 501(c)(3) organization are tax-deductible.

• Tax-exempt (adj): Describes an organization, like a qualified nonprofit, that is not required to pay certain taxes.

  • The foundation has tax-exempt status.

Adjective

1. not commercially motivated

Noun

1. an organization chartered for other than profit-making activities