Introduction to Nonprofits

Overview

Nonprofits are organizations that work to create a better world and generally are centered around a specific mission from ending poverty to increasing civic engagement. These organizations are found in almost every industry from technology to health care to education and vary in size with the largest organizations having a global reach while others are community focused (“What is a ‘Nonprofit’”)
Nonprofit organizations also get tax exemptions because they provide a public service, and generally staff is paid while there is no revenue based on profits. Organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army are prime examples, but even things like a youth soccer club can be considered a nonprofit.

“Harvard students are privileged because we go into college already having a high platform. We have a high chance to make a huge impact on the world, and it's when you do work that doesn’t make as much money and provides a public benefit that really impacts this world. Those jobs may not net you as much salary, but are worth billions to the world.”

--Democracy Fellow, Government Accountability Project, Harvard ‘20

Types of Nonprofits

Social Advocacy Groups

These groups include the ACLU, NAACP and National Organization for Women and generally lobby for and promote a certain social or political effort. Their income comes from dues and donations.