Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations are groups that serve a public or member purpose and do not distribute profits to owners. Many qualify for exemption from federal income tax. States charter them, the Internal Revenue Service recognizes them for tax purposes, and they answer to boards, regulators, and donors.
People usually ask how a nonprofit is formed, how it gets tax-exempt status, and what it may do in politics. They also ask how advocacy differs from lobbying, how nonprofits compare with government agencies in emergencies, and how groups tied to Congress or public service are set up.
An independent team explaining how government works
Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
All Articles on Nonprofit Organizations
FEMA vs. Red Cross: What They Do and How They Differ
After a disaster, you'll hear about FEMA and the American Red Cross. While both are vital to the nation's response and recovery, they are…
Congressional Award: How to Earn Congress’s Highest Honor for Youth
The Congressional Award is the United States Congress's highest honor for America's youth civilians. It's a unique national program established by federal law, yet…
How Nonprofits Shape Policy: The Power of Advocacy vs. Lobbying
Every year, thousands of nonprofit organizations work to influence government decisions—from local school board meetings to Capitol Hill. Yet many people, including those working…
Securing Tax-Exempt Status for Nonprofits
Tax-exempt status allows qualifying organizations to avoid paying federal income taxes on most of their revenue. This status is granted by the Internal Revenue…