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The nonprofit sector (also referred to as non-governmental organizations, NGOs, the third sector, or the independent sector) is often defined by what it is not. For one, the nonprofit is not about making money, but rather about providing goods or services that other sectors may not be willing or able to provide. Because nonprofit work is not about making a profit, it’s not considered a business. Equally important, it’s not a government agency. While some nonprofits receive funding from federal, state, or local government agencies, most nonprofits have independent boards and remain fairly autonomous.
The bottom line is that the nonprofit sector is comprised of organizations that are trying to create a better world, as defined by each of these organizations’ missions. Within the nonprofit sector, there are organizations whose missions directly oppose one another, and many more whose work is guided by similar values, goals and visions. Independent sector organizations address many issues including, but not limited to poverty, the environment, youth development, community service, health care, workers’ rights, public policy, violence prevention, the arts, and economic development. To learn more about the nonprofit sector click here.
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