Different Types of Nonprofit Organizations

Many charitable organizations are considered nonprofits.

Nonprofit organizations are tax-exempt businesses that are deemed to operate in the public benefit. The federal government encourages people to donate to such organizations by allowing them to deduct their donations from their taxable incomes. Qualifying nonprofit organizations fall under one of five categories.

Charitable

Nonprofit charitable organizations might include homeless shelters, disability organizations, youth programs, hospitals, health care clinics, animal rights groups, military groups, human rights groups and emergency relief groups such as the Red Cross.

Educational

Nonprofit educational organizations might include schools, colleges and universities, child care centers, museums, conservation groups, zoos, and health organizations such as the American Heart Association.

Scientific

Nonprofit scientific organizations might include cancer research groups, biology groups, chemistry groups, environmental groups, astronomy groups, engineering groups and medical professional groups such as the American Nurses Foundation.

Religious

Nonprofit religious organizations might include churches, mosques, synagogues, seminaries, church relief groups and charitable groups with religious principles such as the Salvation Army.

Literary/Artistic

Nonprofit literary or artistic organizations might include symphonies, orchestras, theater groups, art galleries, writers' organizations, poetry organizations and other youth music groups such as Drum Corps International.

References

• FindLaw: Overview -- Nonprofit Benefits