Nonprofit Organizations
“The "non-profit" institution neither supplies goods or services, nor controls. Its "product" is neither a pair of shoes nor an effective regulation. Its product is a changed human being. The non-profit institutions are human-change agents. Their "product" is a cured patient, a child that learns, a young man or woman grown into a self-respecting adult; a changed human life altogether.”
- Peter F. Drucker
Nonprofit organizations exist for educational or charitable reasons. Their trustees or stakeholders do not benefit from them financially. Any money earned must be retained by the organization, and used for its own expenses, operations and programs. In most cases, nonprofit organizations are tax exempt and to retain this status they are required to provide evidence annually that they are not accruing profits. Nonprofit organizations generally take on some of the most challenging work and despite the lack of financial incentive, are some of the most dedicated and passionate people committed to giving back to society much more than they themselves receive.
Many who are privileged as members of traditionally wealthy families or have earned enormous wealth on their own establish nonprofit organizations as vehicles for contributing to society in areas where dire need is evident, such as in youth development, social education, hunger and disaster relief. Well known entrepreneurs and Hollywood celebrities demonstrate their desire to give back to society from their success, through the launch and support of nonprofit organizations.
The work of nonprofits is carried out primarily by volunteers that routinely dedicate time and resources to their communities. The exhibits in this gallery show case a variety of nonprofit organizations and philanthropists, including the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and the Salvation Army.
