Week 1 Assignment 1 Scavenger Hunt This Week You Will Go On

Week 1 Assignment 1scavenger Huntthis Week You Will Go On A Scavenge

This week you will go on a scavenger hunt exploring the different types of non-profits. You will be required to identify five types of non-profits, providing a description of the purpose of each organization. You should identify whether or not the organization type is tax exempt. You will then need to conduct a web search and find one example of the organization type and include the name of the organization and a link to the website. You should submit your results in a chart format with the following columns: Type of Nonprofit, Description and Purpose, Tax Exempt Status, Example.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The nonprofit sector plays a vital role in addressing societal needs, advancing causes, and fostering community engagement. Understanding the various types of nonprofit organizations can deepen one's appreciation of their functions, organizational structures, and legal statuses. This paper explores five distinct types of nonprofits, their purposes, tax-exempt statuses, and provides real-world examples to illustrate their roles in society.

Types of Nonprofits, Their Purposes, and Tax Exempt Statuses

1. Charitable Organizations (501(c)(3))

Charitable organizations, classified under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are designed to serve the public good. They include religious, educational, scientific, literary, and charitable entities. Their primary purpose is to provide services or support causes that benefit society at large. They often conduct fundraising activities, and donations made to them are tax-deductible for the donor.

Example: The American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org)

2. Social Advocacy Organizations

These nonprofits focus on advocating for social, political, or environmental change. They engage in lobbying, awareness campaigns, and community mobilization to influence public policy or public opinion. Although some engage in charitable activities, their main purpose is advocacy and education.

Tax status varies; some are 501(c)(4) organizations which allow for lobbying activities but may have limited tax-deductible donations.

Example: Sierra Club (https://www.sierraclub.org)

3. Educational Organizations

This type encompasses schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Their purpose is to provide educational services, promote learning, and facilitate research. They are typically recognized as 501(c)(3) organizations.

Example: Harvard University (https://www.harvard.edu)

4. Religious Organizations

Religious nonprofits include churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based entities. Their core purpose is to promote religious beliefs, conduct worship services, and provide community support aligned with their faith traditions. They generally qualify as 501(c)(3) organizations with tax-exempt status.

Example: Catholic Charities (https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org)

5. Health and Disease-Focused Organizations

These nonprofits aim to improve health outcomes, fund medical research, and support patients and families affected by specific diseases. They often conduct fundraising and awareness campaigns.

Example: American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org)

Conclusion

The nonprofit sector is diverse, encompassing organizations with various missions, structures, and legal statuses. Recognizing these differences enhances understanding of their societal impact and operational nuances. The examples provided illustrate how these organizations function within their specific domains, contributing significantly to societal well-being.

References

  • Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Exempt Organizations - Charitable Organizations. IRS.gov. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations
  • Sierra Club. (n.d.). About Us. https://www.sierraclub.org/about-us
  • Harvard University. (n.d.). About Harvard. https://www.harvard.edu/about-harvard
  • Catholic Charities USA. (n.d.). About Us. https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/about-us/
  • American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Our Mission and Vision. https://www.cancer.org/about-us/our-mission.html
  • American Red Cross. (n.d.). Who We Are. https://www.redcross.org/about-us/who-we-are.html