Can you please describe the focus of non-profit organizations?

"Non-profit" or tax-exempt organizations have no common "focus"; they include, in addition to philanthropy, condo associations, social (including yacht and country) clubs, real estate trusts, cemeteries, teachers retirement funds, professional and trade associations, alumnae associations, the NFL, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc., etc, etc. read more

Although many nonprofits are also IRS tax-exempt organizations, it's possible to be a nonprofit and not meet this standard. Nonprofit status is determined by state law, not the IRS. An organization that's active politically, lobbying government to pass particular legislation, might qualify as a nonprofit. read more