Cool MateNon-profit
UK /["/ˌnɒn ˈprɒfɪt/","/ˌnɒn ˈprɒfɪt meɪkɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˌnɑːn ˈprɑːfɪt/","/ˌnɑːn ˈprɑːfɪt meɪkɪŋ/"]/
Definition
without the aim of making a profit
In simple words: An organization that helps people but doesn't make money for itself.
Examples
- an independent non-profit organization
- The centre is run on a non-profit basis.
- The charity is non-profit-making.
- The Arthritis Foundation is a non-profit organization.
- The legal framework for charities and the wider non-profit sector is under review.
- The research foundation is the non-profit arm of a big investment group.
Usage notes
Use 'non-profit' when referring to organizations that fundraise or provide services without profit motives. It's generally neutral and fits in both casual and formal settings.
Grammar pattern
non-profit + noun (e.g., non-profit organization)
Memory hint
Think of 'non-profit' as 'non-money-making' – they're in it to help, not to earn!
Collocations
- non-profit sector
- non-profit organization
- non-profit status
- non-profit funding
Synonyms
- charity
- NGO
- voluntary organization
- social enterprise
Antonyms
- for-profit
- commercial
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'nonprofit' (spelling variation)
- Used incorrectly as an adjective (should only modify nouns)
- Assumed all non-profits operate solely through donations