When we think of non-profits, we often think of foundations that were created directly in reverse of our usual capitalistic societal expectations, and exist simply to do good. While this can be true for many non-profits, did you know that some non-profits actually can make a profit? Some non-profits are nationwide with hundreds of employees, while others are fairly grassroots. Some are fraternities, while others are animal rescue and rehabilitation. It turns out, the qualifying factor for an entity to be registered as a non-profit is simply an organization founded to serve a single purpose. The actual non-profit-ness comes down to how the company is taxed, and whether its P&L’s are directly related to the purpose of the organization.
The main categories for non-profits are: charitable, religious, private, and political, which really encompasses a vast slew of initiatives. So, even though we often think of non-profits as foundations that strictly exist to do good, the basis for this is really up to those supporting the organization, for there is no moral compass regulation required when registering an organization as a non-profit with the government.
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A common denominator amongst non-profits is that most are founded or run by people who believe strongly in a mission, idea, or cause. Many employees and volunteers work incredibly hard, and frequently take action toward promoting the mission of their organization. Whether the entity is a business league or an art preservation initiative, the humans behind the scenes are both motivated and dedicated.
Non-profits and those who help them function have dug out their own unique category in not only our taxation system, but also in our country’s collective conscious. We can all take heart knowing that there are roughly 1.8 million non-profits in our country, many of which commit daily to making our world a better place.
I’ve put together a list of non-profits that, in my opinion, do exist simply to do good. Many are from our local Central PA region, but some are nationwide initiatives. Below, you will find links to their webpages and a short bio for each.
Feel free to leave a link and bio of your favorite non-profit organization in the comments!
PA Youth Congress
http://www.payouthcongress.org
“PYC unites young LGBTQ leaders from across the commonwealth within their schools and communities in order to create a responsive and organized statewide movement. Through connecting and empowering strong advocates, PYC helps ensure that the issues facing young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians are addressed in local and state government.”
WeConservePA
“WeConservePA helps people care for, wisely use, and enjoy what nature offers. We unite individuals and organizations to conserve land, protect water and wildlife, and foster helthy communities.
Everytown for Gun Safety
“Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund focuses on awareness and educational work related to gun violence prevention. Nearly 10 million mayors, moms, teachers, survivors, gun owners, students, and everyday Americans have come together to make their own communities safer. Everytown starts with you, and it starts in your neighborhood. By introducing evidence-based solutions in every town, we can end gun violence.”
Family Equality
“Creating a world where everyone can experience a family. Founded in 1979 at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, Family Equality has spent more than 0 years ensuring that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Breaking The Chainz, Inc.
https://breakingthechainz.webs.com/
Located in our very own Harrisburg, PA this organization’s mission is “Breaking The Chainz of poverty, mental and physical imprison(ment), social injustice and inequality; while adding links of unity, community restoration, education, and substance awareness.”
PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Founded in 1976, PCADV is the oldest statewide domestic violence coalition in the nation. Each year, its network of 59 local domestic violence programs provides free and confidential direct services to nearly 90,000 victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth. Together, local programs and the statewide Coalition work in collaboration to deliver a continuum of services, support, and systems to help victims and survivors find safety, obtain justice, and build lives free of abuse.
YWCA
“The YWCA Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs (VIP) provide comprehensive crisis and counseling services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a crisis hotline, individual and group counseling and medical and court accompaniments. YWCA’s 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-654-1211”
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
“Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) reptile rescue and education organization from Amish country, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to give reptiles a chance, by rescuing reptiles that need our help, and by providing fun outreach programs to spread our love of reptiles.
Friends of the East Shore Library
This goes for any library, and “Friends are people just like you, who use their library and value the services it provides. Passionate about The Library and its mission of providing information to all and encouraging lifelong learning, Friends of the Library groups help raise funds for their libraries, raise library awareness in the community, and create additional programming that supports the needs of their communities.”
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
“We believe that a flourishing community is one based on equality and inclusion. Where we all come together to ensure that no one is left out. Where everyone has a voice – and the power to activate change.”
