Not-For-Profit Organizations And For-Profit Businesses: Perceptions And Reality

Abstract

Not-for-profit organizations represent an important portion of the gross domestic product of the United States; yet there are many misconceptions in the business world regarding not-for-profits.  This paper analyzes two surveys -- one of business persons and the other of seniors in an undergraduate business program – to determine the extent of the suspected misconceptions. Then the paper presents factual support to correct typical misconceptions regarding how not-for-profit organizations operate.