What is a Nonprofit?

Over the next few weeks, each student in our class will be working independently to answer the question, "How can I create a nonprofit organization to serve people in need?"

To begin our projects, we'll first explore some basic questions about nonprofits.

What is a nonprofit organization?

• Not trying to make a profit, trying to serve
• Don’t pay income taxes
  
• 2,000 nonprofits in Whatcom County
• There are state and federal nonprofits
• Federal nonprofits can offer "tax deductions"

What needs do these nonprofits serve?

• Camp Firwood
  
• Save the Children
  
• Hoops of Hope
• Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic
• Whatcom County Food Bank
  
• Clean Water for Haiti
  
• Christ the King Church
  
• Lydia place – women and children (abused, housing)
  
• Whatcom Literacy Council
  
• Lighthouse Mission
  
• Mt. Baker Theater
  
• Woodland Park Zoo
  
• Whatcom Museum
  
• Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
  
• Evangeline International
  
• Praise 106.5
  
• The Prom Shop Project
  
• Cloud Mt. Farms Center 
  
• Bellingham Public Library
  
• Bellingham Christian School
  
• YMCA
  
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
  
• Boys and Girls Club
  
• Re-Sources 
  
• Royal Family Kids Camp
  
• F.A.C.E.S.
  
• Alzheimer’s Association
  

What are some ways nonprofits get money?

• Events
  
• Grants
  
• Individual donations
  
• Businesses