Non Profit institutions do something very different from both the Government and Private sector. While the Government controls and Private business supply goods or supplies the Non Profit Institutions produces a ‘changed human being’. The product is thus a cured patient, a child that learns or a youth grown into a self respecting adult.

These are institutions where surplus generated is not shared amongst the promoters or shareholders of the organizations. They work for just causes in the society focusing on the marginalized, the challenged, and the underprivileged and propelling human and national development.

Non profit institutions include Non Government Organizations, Cooperatives, Corporate foundations, World Bodies, Multilateral and Bilateral Donor agencies.

Non profit institutions can be Large, Medium and small depending on their budget. They could be urban based or rural based. They can also be classified based on their roles they perform.

1. Directly providing Services in the sectors of health, education, income generation, women or youth empowerment etc

2. Resource Groups/Institutions – Providing Training & Information

3. Networking and Facilitation – Expert and Advice and Consultancy Services

4. Innovations and Experimentations

5. Research and advocacy

6. Critic and Activist – Public policy and National Development

Over the years non-profit institutions have become the distinguishing feature of our society. From a concept that the Non Profit institutions are meant to supplement governmental programs and add special flourishes to the same we have moved a long way. It is increasingly perceived by all including the Government that Government alone cannot discharge all major social tasks and its ability is also limited. The Non Profit Institutions have started discharging a much greater role than limiting itself to specific needs. In fact to day in India it is one of the largest ‘Employers’.