Nonprofit/Nongovernmental Organizations

Democratic societies have always involved extensive networks of voluntary associations. Today, nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations represent a large and rapidly growing sector of society where individuals and groups associate to create a space in which they can express a collective voice to address societal issues and pursue human interests apart from the market or state. Nonprofits are unique because of the legal constraints, revenue sources, types of personnel, and the nature of governance that characterizes these organizations. The goal of nonprofit organizations is to create and sustain civil society - associated life where citizens develop relational networks that enable them to participate in public debate, give voice to marginalized groups or concerns, and improve the human condition. Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations have always existed in societies where citizens are free to organize and engage in collective action for the common good. With the advent of democracy in the United States and its subsequent spread around the world in various forms, the nonprofit sector has grown and thrived despite ongoing challenges such as securing adequate funding and addressing difficult, complex problems.