Friday, 28 August 2015

NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS AND ITS BENEFITS

A.)   MEANING

A nonprofit organization (NPO, also known as a non-business entity) is an organization that uses its surplus revenues to further achieve its purpose or mission, rather than distributing its surplus income to the organization's directors (or equivalents) as profit or dividends.
The nonprofit landscape is highly varied, although many people have come to associate NPOs with charitable organizations. Although charities do comprise an often high profile or visible aspect of the sector, there are many other types of nonprofits.
Although NPOs are permitted to generate surplus revenues, they must be retained by the organization for its self-preservation, expansion, or plans. NPOs have controlling members or a board of directors. Many have paid staff including management, whereas others employ unpaid volunteers and even executives who work with or without compensation (occasionally nominal).
Designation as a nonprofit does not mean that the organization does not intend to make a profit, but rather that the organization has no 'owners' and that the funds realized in the operation of the organization will not be used to benefit any owners. The extent to which an NPO can generate surplus revenues may be constrained or use of surplus revenues may be restricted.

 

B.)    BENEFITS OF ESTABLISHING NON-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS

 

1.)   Identification

A non-profit organization is a group that raises money or performs deeds for a specific cause or set of causes. For instance, an organization that uses its revenues to feed the homeless or educate children is a non-profit. The organization receives revenue by soliciting donations from the community or selling items to raise money for the cause.

2.)   Purpose

A non-profit does not operate in an effort to build wealth or revenue for the benefit of the owner, directors or shareholders. The main goal of a non-profit is to generate funds and volunteer assistance to help further its chosen cause. A non-profit organization can also act as a publicity vehicle to bring more attention to an issue in the community.

3.)   Considerations

While just about anyone can start a non-profit organization by simply taking up a cause, it's beneficial to file for official non-profit status with the state and federal government. The Internal Revenue Service requires non-profits to seek 501(c) classification in order to file as a charitable tax-exempt groups. Many states require an organization to register as either a corporation, fund, foundation or trust in order to operate as a state-recognized non-profit. In Texas, groups can register as non-profit corporations or unincorporated non-profit associations.

4.)   Benefits

One of the main benefits of running a non-profit organization is that you have an opportunity to assist the community via funds and volunteer work . Because the organization is tax-exempt, it does not have to pay taxes on the money it raises. Additionally, registered non-profits have limited liability under the law when it comes to debts; the owners and organizers are not personally responsible for business debts with a few exceptions. Non-profits also have access to government-sponsored and private grants and loans that for-profit companies do not. Another benefit of running a non-profit is that, like a standard for-profit business, it helps create paid jobs.

TYPES OF NON PROFIT ORGANISATIONS IN INDIA


1.Trusts
The public charitable trust is a possible form of not-for-profit entity in India.  Typically, public charitable trusts can be established for a number of purposes, including the relief of poverty, education, medical relief, provision of facilities for recreation, and any other object of general public utility.  Indian public trusts are generally irrevocable.  No national law governs public charitable trusts in India, although many states (particularly Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh) have Public Trusts Acts. 

2.Societies 
Societies are membership organizations that may be registered for charitable purposes.  Societies are usually managed by a governing council or a managing committee.  Societies are governed by the Societies Registration Act 1860, which has been adapted by various states.  Unlike trusts, societies may be dissolved.   

3.Section 8 Companies 

A section 8 company is a company with limited liability that may be formed for "promoting commerce, art, science, religion, charity or any other useful object," provided that no profits, if any, or other income derived through promoting the company's objects may be distributed in
any form to its members. 

By CA Shivani Agarwal

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