Myth #2: Nonprofits Are Small

The second myth concerning Nonprofits is that they are small. When you think of a nonprofit organization what comes to mind? If you are like most people, you think of the small, dumpy office with the mismatched furniture. The Director is haggard and does everything. She/He is always fundraising, while simultaneously assisting an ever increasing amount of clients. The staff is comprised of volunteers with good hearts and no business acumen. Ok, admit it…that’s what you think. :)Actually, what we think of the typical nonprofit is not true. Okay, most of conceded that there are large nonprofits like the American Red Cross, United Way, and even the YMCA. But, did you know that Blue Cross Blue Shield, J.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Mayo Clinic are Nonprofits. Moreover, Universities such as Harvard and the University of Michigan are nonprofit organizations.The IRS mandates to be considered for tax exempt purposes, the organization

purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals. The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency. (http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=175418,00.html)

Like their for-profit counterparts, nonprofits are varied in size, staff, expertise and revenue. Some are well ran; others not so. Some have a national scope; others are small in the stereotypical fashion. The commonality is that all of the organizations are driven by their mission.