Course Introduction. Introduction to Key concepts

Course Introduction:

This course is organized around the current discourses and practices related to technology applications for the management of non-profit organizations. The course takes as its focus the possibilities, challenges and benefits of IT systems in the non-profit sector.

Introduction to Key Concepts:

What is a non-profit organization?

A nonprofit organization 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. This is known as the distribution constraint. The decision to adopt a non profit legal structure is one that will often have taxation implications, particularly where the nonprofit seeks income tax exemption, charitable status and so on.

Non-profit organizations examples:

Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, Oxfam, etc.

Types of incentives:

In many countries, nonprofits may apply for tax exempt status, so that the organization itself may be exempt from income tax and other taxes. In the United States, to be exempt from federal income taxes the organization must meet the requirements set forth by the Internal Revenue Service.