Comparison Table

Comparison of Corporations, Non-Profits, Charities, and Cooperatives

Entity Type Ownership Purpose Funding Profit Distribution
Corporation Shareholders Profit-driven Investors, stock sales, revenue Dividends to shareholders
Non-Profit Board of Directors Social, educational, or community service Donations, grants, service fees Reinvested into the organization
Charity Board of Trustees Helping specific causes (e.g., poverty, health) Donations, fundraising, grants Used for charitable programs
Cooperative Members (owners/users) Mutual benefit of members Member contributions, revenue Shared among members as patronage refunds