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 |