The Role of Non-Profit Organizations In Our Societies Fr Admire Rufaro Nhika SJ
St Peter’s Kubatana, Highfield, Harare
In the early 2000s the thrust
major stakeholders are the general public who should of the role of Nonprofits be satisfied with their work including Faith-Based organisations (FBOs) gained with the end motive of continued public support more recognition when that guarantees retention President George W. Bush of votes. The second is the announced government private sector (referred to support for such. The Bush as For Profit Organisations). administration over the years, came to a realisation This exists to make profit. The major stakeholders that non-profits, including are the customers or Faith Based organisations clients who need goods (FBOs) are at the forefront and services offered for a of solving social ills that charge. The third sector face society. They face the comprises of different types most neglected people in of non-profit organisations. society and do transform lives and societies (Milbank, Some of them fall in the bracket of faith-based 2001). Hence, the need organisations (FBOs): for government support alongside the support of the these are parishes, church run organisations like corporate world. schools, hospitals, charities, foundations, children’s Understanding Nonhomes, universities and profits/The third sector. other tertiary institutions among many. Some There are three sectors that deal with humanitarian nonprofits are not of a Faith Based nature, yet they issues both at local levels also make humanitarian and global levels and efforts. The benchmark of they impact differently on the existence of nonprofits societies. There is the first is not to make profits from sector or public sector, the selling goods and services, second sector or private rather, they provide these sector and the third sector with the aim of transforming or non-profit sector. The societies, accompanying public sector consists of people and offering help the government, public institutions, parastatals and for the common cause. Their success is measured municipalities. They raise through realising specific money mostly through objectives (of which profit taxes and rentals. The Mukai -Vukani No.77 | July 2020 |
is not central) or making an impact where they operate. For survival and pursuant to their initiatives, they need funds. They can make surpluses from fundraising, donations and subscriptions, but such surplus funds are not shared among shareholders as with organisations in the private sector. There are international nonprofit organisations like the United Nations and its various departments and branches, The Red Cross, Medicins Sans Frontiersor Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, Caritas, L’arche International, Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), Oxfam, Alcoholic Anonymous (AA), World Vision, among many. Some can be national and work in partnership or collaboration with governments, like in Zimbabwe, the National Aids Council (NCA), Jairos Jiri Association and other nongovernmental organisations. There are those of a small scope which consist of small charities, foundations, clubs, soup kitchens, home based care organisations, cooperatives among others. A key feature of nonprofit 29
