For-Profit Sector 

Government  

Nonprofit Sector 

Exists to make a profit.

Exists to provide public goods and services that meet the needs or expectations of the majority such as the postal service and national defense.

Exists to meet needs that for profit and government cannot or do not, and to represent the minority.  Often the catalyst for social change.

  Provide goods or services related to demand and profit.

  They can regulate what the for-profit world does, for example, telephone service.

  They may provide goods and services related to need.  

  Payment is dependent on the choice to purchase the good or service.

  They have coercive power.  They can tax you or make you purchase a license. 

  They are concerned about client satisfaction.

  Profit is distributed to the owners or share-holders of the business for their own private use. 

  They may promise to provide services in order to win elections.  

  Profit does not benefit any individuals connected with the organization. It is invested in furthering the mission of the organization.