This article outlines categories of want for not for profit organizations. Previously I’ve written about categories of want for consumers and businesses. You can find those articles at http://blog.lowesoftware.com.

Not for profit groups are an interesting animal. They are here to meet a social goal with ultimate primary focus on that goal and not profit. At the end of the day though, a not for profit organization is very much like any other incorporated entity. It needs to make money, market, and make their customers happy to survive.

Here are some categories that not for profits want:

1. Survival – Like all entities a non-profit wants to survive and continue. This could be indefinately or for the duration of its mission or grant. Survival is usually a cost for not for profits and includes taxes, government filings, human resources, and other operational items that are required to function.
2. Stability – Stability is a category of want that a not for profit has that is somewhat unique. Many not for profit organizations are not concerned with growth or change. They reach a plateau and want to maintain. If you can help an organization to maintain it’s user base, volunteer base, funding, etc. then you can help the organization meet its want.
3. Achievement of Mission – The ultimate goal of a non-profit is to accomplish a mission. This can be a mission with an end or something that is onoing. If you can help a not for profit better fulfill its mission statement you’ve got a potential customer.

The not for profit sector is a different animal. The culture and wants and needs and problems are unlike that of traditional business. But, the not for profit sector is huge.

There are many not for profit organizations that do run more like typical businesses with profit as a focus. This is especially true with not for profit medical. There are stories about not for profit board members and executives making millions and millions of dollars personally. There are regulations that have been passed and changes continue to be made.

The entire US not for profit market is composed of 1.3 million organizations. There’s definately money to be made and problems to be solved.