Programs

Nonprofit programs and services are the core activities through which an organization fulfills its mission and creates impact. These can vary widely depending on the organization's focus and target population.

Common Types of Nonprofit Programs and Services:

• Arts, Culture, and Humanities: Visual arts, performing arts, museums, historical societies, media & communications, humanities organizations.

• Education: K-12 education, higher education, adult/continuing education, libraries, vocational training, student services.

• Environmental Quality Protection and Beautification: Pollution control, natural resource conservation, botanical services, environmental education.

• Health (General and Rehabilitative): Hospitals, health treatment facilities, reproductive health, rehabilitative services, public health programs.

• Crime and Legal Related: Crime prevention, correctional facilities, rehabilitation services for offenders, legal services, protection against abuse.

• Employment and Job Related: Job training, employment assistance, vocational rehabilitation.

• Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition: Food service and distribution, nutrition programs.

• Housing and Shelter: Housing development, search assistance, temporary housing, housing support services.

• Human Services: Children's and youth services, family services, personal social services, emergency assistance, residential care, services for specific populations (e.g., elderly, disabled).

• Community Improvement and Capacity Building: Community/neighborhood development, economic development, nonprofit management support.

• Civil Rights, Social Action, and Advocacy: Civil rights organizations for specific groups, intergroup relations, voter education.

• Philanthropy, Voluntarism, and Grantmaking: Grantmaking foundations, voluntarism promotion.

• Sports, Recreation, Leisure, and Athletics: Recreational camps, physical fitness facilities, amateur sports leagues.

• Science and Technology: Research institutes, engineering and technology services.

• Religious and Spiritual Development: Churches, mosques, temples, and other religious organizations.

For more information on the types of nonprofit programs, you can explore:

• Types of Nonprofits: Our Focus - Indiana Nonprofits Project

• 20 Types of Nonprofits: Complete Guide To 501(c) Organizations (2025) - Shopify

• The 29 Different Types of Nonprofit Organizations - Transparent Hands

• What Are the 4 Types of Non Profit Organizations? - Vyde

• Types of Nonprofits Explained: A Complete Guide - UpCounsel