non-profits compete against for-profits?

Question

I want to start up a non-profit bottled water company. I want to give all the profits away to provide cleaning drinking water to people that need it. Someone said that a non-profit can not compete against for-profits. Is this true? Hospital's are non-profit and for-profit. Universities are non-profit and for-profit. References please! thanks for your help!

Thank you for the resonse so far you are the only one. Paul Newman runs a corporation "Newman's Own Inc. " So all the money he gives away is different because of his business structor.

Answer 1

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs
* Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization by Joan M. Hummel
* The Nonprofit Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization by Gary M. Grobman
* Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Paul Newman (the movie star) has his own line of salad dressings, popcorn, spaghetti sauce, etc. and all the profits are given to charity, so, in essence, I guess that makes the "Newman's Own" brand a non-profit.

Good luck!