What are the differences between an NGO, something like the Red Cross, and a non-profit like Hab. for Humanity

Question

Wikipedia has information on non-governmental agencies and non profits, but the differences are somewhat ambigious at times. In a nutshell it seems that both fill in the gaps of government, but that NGO are run more like corporations and are not non-profit per se...? Anyone have addtional contrast for the two?

Answer 1

NGOs are not necessarily non profit (but most are).

ACCIÓN, a microfinance company I know is both NGO and for profit. Note that their profit is used to finance their development projects that have a positive social impact.

These NGOs have specific shareholders (often donors or social oriented investment funds) that decide where their profit goes during Board Meetings.

Hope this helps