A non-profit is an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends.

They can be non-incorporated like an artist collective. Or they can be incorporated through the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Incorporated non-profits must have a Board of Directors, with articles and bylaws to govern themselves. When they are incorporated, we call non-profits 'societies'. Non-profits may also choose to obtain Charitable Status which is granted by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) upon application by a non-profit.