The non-profit sector exists to provide services and activities on a voluntary basis, without a profit motive. The characteristics of non-profit organizations have changed over time, but some criteria have remained the same. The changes led to the rapid growth of NGOs in the market, which allowed them to obtain a certain status and increase their influence within the framework of socially beneficial social activities.
At present, only some of the characteristics identified by Lester Salamon are inherent in modern non-profit organizations. For example, such characteristics as separation from the state and government with subordination to legislation are still relevant, but the separation has become more pronounced. NGOs are created for public benefit and are managed from within the organization (Hammack, 2002). However, NGOs should not sell services and should be established on a volunteer basis. Voluntariness is not limited to the board of directors but extends to any activity within the organization.
The growth of the nonprofit sector from 1900 to 1960 occurred for several reasons. First, the creation of policies criticizing power and political speech. Secondly, World War II showed acute social problems in American society that spurred the growth of NGOs to solve them through extensive sponsorships (Hammack, 2002). Also worth mentioning is the natural growth of research institutes and the development of scientific approaches, which were claimed as non-profit experiences for everyday societal purposes.
The nonprofit sector in the U.S. has grown significantly from the groundwork to the present. NGOs have become more detached from the government and focused on social assistance. However, indicating that paid services are not as widespread, nevertheless, does not prevent a pronounced influence on public opinion and policy. With the growth spurts due to acute social and political events between 1900 and 1960, the nonprofit sector has spread and continues to grow.
Reference
Hammack, D. C. (2002). Nonprofit organizations in American history. American Behavioral Scientist, 25(11), 1638-1674.