What are the primary objectives of not-for-profit organizations?

Not-for-profit organizations primarily focus on meeting social, environmental, and charitable goals rather than making profits. Their main objectives are centered around providing services or support that benefit the community and address various societal needs. This can include aspects such as education, community development, health services, or environmental conservation. This focus reflects their mission-driven nature, where success is measured by the impact they have on society rather than financial gain.

In contrast, maximizing profits for shareholders or issuing dividends pertains specifically to for-profit businesses, which operate with the goal of generating profits for their owners. Reducing costs to enhance turnover may apply to any type of organization but is secondary to the mission of not-for-profits, which prioritize purposeful activities over financial metrics. Therefore, the primary objective of not-for-profit organizations aligns with fulfilling their designated goals to serve and support the community, making the second choice the most accurate representation of their purpose.