Why Every Nonprofit Needs Profit—And Every Small Business Needs Purpose

Why Every Nonprofit Needs Profit—And Every Small Business Needs Purpose
Rethinking the false divide—and finding a better way forward.

When people hear “nonprofit,” they often assume it means “no profit.” And when they think of a small business, they assume it’s all about the bottom line. But the truth is, both assumptions are incomplete—and often harmful.

Let’s be clear: nonprofits can make a profit—and they absolutely should.
The difference is in where that profit goes. While small businesses distribute profit to owners or shareholders, nonprofits reinvest profit back into the organization to expand their impact. But profit is still essential.

Too many nonprofit leaders buy into the myth that profit is unethical or off-limits. That mindset can lead to underfunded teams, stalled initiatives, and missed opportunities. Profit fuels mission. It funds capital campaigns. It builds reserves. It creates endowments. It sustains vision when times get tough.

Take the YMCA, one of the most well-known nonprofits in the U.S. It brings in over $7 billion annually—not for private gain, but to build community centers, fund programs, employ staff, and invest in capital improvements across the country. That’s profit at work for purpose.

Now consider the flip side: Chick-fil-A is a for-profit company that leads with purpose. Its corporate purpose is boldly stated:
"To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”

From closing on Sundays to investing in people development and community initiatives, Chick-fil-A operates with a deeply held mission—and yet, it’s one of the most profitable fast food chains in the country, earning more revenue per location than any of its competitors.

Their success shows that businesses don’t have to choose between purpose and profit. In fact, it’s their clarity of purpose that attracts loyal customers, inspires team members, and drives long-term growth.

At Savini Solutions, we’ve worked in both worlds. We've helped nonprofits operate with greater business acumen and guided small businesses in building culture, clarity, and community engagement. We’ve seen firsthand how much these sectors can learn from one another.

Here’s what we know to be true:

• Nonprofits need to think more like businesses. That means creating profit margins, building systems, investing in growth, and refusing to apologize for financial strength.

• Small businesses need to think more like nonprofits. That means clarifying mission, building community, and making purpose a key part of strategy.

Profit and purpose aren’t opposites—they’re partners.
Both nonprofits and businesses need strong brands, community relationships, smart marketing, and a clear identity to thrive.

That’s where Savini Solutions comes in. We help organizations clarify their identity, strengthen their structure, and amplify their impact. Whether you’re a nonprofit looking to grow your donor base or a small business trying to scale without losing your soul—we’re here to help.

Because when you combine mission and margin, you build something that lasts.