What term describes a private sector organization that operates to benefit society and not primarily for profit?

• A. Non-profit organization
• B. Charitable trust
• C. Non-governmental organization (NGO)
• D. Public corporation

Answer: (C)

NGOs are private-sector groups that operate independently of government and are dedicated to social, humanitarian, or environmental goals rather than making a profit. They reinvest any surplus to further their mission and are typically funded by donations, grants, or memberships rather than commercial activities.

This term best fits a private-sector organization aimed at societal benefit because it emphasizes both independence from the state and a not-for-profit motive, which is exactly what the question describes. While a non-profit organization is a broader label that can include various forms, including charities and clubs, NGOs are the standard term for private, mission-driven groups working for social good. A charitable trust is a specific legal structure for holding assets for charity, not necessarily describing a broader private-sector organization. A public corporation, by contrast, is owned by the government, not private, so it doesn’t match.