The use of “nonprofit” or “non-profit” depends on both the style guide being followed and regional preferences. Both forms are correct, but their usage can vary.

“Nonprofit” (One Word):

  • More Common in American English: In the United States, “nonprofit” as one word is more commonly used. This can be seen in many American publications and legal documents.
  • Style Guides: The Associated Press Stylebook, widely used in journalism, prefers “nonprofit” as one word.
  • Example: “The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief, emergency assistance, and humanitarian services across the United States.”

“Non-profit” (Hyphenated):

  • British English and Other Varieties: In British English and other forms of English outside the U.S., “non-profit” is often used with a hyphen. This reflects a general tendency in British English to use hyphens more frequently.
  • Certain Style Guides: Some style guides, particularly those that are not American, might recommend “non-profit” with a hyphen. For instance, the Oxford Guide to Style might lean towards this usage.
  • Example: “Oxfam is an international non-profit organization that aims to alleviate global poverty.”

Nonprofit Resources

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The Preferred Term in the United States

In American English, nonprofit written as a single word is the standard.

This is not a trend or a marketing preference. It is the dominant form used by major style guides, government agencies, and nonprofit regulators.

Style Guide Alignment

  • Associated Press Stylebook uses nonprofit
  • IRS publications use nonprofit
  • Most U.S. legal and compliance documents use nonprofit
  • Major U.S. media outlets use nonprofit

If you are writing for an American nonprofit audience, nonprofit is the correct choice.

Example

“The Ford Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing human welfare.”

This is how the term appears in U.S. press, filings, and professional writing.

When “Non-Profit” Is Still Used

The hyphenated form non-profit appears more often outside the United States.

British and International Usage

In British English and other international variants, hyphenation is more common across many compound terms. As a result, non-profit still appears in:

  • UK based publications
  • International NGOs
  • Academic writing outside the U.S.
  • Some global style guides

Example

“Oxfam is an international non-profit organization working to end global poverty.”

This usage is not incorrect. It is simply regional.

Legal and Regulatory Context Matters

If you are preparing documents tied to compliance, filings, or finance, consistency with legal language matters more than stylistic debate.

United States Legal Usage

  • IRS Form 1023 uses nonprofit
  • IRS Form 990 uses nonprofit
  • State charity registrations use nonprofit
  • Federal and state statutes use nonprofit

If your organization operates in the U.S., nonprofit is the safer and more accurate choice.

Academic and Institutional Writing

In academic writing, the correct form depends on the style guide being followed.

  • APA style often aligns with nonprofit
  • MLA may allow either form
  • Chicago Manual of Style allows nonprofit and encourages consistency

The key rule in academic and institutional writing is consistency within the document.

Best Practice Recommendation

Here is the practical rule.

  • U.S. nonprofits should use nonprofit
  • International organizations may follow regional norms
  • Choose one form and stay consistent
  • Default to nonprofit unless a specific style guide requires otherwise

This removes confusion and keeps your writing professional.

FAQs

Both are correct, but usage depends on region and style guide. In the United States, nonprofit is the standard form.

The IRS uses nonprofit as one word across forms, publications, and legal guidance.

U.S. nonprofits should use nonprofit to align with IRS language, state filings, and regulatory standards.

Yes. Non-profit is more common in British and international English and is not incorrect outside the U.S.