Alberta Non-Profit Organization Registration A non-profit organization is a legal entity with a separate existence, independent of its members, and is a non-profit corporation created for charitable, religious, educational, athletic or patriotic goals. Non-profit organizations are a type of limited company. The main difference from commercial companies is that non-profit organizations cannot issue shares to distribute dividends like commercial companies. Proceeds must continue to be used for activities consistent with the purpose for which the organization was founded.