Examining The Salvation Army: is It a Nonprofit Organization

The Salvation Army, with its distinctive red kettles and humanitarian efforts, has long been recognized as a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need. This essay aims to explore the nature of the Salvation Army and answer the question of whether it is a nonprofit. It will also define its mission, structure, and activities.

The Purpose and Mission of 'The Salvation Army'

The vision of The Salvation Army revolves around the bible, specifically the Christian Bible. They strive to meet human needs without discrimination and do so by the love of God. They can be seen as a volunteer army because they work with people who are in need and suffering. Their programs are funded by donations of others and proceeds from events they host. When a Salvation Army is constructed, they first assess the community they will provide services for to find a common ground of challenges. Then, they create programs that will best fit their community whether it is a short term or long-term program. Finally, they will deliver their programs to the people. This organization can be considered both a church and a charity. The Salvation Army has served in various countries around the world since 1865. Here in Turlock, a local challenge is homelessness. This organization has helped combat this situation by providing transitional housing, permanent housing, and re-entry resources. A homeless person is not only a person who is literally homeless, but it can include individuals who are on the verge of losing their home. The Salvation Army welcomes everyone to use their resources wisely. A book written by a graduate of CSU Stanislaus states, “According to Harriet (white female, mid-30s), the local community is very negative about the homeless population and blind to their problems; they would rather pretend that homeless people do not exist”. Benjamin Harrison carried out a study in Turlock to witness the community's view on the homelessness problem. He realized that community members had a stereotype on the lives of those who are in this situation. Some community members would rather push them away to surrounding communities than facing the problem.

Structure, Charitable Initiatives and Funding Sources 

The organizational structure of the Salvation Army aligns with nonprofit principles. It operates as an international movement, with a hierarchical structure that includes local units, regional divisions, and a central governing body. The organization is led by officers and adheres to a system of accountability, with funds being managed transparently and used for the benefit of its programs and initiatives.

The Salvation Army is renowned for its extensive range of charitable initiatives and community services. These include but are not limited to providing food assistance, shelter for the homeless, addiction rehabilitation programs, disaster relief efforts, and educational programs. These initiatives directly align with the core purpose of nonprofit organizations, as they prioritize addressing social issues, improving quality of life, and promoting the well-being of marginalized individuals and communities.

Nonprofit organizations rely on diverse funding sources, such as donations, grants, and government support, to sustain their operations and fulfill their missions. The Salvation Army primarily relies on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and fundraising campaigns, including its iconic Red Kettle campaign. The organization's financial operations are subject to accountability measures, with a focus on transparency and ensuring that funds are allocated towards the intended beneficiaries and programs.

The Salvation Army has obtained legal recognition as a nonprofit organization in many countries worldwide. It has obtained tax-exempt status in various jurisdictions, which further solidifies its classification as a nonprofit. Governments and regulatory bodies typically recognize and differentiate nonprofit organizations based on their charitable purposes and adherence to specific legal and financial requirements.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the Salvation Army's mission, structure, activities, funding sources, and legal recognition, it can be concluded that the Salvation Army is indeed a nonprofit organization. Its commitment to social welfare, adherence to transparent financial practices, and its status as a recognized charitable entity contribute to its classification as a nonprofit organization. The Salvation Army's enduring impact in addressing the needs of the vulnerable and its tireless efforts to improve communities exemplify the vital role that nonprofits play in society.