In the context of the university, there is an interesting contrast between nonprofit studies and studies of the other two sectors. The third sector has been largely ignored in terms of teaching, research, or theorizing about its important role in society. The nonprofit sector has always been recognized as fundamentally important for understanding the American culture. We are depicted as a society of associations and voluntary organizations are understood to be central to democracy and to civility in society. Nonprofit institutions also comprise some of the fundamental realms of thinking, acting, and being in American society.
Religious organizations are nonprofits.
Most hospitals are nonprofits. Many leading universities, including Bucknell are nonprofits. There also is a vast number of small, loosely organized associations at the community level that are fundamental building blocks for communities and for public involvement in American life. Some observers argue that these small associations contain most of the resources and most of the participants in the nonprofit sector. Large nonprofits are very important, and increasingly important in American society.