Profit is an interesting word. Technically it means a gain over and above the cost of doing business. Personal gain, of the entrepreneur or investors, is implied.
We tend to assume non-profits cannot generate surplus income, or shouldn’t, and are therefore limited in terms of growth. Yet, Canada’s largest charity is Alberta Health Services, with revenues over $12 billion, and over 43,000 employees.
Another example is World Vision Canada with about $400 million and 450 employees.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rob-magazine/top-100-non-profit-organizations-registered-charities/article17298702/
