It's hard to get through any facet of life without being touched by a nonprofit. They do more than feed the hungry and clothe the needy. Here is a breakdown of nonprofit group types:

Charitable: Includes homeless shelters, disability organizations, youth programs, hospitals, health care clinics, animal rights groups, military groups, human rights groups and emergency relief groups, such as the American Red Cross.

Educational: Includes schools, colleges and universities, child care centers, museums, conservation groups, zoos and health organizations, such as the American Heart Association.

Scientific: Includes cancer research groups, biology groups, chemistry groups, environmental groups, astronomy groups, engineering groups and medical professional groups, such as the American Nurses Foundation.

Religious: Includes churches, mosques, synagogues, seminaries, church relief groups and charitable groups with religious principles, such as the Salvation Army.

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Literary/Artistic: Includes symphonies, orchestras, theater groups, art galleries, writers' organizations, poetry organizations and other youth music groups, such as Drum Corps International.

Some other categories: The National Center for Charitable Statistics also lists environment, animals, health, human services and international affairs as categories. • 518-454-5347 • @apaulnelson