A critique of the role non-profit organizations play in upholding existing power structures, suggesting that some non-profits work more to maintain the status quo than to challenge systemic inequalities. It critiques the limitations of reform-based activism.

The Non-Profit Industrial Complex (NPIC) critiques how non-profits can unintentionally reinforce systems of oppression by prioritizing the interests of funders and institutions over the communities they claim to support. For Black, Indigenous, and disability communities, this dynamic can perpetuate exploitation, turning their struggles into funding opportunities without addressing their actual needs. It’s essential to acknowledge when these communities say “no” to collaboration. Consent must be ongoing, and when denied or withdrawn, organizations must be prepared to radically adjust or even discard projects. Respecting consent means recognizing that some initiatives may need to be abandoned to ensure that the communities’ autonomy and trust are upheld. This readiness to adapt is crucial for building ethical, mutually respectful relationships.