--- title: Why Choose a Not-For-Profit Retirement Community? description: What’s the difference between a for-profit and not-for-profit retirement community? image: https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hubfs/featured-non-profit.jpg --- - [Geneva Foundation](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/geneva-foundation/) - [Golf Classic](http://resources.presbyterianhomes.org/geneva-foundation-golf-classic) - [Careers](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/careers/) - [Visit Us](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/contact/) [![Presbyterian Living](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Presbyterian-Living.png?width=600&height=118&name=Presbyterian-Living.png "Presbyterian Living")](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/) - [Our Communities](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/our-locations/) - [Westminster Place Enjoy active independent living at Westminster Place, one of Chicago’s most highly-regarded retirement communities on the North Shore.](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/our-locations/westminster-place/) - [Lake Forest PlaceExperience luxury retirement living with the peace of mind of expert care at our country-club-like campus in one of Chicago’s premier neighborhoods.](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/our-locations/lake-forest-place/) - [The MooringsLocated in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs, The Moorings offers the full continuum of senior care in a charming, close-knit community setting.](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/our-locations/the-moorings/) - [Ten Twenty GroveTen Twenty Grove is an ideal rental retirement community for those who enjoy an independent lifestyle in an urban setting.](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/our-locations/ten-twenty-grove/) - [Why Us](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/about-us/why-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/) - [Living Here](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/senior-living-options/) - [Contact Us](https://www.presbyterianhomes.org/contact/) # Presbyterian Homes Blog # Why Choose a Not-For-Profit Retirement Community? Posted by [Presbyterian Homes](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/author/presbyterian-homes) on Mar 18, 2020 1:30:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Senior couple sitting on a bench talking about a not-for-profit retirement community. ](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-non-profit.jpg?width=750&name=blog-non-profit.jpg)As you research [continuing care retirement community (CCRC)](https://presbyterianhomes.org/living-here/) options, you’ll likely find that some are for-profit and some are not-for-profit. What’s the difference between each of those communities, and which choice is right for you? Learn more about for- and not-for-profit retirement communities in this article.  ## What Are For-Profit Retirement Communities? According to[myLifeSite](https://www.mylifesite.net/blog/post/for-profit-or-not-for-profit-ccrcs-whats-the-difference/), for-profit retirement communities are run like business entities and must report to a board and/or shareholders.  They generate funds from resident entrance fees and rental costs as well as outside investments. These types of communities have grown in popularity in the last few decades.  Although for-profit retirement communities have an obligation to generate revenue, that doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t invest time and money into better amenities and care for the residents.  ![Senior couple on an outdoor bench at a not-for-profit retirement community](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hs-fs/hubfs/not-for-profit-retirement-community.jpg?width=700&name=not-for-profit-retirement-community.jpg) ## What Are Not-For-Profit Retirement Communities? Not-for-profit retirement communities are considered [501(c)(3) charitable organizations](https://www.mylifesite.net/blog/post/for-profit-or-not-for-profit-ccrcs-whats-the-difference/). Any earnings are reinvested into the organization to improve the standard of care and amenities for residents.  Not-for-profit retirement communities are often associated with a religious group that guides the culture and personality of the community. However, most communities accept all residents regardless of faith or religious beliefs.  These types of communities usually also have some type of ongoing mission. For example, at [Presbyterian Homes](https://presbyterianhomes.org/why-us/), our mission is to create vibrant communities for older adults that inspire wellness, independence, joy, security and enrich the lives of those around them.  Many not-for-profit communities have been in operation for many years and offer transparency in how their financials are handled, giving you peace of mind that your money is going to an enduring organization.  [*Related: 25+ questions to help you evaluate a senior living community >>*](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/25-questions-to-help-you-evaluate-a-life-plan-community) ## Is a Not-For-Profit or For-Profit Community Right For Me?  There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a retirement community. It all depends on your personal preference as well as what’s available in your area.  According to Brad Breeding in an [article at myLifeSite](https://www.mylifesite.net/blog/post/for-profit-or-not-for-profit-ccrcs-whats-the-difference/), “I’m not aware of any concrete research showing that one type is appreciably better than another as it relates to financial viability, pricing, services, or otherwise. In fact...operating cost per resident \[tends\] to be very similar among for-profit and not-for-profit CCRCs.”  As you evaluate potential retirement communities, ask your contacts questions about the community’s operating structure and financial strength. Many not-for-profit communities also provide financial statements so you can see exactly how they’re performing. In the end, choosing a retirement community is a personal decision, so make the one that’s best for you. ![View of outdoor fountain and courtyard at Presbyterian Homes community](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hs-fs/hubfs/presbyterian-homes-continuing-care-retirement-community.jpg?width=700&name=presbyterian-homes-continuing-care-retirement-community.jpg) ## A Look at Presbyterian Homes, a Not-For-Profit Continuing Care Retirement Community Presbyterian Homes comprises [three continuing care retirement communities](https://presbyterianhomes.org/our-communities/) and one rental retirement community on Chicago’s North Shore. We’ve been a fixture of the area since 1904 and are proud to offer an upscale, faith-based retirement option.  The [Geneva Foundation](https://presbyterianhomes.org/foundation/) is our charitable arm that responds to our campus’ and residents’ needs and ensures the benevolence and growth of our communities.  “Rather than answering to stockholders, we direct our resources for the benefit of the residents we serve and the communities to which we belong. We are committed to developing self-sustaining communities that are creative, innovative, and responsive to the changing needs of residents,” said Todd Swortzel, president and chief executive officer of Presbyterian Homes. ## Learn More About Our Retirement Communities Presbyterian Homes’ continuing care retirement communities in Lake Forest, Arlington, and Evanston offer sophisticated retirement living options. Browse more information about each and download your complimentary guide to our communities [here](https://resources.presbyterianhomes.org/senior-living-guide-presbyterian-homes).  [![Explore Senior Living Options](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5117749/db28da50-6b12-4236-8510-d20d6d92b2e0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5117749/db28da50-6b12-4236-8510-d20d6d92b2e0) Topics: [Future Planning](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/future-planning) ### Recent Posts ### Post Filter - [Future Planning (17)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/future-planning) - [The Moorings (17)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/the-moorings) - [Lake Forest Place (15)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/lake-forest-place) - [Westminster Place - Evanston (9)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/westminster-place-evanston) - [Corporate News (6)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/corporate-news) - [Downsizing (4)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/downsizing) - [Active Living (3)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/active-living) - [Food & Nutrition (1)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/food-nutrition) - [Retirement Costs (1)](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/tag/retirement-costs) See all ### Subscribe Here! ![PH_symbol](https://blog.presbyterianhomes.org/hubfs/PresbyterianHomes_December2018/Images/PH_symbol.jpg) Sign Up for the Latest News, Updates, Tips, and Advice Presbyterian Homes 8707 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 400 Skokie, IL 60077 Presbyterian Homes is a registered 501(c)(3). 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