Nonprofit organizations allow people to join together and combine resources to achieve common goals. State and federal governments give special considerations to nonprofits in consideration of the work they perform. Nonprofits may organize around a common purpose, such as stamp collecting, or a shared goal, such as the eradication of fluorocarbons. People start nonprofit organizations to work on social problems or respond to needs in their communities. Professionals, such as lawyers or engineers, start nonprofit associations to promote the profession, establish standards and provide opportunities for professional development