The acceptable legal entities are the usual Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Company limited by Shares, Company limited by Guarantee, Registered Society, Statutory Body (created by certain legislation) and soon the Limited Liability Partnership.
Whatever the purpose you so desired (non-profit/ non-governmental etc), you need one these legal entities to carry out the activities. The purposes are highlighted in the incorporation documents like the Memorandum of Articles for Company and the Constitution for the Registered Society.
In this capitalist society, there is always a presumption of profit in any activities. Thus, the ‘non-profit’ is just a marking to highlight such difference. By the way, a Non-Profit Organisation is still looking for profit, it is just that such profit is not used for personal gain but for a social cause or a common community benefit or simply put a charity.
As profit only happens after taking care of all expenses, the answer to your question is YES; you are entitled to deduct the expenses.
Thank you Jodie for your question, do let us know if you need further clarification to our answer.