Which of the following is characterized by goals that do not include pursuing profit?

The correct choice is not-for-profit corporations because their primary purpose is to fulfill a social mission or serve a public benefit rather than to generate profit for owners or shareholders. Not-for-profit corporations often focus on areas such as education, healthcare, and community services, wherein any surplus revenue generated is reinvested into the organization to further its goals, instead of being distributed as profit.

In contrast, other types of organizations, such as corporations and sole proprietorships, primarily aim to generate profit for their owners or shareholders. Corporations are structured to maximize shareholder value, while sole proprietorships operate with profits or losses impacting the individual owner's personal income. Franchising, on the other hand, allows an individual or group to operate a business using the branding and operational model of an existing company, which again is geared towards generating profit. Thus, not-for-profit corporations distinctly stand out as they do not prioritize profit-making in their mission.