Philanthropy isn't governed by an org's legal status. It is governed and supported by disciplined ethics and accountability.
Non-profit status is a pronounced by the government that an org will create value in the public square and therefore, is "forgiven" the administrative overhead of paying taxes. Further, patrons who join in the mission are likewise given "breaks" as they participate in creating that value.
I've worked for nonprofits that that have received the blessing of a legal status, and have zero interest in ethics and accountability - including and often, faith-based orgs. If there is such a thing as a "fake non-profit" that would be the very definition. #philanthropy #fundraising #nonprofit