My YouTube channel is formally known as Alphabasic Inc, an educational non-profit organization registered in the state of Georgia. It is funded through Patreon, adsense, out-of-pocket, and affiliate links. 

Why would a non-profit use affiliate links?
I'd rather your direct financial donations go directly to your charities of choice.
Affiliate links help bring in revenue to keep the lights on, increase the budget of educational features, and grow the channel's potential organically. If there's any financial spillover, it's typically donated to the ACLU and/or Southern Center For Human Rights at the end of the quarter.
In addition to this, affiliate partnerships with retailers keeps the door open for me to borrow stuff that my viewers request I feature in videos or streams. Finally, I only work with retailers that I have a good relationship with and can personally vouch for in regards to the best pricing, shipping, and return policies. 
If you've seen gear in one of my videos, chances are that you'll find it here. And if so, I thank ya' for the click!