non-governmental organization

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Independent, service-providing, not-for-profit organization involved in a range of activities, including the provision of aid to less developed countries. They are often driven by issues, and the services and support they provide include funding volunteers, and organizing action to promote peace, environmental protection, human rights, social and economic justice, education, sustainable and equitable development, health, and aid. Examples of such NGOs include Oxfam, the Red Cross, and Greenpeace. NGOs do not belong to and are usually not linked with a government. Governments are involved in the formation of some NGOs, appointing panel or board members. These are known as quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations (QUANGOs) and, while not directly part of government, they may report to a government minister.

NGOs have established a good reputation in developed and developing countries. Most governments now accept that NGOs are important partners in the aid process. As with any sector there are differences in approach among NGOs, which reflect differences in philosophy and views about development. However, four broad approaches of NGOs can be identified: welfare – providing relief, such as food aid, medical assistance, refugee support, and transport; development – providing support to local groups for projects such as education, health, agriculture, medicine, housing, and literacy; empowerment – projects such as training local leaders, defending human rights, encouraging participation, and challenging injustice and racism (usually more political and radical than other approaches); education or campaigning – promoting educational projects in the developed world, aimed at highlighting the responsibilities of citizens of developed, capitalist countries. These approaches are not mutually exclusive; some NGOs are involved in more than one of these services.

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