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What is a Non-Governmental Organization?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a type of non-profit organization that works to promote human good while operating separately from any national government. The definition of an NGO varies slightly from nation to nation, but most NGOs fall within this framework. Because of the somewhat nebulous definition, the total number of NGOs worldwide is unknown, with a wide range of estimates available.

Some NGOs work with governments and the United Nations to accomplish their ends, with certain NGOs being granted consultancy status by the United Nations. Consultancy status allows an NGO to use the knowledge and supplies of the United Nations to work effectively in its area of expertise. It also permits the United Nations to allow an NGO to take over humanitarian efforts if the NGO is deemed competent to handle them.

The International Red Cross is the largest non-governmental organization in the world providing disaster relief and medical treatment.
The International Red Cross is the largest non-governmental organization in the world providing disaster relief and medical treatment.

NGOs come in all shapes and sizes. The largest NGO is the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Society, which provides health care and disaster relief worldwide. The Red Cross was founded in 1863, making it one of the older NGOs. Most NGOs were founded in the second half of the twentieth century, when citizens became concerned that their governments were not meeting the needs of the poor, hungry, and sick. The Red Cross is an example of an international operational NGO, one which implements policies and procedures directly to improve living conditions. Amnesty International is another example of an NGO which works with the United Nations and various governments to promote global human rights. Amnesty International is an international advocacy NGO, primarily concerned with raising awareness and creating policy change.

Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting human rights, including proper treatment of prisoners.
Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting human rights, including proper treatment of prisoners.

NGOs also usually have three areas they might influence. Community NGOs work within a small regional area, while national NGOs work on a national basis. International NGOs, of which there were an estimated 40,000 in 2006, work globally to effect policy change and improve situations on the ground. Some NGOs integrate operations and advocacy in their work.

Non-governmental organizations perform humanitarian missions, such as distributing food to impoverished nations.
Non-governmental organizations perform humanitarian missions, such as distributing food to impoverished nations.

Some NGOs have large budgets supported by a variety of sources, while others work with limited funding. Many NGOs also establish partnerships with other organizations including the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. These partnerships make the NGOs stronger while ensuring that the same humanitarian work is not being performed twice, conserving valuable resources. NGOs run the gamut from Christian organizations to profoundly atheist ones, and individuals interested in contributing to the work of an NGO are encouraged to research the organization so that they understand how funds or supplies are being used.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

jessiwan

Is peta an ngo, too?

anon90873

thanks wisegeek.

anon64406

thank you for good information. it is easy to understand the definition of NGO.

anon42163

i love this site. this is what i've been looking for. thanks wisegeek, you are simply great

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    • The International Red Cross is the largest non-governmental organization in the world providing disaster relief and medical treatment.
      By: Pei Lin
      The International Red Cross is the largest non-governmental organization in the world providing disaster relief and medical treatment.
    • Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting human rights, including proper treatment of prisoners.
      By: ViewApart
      Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization aimed at promoting human rights, including proper treatment of prisoners.
    • Non-governmental organizations perform humanitarian missions, such as distributing food to impoverished nations.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Non-governmental organizations perform humanitarian missions, such as distributing food to impoverished nations.
    • Many non-governmental organizations work with the United Nations to develop humanitarian projects.
      By: Touch
      Many non-governmental organizations work with the United Nations to develop humanitarian projects.
    • NGOs often step in to help communities recover from a natural disaster.
      By: FrankBirds
      NGOs often step in to help communities recover from a natural disaster.