NGO: Non-Governmental Organization

Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

A non-profit, voluntary citizens' group which is organized on a local, national or international level and operates independently of government, usually to deliver resources or serve some social or political purpose.

National NGO's

Big, national projects. (Examples: American Red Cross, MADD)

Empowering Orientation

Lobbies (talks to government) about the rights of an oppressed or ignored community.

Charitable Orientation

Gives money. It normally does not help in the work.

Community-based Organizations

Meet people's needs. Local, small projects. (Example: park clean-up, soup kitchen, Boy Scouts)

Participatory Orientation

Members contribute time, money and resources to complete a project.

Service Orientation

Provides services like health, education, family planning.

City-wide Organizations

Whole-city projects. (Examples: Dover chamber of Commerce, Durham Business Association)

International NGO's

World-wide or in multiple countries - dealing with issues of international conflict, poverty, disease, natural disasters. (Examples: Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund)