With the UN and the world bank recognising the key roles played by NGOs (in the broader sense of the term) - at the grassroots, intermediary and decision-making levels, a considerable body of literature has emerged, expanding on and highlighting the issues involved. A Folder on
Keywords and Concepts
associated with NGOsThis list is a compilation of terms, phrases and cliches (!) found in the literature.
Defining Criteria Organizational Structures and Nomenclatures Criteria used in defining NGOs and related concepts:
- size
- organizational structure
- operational programme areas
- geographical specificity
- funding sources
- membership structures
- position on the project cycle
Some of the terms used to define NGOs based on its organizational format
- non-governmental organization
- non-profit organization
- private voluntary organization
- non-governmental development organization
- government-organized NGO [GONGO]
- donor-organized NGO [DONGO]
- social movements
- civil society
- community-based organization
- people's organization
- grassroots organization
Operational Areas Tools and Strategies Some of the operational areas within which NGOs have worked, independently and in collaboration with other organizations:
- organization of the community
- democracy
- education
- enterprise development
- environment
- health
- housing
- human rights
- infrastructure
- political franchise
- poverty alleviation
Intervening tools and strategies adopted by NGOs in their projects:
- community organizing
- decision support
- information dissemination
- leadership development
- participation
- training and development
- workshops
Membership Structures Catch-phrases and Cliches Membership structures of NGOs can consist of:
- professionals
- women
- youth
- community
- religion
- volunteers
- students
Catch-phrases and cliches used in NGO literature, with tongue firmly placed in the cheek:
- bottom-up
- disadvantaged
- charity
- civil society
- empowerment
- grassroots
- independence
- morality
- social capital
- sustainability
- top-down
Return to the NGO Page
Comments and suggestions:
Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org
