Return to the Index page

The NGO Café: What are NGOs??

What are NGOs? "Non-Governmental Organizations" or NGOs are best understood by what they are not - they are not governmental, they do not make a profit, or are not partisan/sectarian. In general, an NGO is (a) formally or informally organized around shared purposes; (b) nongovernmental, and so not part of the state apparatus; (c) self-governing, rather than externally controlled; (d) voluntary both in the sense of being non-compulsory, and involvement in their governance or operations, and (e) non-profitAny profits that may be generated is plouged back into the NGO's existing or future activities. in its financial assets.

Recognizing the importance of understanding the nature of NGOs and their activities, the NGO Cafe has devoted a whole section on defining NGOs: "NGO Pigeon Holes." A number of documents in this section explore in detail the various definitions and types.

Throughout the Cafe, the term NGO is used in a very generic sense and includes most of its variations and forms. While there are a number of variations to the definition of NGOs, here it is taken to mean small NGOs, focussing on activities in developing countries, operating at the local level in cities and towns, and targeting low-income groups for their development.


And what is the NGO Cafe?

Realizing the growing importance and voice of NGOs in development, the NGO CafEwas set up on the internet as a meeting place for NGOs to discuss, debate and disseminate information on their work, strategies and results.

The objectives of the NGO Cafe are:

  • To assist NGOs in enhancing and improving their programmes and activities
  • To effect a better understanding of NGOs in general
  • To enable NGOs to network at local, regional and international levels, horizontally and vertically
 
Comments, suggestions and contributions will always be welcome. Please send an email to the address listed below.


Return to the NGO Page

Comments and suggestions:
Hari Srinivas - hsrinivas@gdrc.org