Key Takeaways
- Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a significant role in international development, aid, and philanthropy.
- NGOs are nonprofits and may run budgets of millions or billions of dollars each year.
- NGOs rely on a variety of funding sources, from private donations and membership dues to government grants.
- Advocacy NGOs work to influence public policy.
- Some well-known NGOs include the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and Amnesty International.
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are found wherever humanity’s challenges are greatest. They address global humanitarian challenges. These mission-driven entities operate independently from government control, focusing primarily on social, humanitarian, and environmental issues.1
While their name suggests complete independence from government institutions, many NGOs receive some government funding, along with private donations and other revenue sources. This creates shifting dynamics based on levels of state support and the wishes of major donors.
This article explores what they are, how they operate, and their evolving role in international development and social change.