NGOs are non-profit organizations that operate independently from national governments to advance the human good. They come in different sizes and types, with some working with governments and the United Nations. NGOs can work on a community, national, or international level, and can have partnerships with other organizations. The International Red Cross/Red Crescent Society is the largest NGO, while Amnesty International is an example of an advocacy NGO. NGOs can have varying budgets and partnerships, and people interested in contributing should research the organization first.
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a type of non-profit organization that works to advance the human good by operating separately from any national government. The definition of an NGO varies slightly from country to country, but most NGOs fit into this framework. Due to the somewhat nebulous definition, the total number of NGOs in the world is unknown, with a wide range of estimates available.
Some NGOs work with governments and the United Nations to achieve their ends, with some 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 allows the United Nations to allow an NGO to take control of humanitarian efforts if the NGO is deemed competent to manage them.
NGOs come in all shapes and sizes. The largest NGO is the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Society, which provides health care and relief worldwide. The Red Cross was founded in 1863, making it one of the oldest NGOs. Most NGOs were founded in the second half of the 20th 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 operating NGO, which directly implements policies and procedures to improve living conditions. Amnesty International is another example of an NGO working with the United Nations and various governments to promote global human rights. Amnesty International is an international advocacy NGO, primarily interested in raising awareness and creating political change.
NGOs also usually have three areas they could influence. Community NGOs work within a small regional area, while national NGOs work on a national basis. International NGOs, estimated at 40,000 in 2006, work globally to change policies and improve situations on the ground. Some NGOs integrate operations and advocacy into their work.
Some NGOs have large budgets supported by a variety of sources, while others work with limited funds. Many NGOs also establish partnerships with other organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. These partnerships strengthen NGOs, while ensuring that the same humanitarian work is not done twice, conserving valuable resources. NGOs range from Christian to deeply atheist organizations, and people interested in contributing to the work of an NGO are encouraged to research the organization so they understand how funds or supplies are used.
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