Nongovernmental Organizations

The term nongovernmental organization (NGO) has multiple meanings. It is often used as a synonym for humanitarian, nonprofit organizations, though NGOs can also be for-profit. Some NGOs can be large, highly polished organizations like Oxfam International and World Vision, while others are quite small and are focused on purely local issues that will never reach the mainstream. To add to this complexity, the name NGO implies a nongovernmental approach, though some are largely funded through government donors, such as the United States Agency for International Development or the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development. Additionally, the scope and mission of NGOs can vary dramatically. Although the landscape of NGOs is incredibly diverse, most NGOs are private organizations that focus on improving the quality of life ...