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Definition of NGO

NGOs are non-profit organizations that are independent of government and are formed voluntarily by members to pursue activities for public benefit rather than private profit. While NGOs vary widely in their goals, structure, and size, they generally have a formal existence with governing documents and accountability to members and donors. NGOs can engage in operational activities like service delivery or advocacy to influence public policy and opinion.

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Putri Atikasari
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266 views1 page

Definition of NGO

NGOs are non-profit organizations that are independent of government and are formed voluntarily by members to pursue activities for public benefit rather than private profit. While NGOs vary widely in their goals, structure, and size, they generally have a formal existence with governing documents and accountability to members and donors. NGOs can engage in operational activities like service delivery or advocacy to influence public policy and opinion.

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Putri Atikasari
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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Definition of NGO The NGO-sector has often been described as extremely diverse, heterogeneous and populated by organisations with

hugely varied goals, structure and motivations. It is therefore not an easy task to find a common definition of the term "non-governmental organisation". It cannot be based on a legal definition given the wide variations in laws relating to NGO activities, according to which an NGO may have, for instance, the legal status of a charity, non-profit association or a foundation. The term "NGO" can nevertheless be used as shorthand to refer to a range of organisations that normally share the following characteristics: NGOs are not created to generate personal profit. Although they may have paid employees and engage in revenue-generating activities they do not distribute profits or surpluses to members or management; NGOs are voluntary. This means that they are formed voluntarily and that there is usually an element of voluntary participation in the organisation; NGOs are distinguished from informal or ad hoc groups by having some degree of formal or institutional existence. Usually, NGOs have formal statutes or other governing document setting out their mission, objectives and scope. They are accountable to their members and donors; NGOs are independent, in particular of government and other public authorities and of political parties or commercial organisations; NGOs are not self-serving in aims and related values. Their aim is to act in the public arena at large, on concerns and issues related to the well being of people, specific groups of people or society as a whole. They are not pursuing the commercial or professional interests of their members. Though these common characteristics can help describe the notion of the term "NGO", it must be borne in mind that their size as well as their scope of activities can vary considerably. Some NGOs consist of a rather limited number of persons; others may have thousands of members and hundreds of professional staff. In functional terms NGOs can focus on operational and/or advocacy activities. Operational NGOs contribute to the delivery of services (such as in the field of welfare), whereas the primary aim of advocacy NGOs is to influence the policies of public authorities and public opinion in general.

Extract from : The Commission and Non-Governmental Organisations: Building a Stronger Partnership COM (2000) 11 of 18/01/2000: http://ec.europa.eu/civil_society/ngo/en/communication.pdf

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