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The World Bank defines NGOs as "private organizations that pursue activities to relieve suffering, promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services or undertake community development". A World Bank Key Document, working with NGOs adds, "In wider usage, the term NGO can be applied to any non-profit organization which is independent from government. NGOs are typically value-based organizations which depend, in whole or in part, on charitable donations and voluntary service. Although the NGO sector has become increasingly professionalized over the last two decades, principles of altruism and voluntarism remain key defining characteristics."

Terms used for Non Governmental Organizations

Apart from 'NGO' often alternative terms are used as for example "Independent Sector", "Volunteer Sector", "Civil Society", "Grassroots Organizations", "Transnational Social Movement Organizations", "Private Voluntary Organizations", "Self-help Organizations" and "Non State Actors" (NSAs).

Freedom of Association

Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 laid down the fundamental rights of the citizens of Pakistan and right to form an Association is the fundamental right. Every citizen shall have the right to form Associations or Unions, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of morality or public order.

How Non Governmental Organizations are get Registered?

• Society
• Trust
• Company

Non Governmental Organizations are not for Profits. So can they make Profits?

Yes. It would be called as surplus and not profit. Like Companies, which can distribute profits in the form of dividends, NGOs can not distribute surplus.

Non Governmental Organizations are referred in many ways

• NPOs as Not for profit Organizations
• VOs as Voluntary Organizations
• CSOs as Civil Society Organizations
• CBOs as Community Based Organizations
• Charitable Organizations
• Third Sector Organizations

Typical forms of Non Governmental Organizations

Advocacy

These NGOs basically work on advocacy or campaigning on issues or causes. As a focus, they do not implement programmes. e.g. PETA works on advocating the cause of Ethical Treatment of Animals. It is not an animal shelter, which many expect.

Consultancy / Research Organizations

These NGOs work on Social and Developmental Research & Consultancy.

Training / Capacity Building Organizations

In the NGO Sector, training is usually called as Capacity Building. Some NGOs only work on Capacity Building of the other NGOs.

Networking Organizations

These NGOs provide vital network opportunities for NGOs in a specific field e.g. Association of Voluntary Agencies for Rural Development (AVARD) works on networking of NGOs working in the field of Rural Development.

Mother NGOs

These NGOs are recipients as well as givers e.g. large NGOs like CRY, Concern India receive funds as well as disburse funds. They have a work focus, but instead of implementing projects, they identify projects and monitor, evaluate and build capacities of participating NGOs.

Grass root Organizations

These NGOs work directly with the community.

City Based Organizations

These NGOs restrict their focus to cities.

National Organizations

These NGOs have national presence, e.g. CRY, Pratham, Concern India

International Organizations

These are part of International NGOs e.g. CARE India is an integral part of Care's global operations. Like mother NGOs, these NGOs receive and disburse grants.

Self Help Groups

They are not typically terms as NGOs. These are formed by beneficiary communities, typically women who come together in a group of 10 plus.

Religious NGOs

Large percentage of NGO funding goes to religious based Organizations.