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Introduction to NGOs: class 2 role and functions

#1 SPACE http://grantspace.org/tools/knowledge-base/Resources-for-Non-U.S.-Grantseekers/ngo-definition-and-role Q：What is an NGO? What role does it play in ? A: Non-governmental , or NGOs, were first called such in Article 71 in the Charter of the newly formed United Nations in 1945. While NGOs have no fixed or formal definition, they are generally defined as nonprofit entities independent of governmental influence (although they may receive government funding). As one can tell from the basic definition above, the difference between nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and NGOs is slim. However, the term "NGO" is not typically applied to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations. Generally, the NGO label is given to organizations operating on an international level although some countries classify their own civil society groups as NGOs. For more detailed definitions of NGOs, please see our selected web sites below. NGO activities include, but are not limited to, environmental, social, advocacy and work. They can work to promote social or political change on a broad scale or very locally. NGOs play a critical part in developing society, improving communities, and promoting citizen participation. Web Sites • Human Rights Organizations | The Role of Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in Human Rights Advocacy Many organizations around the world dedicate their efforts to protecting human rights and ending human rights abuses. • * The Role of NGOs | Trinity College Dublin Non-governmental organisations originally appeared in the mid nineteenth century. After the Second World War, and with the creation of the United Nations, the need and place for a consultative role for organisations that were neither governments nor membe • Roles of NGOs | NGO Cafe Among the wide variety of roles that NGOs play, the following six can be identified as important, at the risk of generalization. • Definitions of an NGO | NGO Cafe The diversity of NGOs strains any simple definition. They include many groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of government and that have primarily humanitarian or rather than commercial objectives. • * Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Guide | LibGuides at Duke University Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have become increasingly influential in world affairs. They often impact the social, economic and political activities of communities and the country as a whole. • * What is a Non-Governmental (NGO)? - NGO Handbook A non-governmental organization (NGO) is generally considered to be any non-state, nonprofit, voluntary organization. As a non-state entitity, an NGO is generally independent from government influence-it is not a part of or controlled by government or an

#2 GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CENTER http://www.gdrc.org/ngo/ngo-roles.html

Roles of NGOs

Among the wide variety of roles that NGOs play, the following six can be identified as important, at the risk of generalization:

Development and Operation of Infrastructure: Community-based organizations and can acquire, subdivide and develop land, construct housing, provide infrastructure and operate and maintain infrastructure such as wells or public toilets and solid waste collection services. They can also develop building material supply centres and other community-based economic enterprises. In many cases, they will need technical assistance or advice from governmental agencies or higher-level NGOs.

Supporting Innovation, Demonstration and Pilot Projects: NGO have the advantage of selecting particular places for innovative projects and specify in advance the length of time which they will be supporting the project - overcoming some of the shortcomings that governments face in this respect. NGOs can also be pilots for larger government projects by of their ability to act more quickly than the government bureaucracy.

Facilitating Communication: NGOs use interpersonal methods of communication, and study the right entry points whereby they gain the trust of the community they seek to benefit. They would also have a good idea of the feasibility of the projects they take up. The significance of this role to the government is that NGOs can communicate to the policy-making levels of government, bout the lives, capabilities, attitudes and cultural characteristics of people at the local level. NGOs can facilitate communication upward from people tot he government and downward from the government tot he people. Communication upward involves informing government about what local people are thinking, doing and feeling while communication downward involves informing local people about what the government is planning and doing. NGOs are also in a unique position to share information horizontally, networking between other organizations doing similar work.

Technical Assistance and Training: Training institutions and NGOs can develop a technical assistance and training capacity and use this to assist both CBOs and governments.

Research, Monitoring and Evaluation: Innovative activities need to be carefully documented and shared - effective participatory monitoring would permit the sharing of results with the people themselves as well as with the project staff.

Advocacy for and with the Poor: In some cases, NGOs become spokespersons or ombudsmen for the poor and attempt to influence government policies and programmes on their behalf. This may be done through a variety of means ranging from demonstration and pilot projects to participation in public forums and the formulation of government policy and plans, to publicizing research results and case studies of the poor. Thus NGOs play roles from advocates for the poor to implementers of government programmes; from agitators and critics to partners and advisors; from sponsors of pilot projects to mediators.

#3 KIDS GO GLOBAL http://www.kidsgoglobal.net/community/ngos What's an NGO? They come in all shapes and sizes NGO stands for Non-Government Organization. This means that it is a group that is not part of the government, but that does some of the things that governments do. Like - help with health care, , human rights and the providing clean drinking water. NGOs can be huge - like the Red Cross, or small like - One Child's Village. Either way they play a role in making the world a better place to live.

#4 UN RULE OF LAW http://www.unrol.org/article.aspx?article_id=23 Non-governmental organizations A non-governmental organization (NGO, also often referred to as "civil society organization" or CSO) is a not-for-profit group, principally independent from government, which is organized on a local, national or international level to address issues in support of the public good. Task-oriented and made up of people with a common interest, NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring public concerns to governments, monitor policy and programme implementation, and encourage participation of civil society stakeholders at the community level. Some are organized around specific issues, such as human rights.

NGOs have been partners of the United Nations since 1947. In accordance with Article 71 of the UN Charter, NGOs can have consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Their relationship with entities of the United Nations system differs depending on their location and mandate. For example, NGOs which have an information component can become associated with the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) to help disseminate information on the work and aims of the Organization. Many UN Specialized Agencies operate their own accreditation programmes for NGOs which are relevant to their area of work.

Numerous local, regional and international NGOs have played an essential role in national rule of law reform processes and at the global and international level. Some conduct research and analysis in the legal and other fields (e.g. sociology, economics) relevant to the rule of law. In many cases, they produce reports with policy recommendations, for use in their advocacy. NGOs often serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. Others group professionals or other NGOs in specialized fields or professions into associations, networks or commissions with a view to exchanging knowledge and good practices, and facilitating the provision of rule of law assistance. Most non-governmental organizations in the rule of law field are engaged in some form of direct assistance or services, including advising on law-making and other forms of technical assistance, and/or fund and manage rule of law projects.

#5 What is a Non-Governmental Organization? By Professor Peter Willetts, City University, http://www.staff.city.ac.uk/p.willetts/CS-NTWKS/NGO-ART.HTM

#6 NEW INTERNATIONALIST http://newint.org/easier-english/Africa/ngo.html They are private organizations which are concerned with , research, information and education in many different fields: for example human rights, peace, , , refugees, health, the environment and so on. Some NGOs work on relief for the victims of wars and disasters, and on longer-term projects in developing countries. Others focus on educating people about certain issues, or campaigning for change. There are now tens of thousands of NGOs. They may be international, national, or local organizations. Many NGOs get money from members of the public. Some get money from their governments. NGOs are starting to have more influence, both inside countries and at an international level: for example they are now involved in deciding the agendas for important meetings at the United Nations.

#7 THE BEEHIVE http://durban.thebeehive.org/content/602/1490 What are NGOs/NPOs? An NGO is a non-governmental organisation. That is, it is not a part of government and is not controlled by government. NGOs tend to fill gaps in government service, providing research, facilities and services that a government is unable or unwilling to. There are both national and international NGOs working all over the world. NGOs usually have a core of paid staff and a wider group of volunteers who assist in their efforts. NGOs tend to rely on donors and funders to keep the organisation running and to pay for individual projects.

NGOs typically follow a participatory leadership style. All staff members are involved in the planning and decision making processes, and the organisation draws on the skills and expertise of all members as needed.

NPOs are non-profit organisations. They may be the beneficiaries of endowments or grants, and they may also charge for their services. However, they do not show profits. Any money earned is put back into the organisation. An example of a large NPO is The Bill and Melinda Gates . There are many smaller NPOs providing around the world. NPOs typically have a larger paid staff than NGOs, and easier access to funds. However, in South Africa there are many small NPOs working for the betterment of their communities. #8 NONPROFIT AND RESOURCES http://www.nonprofit.pro/nonprofit_organization.htm What is a ? • What does 501(c)(3) mean? • What does tax-exempt mean? So you have heard the term before, but do you really know what a nonprofit organization is? There are legal definitions, including 26 types of nonprofits recognized by the IRS, and there are common perceptions of what people mean when they refer to an organization as nonprofit. Let's start with perceptions.

A nonprofit is a tax-exempt organization that serves the public interest. In general, the purpose of this type of organization must be charitable, educational, scientific, religious or literary. This is a common and broad definition that fits the type of information likely to be found at this site. The public expects to be able to make to these organizations and deduct these donations from their federal taxes.

Legally, a nonprofit organization is one that does not declare a profit and instead utilizes all revenue available after normal operating expenses in service to the public interest. These organizations can be unincorporated or incorporated. An unincorporated nonprofit cannot be given federal tax-exempt status or the designation of being a 501(c)(3) organization as defined by the Internal Revenue Service. When a nonprofit organization is incorporated, it shares many traits with for-profit corporations except that there are no shareholders.

When starting a , the organization must file articles of incorporation with the state in which it resides or decides will be its jurisdiction for legal purposes. This is the same process a for-profit corporation must follow. Each state has various rules and regulations, but most require officers of the corporation, a board of directors, by-laws and annual meetings. Most states also require nonprofit organizations to register with state bureaus or other agencies and adhere to reporting requirements particularly involving fundraising operations.

When a nonprofit corporation is given tax-exempt status, it is exempt from paying federal corporate . While these types of organizations also are often exempt from paying state and local sales tax, property tax and taxes on other assets, this is not always the case as states have different rules. Tax-exempt nonprofits also can benefit from lower postal rates.

Nonprofit organizations have paid and volunteer staff, but employment taxes and federal and state workplace rules are generally no different than those imposed on for-profit organizations. A perception is that salaries in the nonprofit world are low and while this is generally true, the type of nonprofit organization can make a huge difference in how closely it compares to a for-profit business.

Universities, and large national charities are examples of organizations that can be "nonprofit" but have salary scales on par with almost any for-profit corporation. CEOs of major hospitals can commonly earn salaries and bonuses of $500,000 to over $1,000,000. University presidents can have similar scales. However, local literacy training centers or a food banks generally will be places where lower salaries are supplemented by payment in a smile from an adult who reads a first book or a family with enough food for everyone to eat a meal.

A nonprofit organization can have clients, can offer products and services, will need revenue, should market itself, and must be concerned about customer satisfaction whether in those assisted or those who contribute donations in support of operations, programs or services. It is a business that must serve the public interest and it will succeed or fail as any business will, depending on how well it is operated.

#9 THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR https://www.independentsector.org/nonprofit What is a Nonprofit Organization? There are many kinds of nonprofits -- the Internal Revenue Code defines more than 25 categories of organizations that are exempt from federal income taxes. But for most people, a nonprofit refers to what the tax code classifies as a "charitable" or 501(c)(3) organization. What separates a from other types of tax-exempt organizations is its purpose: it must benefit the broad public interest, not just the interests of its members. It must serve one or more of the following purposes, which come from the IRS: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, or the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. See more on the Scope of the Sector page. Congress and state legislatures have long recognized this special service by making these organizations tax-exempt, which enables them to dedicate their funds to fulfilling their missions. To encourage the American people to make contributions, federal and state governments have allowed taxpayers to deduct charitable contributions when calculating their income taxes. Charitable organizations receive their tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A group interested in obtaining this designation must submit an application to the Internal Revenue Service that details its charitable purposes, its sources of funding, the members of its board of directors, its bylaws, and other information. (Religious congregations are an exception to these requirements: in keeping with constitutional protections separating church and state, religious congregations automatically receive 501(c)(3) status.) Organizations must file separate forms with their state or local government agencies to be exempt from local property and sales taxes. Organizations under Section 501(c)(3) generally fall into one of two categories: public charities or private foundations. • Generally, a public charity must document that it receives at least one-third of its annual income from the public, a unit of government, or an organization formed to raise money for a specific school, , governmental unit or publicly supported charity; charities can also charge fees for their services. • A derives its primary financial support from the contributions of an individual, family, or corporation. Foundations are subject to substantially more restrictive rules governing their operations, including how much they must distribute for charitable purposes, and their donors receive less favorable tax treatment for donations.

#10 KNOW HOW NONPROFIT http://knowhownonprofit.org/basics/what-is-non-profit What is the ? The purpose of the voluntary sector is to improve and enrich society. It exists to create social wealth rather than material wealth. It is sometimes referred to as civil society, the third sector, the voluntary and community, non-profit, not-for-profit, charity, social and even beyond profit sector. It is made up of many different categories of activity affecting many aspects of society. The various terms are used by different people to include different combinations of activity which can be confusing. The common understanding behind our categorisation of the sector is that it exists to make a difference to society rather than to make financial profits. Where does it fit in society? The term, the third sector, indicates its positioning; that is it sits between government (the public sector) and the private or commercial sector. The three sections of society Government/public sector Where taxation revenues, from companies and individuals, are used to fund the legislature and to provide a basic range of services (the state) in areas such as health education, social welfare. The voluntary/third sector/civil society Home to general charities, trades unions, social enterprises, public arts organisations, community interest, companies, voluntary and community organisations, independent schools, faith groups, housing associations, friendly societies and mutual societies which broadly exist for public benefit and are therefore eligible for a range of income and property tax exemptions. The private or commercial sector Where goods and services are produced and traded to make a profit, surpluses of which, if not needed to be kept in the business, are distributed to owners and shareholders, and on which taxation is paid towards funding the activities of the government sector. There is a circular dynamic between all three sectors - social wealth creation requires material wealth creation for its existence. How big is the voluntary sector? The answer depends on which groups are included in any definition. Working on the statistics from NCVO’s UK Civil Society Almanac 2014, there are 161,266 voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom. The table below illustrates the spread of organisations in terms of size and income:

Micro Small Medium Large Major

No. or orgs 82,391 52,815 21,257 4,270 533

Proportion % 51.1 32.8 13.2 2.6 0.3

Income (£m) 228.5 1,856.1 6,544.2 11,821.5 18,798.8

Proportion % 0.6 4.7 16.7 30.1 47.9

So, the largest number of organisations are tiny ones with income of less than £10,000. The biggest organisations are the smallest proportion but by far the largest in terms of the proportion of income they represent. Total income for the sector is in the region of £39.2 billion based on 2011/12 values. In 2012 there were 800,000 people in paid work within the sector, of which 64 per cent were full-time employed, 36 per cent part-time and 66 per cent of the total were women and 34 per cent, men. In the year 2012/13 the Community Life Survey estimated that 28 per cent of the UK population formally volunteered at least once a month and this rose to 44 per cent of the population at least once a year.

#11 WHO http://www.who.int/trade/glossary/story006/en/ Civil Society

Civil society is seen as a social sphere separate from both the state and the market. The increasingly accepted understanding of the term civil society organizations (CSOs) is that of non-state, not-for-profit, voluntary organizations formed by people in that social sphere. This term is used to describe a wide range of organizations, networks, associations, groups and movements that are independent from government and that sometimes come together to advance their common interests through action. Traditionally, civil society includes all organizations that occupy the 'social space' between the family and the state, excluding political parties and firms. Some definitions of civil society also include certain businesses, such as the media, private schools, and for-profit associations, while others exclude them.

By definition, all such civic groups are nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), in that they are organizations not affiliated with government. However, in practice, the term “NGOs” is used to describe non-profit making, non-violent organizations, which seek to influence the policy of governments and international organizations and/or to complement government services (such as health and education). They usually have a formal structure, offer services to people other than their members, and are, in most cases, registered with national authorities. NGOs vary hugely in their size, scope of activity and goals. They may operate nationally, or internationally, e.g. , and Médecins Sans Frontières (all of which are sometimes called international NGOs), or they may be small community-based organizations (CBOs) that aim to mobilize, organize or empower their members, usually in a local area. There are issues of transparency, accountability, and rights of representation around NGOs, particularly international ones. In practice, state involvement in the funding and establishment of CSOs/NGOs may blur the borders between state and non-state bodies. The line between market and non-market may also be blurred by organizations that are non-profit but closely related to commercial enterprises, such as the Shell Foundation.

Global civil society refers to civil society groups or movements that enjoy support, or operate, in many countries, e.g. global campaigns against landmines or for debt relief. This term also refers to a key phenomenon of the globalization process: citizens in one country acting in support of citizens in another. Global citizen action can take the form of consumer boycotts in wealthier nations in support of people in poorer nations. This reflects the globalization of communications and information, and the increasingly global market.

Consumer sovereignty was originally a neo-classical economic concept. It suggested that consumer preferences should determine the supply of goods and services. Recently, this term has also been used to refer to the idea that consumer action (normally through personal boycotts and media exposure) can influence the actions of companies.

#12 WORLD BANK http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/CSO/0,,contentMDK:20101499~menuPK: 244752~pagePK:220503~piPK:220476~theSitePK:228717,00.html

There has been a dramatic expansion in the size, scope, and capacity of civil society around the globe over the past decade, aided by the process of globalization and the expansion of democratic governance, telecommunications, and economic integration. According to the Yearbook of International Organizations, the number of international NGOs was reported to have increased from 6,000 in 1990 to more than 50,000 in 2006. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have also become significant players in global development assistance, with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimating that, as of 2006, CSOs provided approximately US$15 billion in international assistance.

CSOs have also become important actors for delivery of social services and implementation of other development programs, as a complement to government action, especially in regions where government presence is weak such as in post-conflict situations. Perhaps the most recent and visible case of CSO involvement in post-disaster relief occurred in Asia during the post-Tsunami reconstruction after 2006.

CSOs’ influence on shaping global public policy has also emerged over the past two decades. This dynamism is exemplified by successful advocacy campaigns around such issues as banning of land mines, debt cancellation, and environmental protection which have mobilized thousands of supporters around the globe. A recent manifestation of the vibrancy of global civil society has been the World Social Forum (WSF) which has been held annually since 2001 on different continents, and which has brought together tens of thousands CSO activists to discuss global development issues. Another example of the vibrancy and importance of civil society is the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP), an international civil society campaign advocating for debt relief and greater aid to poor countries. In 2008, GCAP is estimated to have mobilized more than 116 million citizens to participate in the Stand up against poverty events held in cities throughout the world.

The civil society sector is not only emerging as a clear societal actor in many parts of the world, it is also quite varied in its nature and composition. For this reason definitions of civil society vary considerably based on differing conceptual , historic origins, and country context.

The World Bank has adopted a definition of civil society developed by a number of leading research centers: “the term civil society to refer to the wide array of non-governmental and not-for-profit organizations that have a presence in public life, expressing the interests and values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) therefore refer to a wide of array of organizations: community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations”. For more information on civil society visit the following websites:

Center for Civil Society / University of California, Los Angeles Institute for Development Studies / University of Sussex Institute for Policy Studies /John’s Hopkins University Centre for Civil Society / London School of Economics Civicus: World Alliance for Citizen’s Participation One World Network

#13 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/treatment/civilsoc.htm

Establishment of Civil Society

The term "civil society" generally is used to refer to social relations and organizations outside the state or governmental control. Sometimes it is also taken to mean outside the economic or business sphere as well. Usually "civil society" refers to nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and associations that people belong to for social and political reasons: churches and church groups, community groups, youth groups, service organizations, interest groups, and academic institutions and organizations, for example. It also refers to the activities of these organizations.

Though independent of the governmental structure, these organizations frequently become involved in political activities. They try to influence governmental decision making and participate in a variety of public participation processes. As such, the establishment and maintenance of a healthy civil society is extremely important for the successful development and operation of democratic political systems.

During times of crisis created by war, the structures of civil society often disintegrate or are forcefully closed. The same thing happens when authoritarian or autocratic governments see civil institutions as a threat and close them down. This greatly weakens the integrative system, and leads to social relations based largely on fear and force. Key to overcoming such a society is the re-establishment of a multitude of social and political NGOs, which give people a voice in the affairs of their life, give them a sense of belonging and integration with other countrymen and women, and connect them with their democratic system in a meaningful way.

Once civil society has been eliminated, its recovery is very slow. It can be aided significantly by outside assistance--by international NGOs coming in and helping the local people start parallel organizations of their own. Training fledgling organizations in organizational and advocacy skills can be helpful, as can training in goal setting, option analysis, and conflict resolution. Yet it is important that organizations be able to form in their own way to meet their own needs--they should not simply be little models of outside organizations that work in different places and different cultures.

Although civil society exists independently of the state, it is dependent on the state's acceptance to be able to grow and flourish. People must have the freedom to associate, to speak freely, to publish, and to participate in social and political processes without fearing repercussions. Without such freedom, civil society will be stunted at best.

#14 The National Council for Voluntary Organisations http://data.ncvo.org.uk/a/almanac12/what-is-civil-society/

WHAT IS CIVIL SOCIETY

What should we call the activities and organisations that inhabit the space between the state, businesses and individuals? Few, if any, issues cause so much dissatisfaction and disagreement amongst those working in that diverse universe of organisations sometimes referred to as the third sector, or the voluntary and community sector, or the NGO sector, or the nonprofit sector. And so on. For some people, there isn’t even such a thing as a sector: the universe is just too diverse. For others, the focus on organisations ignores the individual or collective action that has always taken place in the public sphere. This isn’t just an abstract problem: how can we sustain and grow something that we can’t even put a name on?

Inevitably contested, the concept of ‘civil society’ advanced by Mike Edwards does however help.[1b] This definition of civil society is about more than just a group of organisations, though the role of voluntary groups and organisations is central: it is associational life that brings people together and allows civic values and skills to develop.[1b] But civil society is also defined by values: the values associated with the ‘good society’ which aims for social, economic and political . Finally, civil society is defined as a space: the public sphere where debate and deliberation allows the negotiation of the common interest.

900,000 Estimated number of civil society organisations in 2010[1a]

Against a backdrop of enduring values and a consistent overall definition, however, much has changed and will continue to change in civil society. Whether due to the demographic pressures of an ageing society, or the financial pressures of the 2008/09 recession and its aftermath, there is underway a long-term rebalancing of the roles and responsibilities of citizens, the state and civil society. The voluntary sector is still at civil society’s heart, but recent years have seen the continued blurring of the boundaries between civil society, the state and the market. This is most evident in the development of and in the ‘charitisation’ and mutualisation of public bodies. These are to become increasingly significant parts of the civil society landscape, though one implication is that with every year it becomes more difficult to clearly set out the associational dimension of civil society.

#15 VARIOUS DEFINITIONS • “A non-governmental organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government.”- www.UN.org • “A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level.” – www.NGO.org • “A nongovernment organization is an association which is based on the common interests of its members, individuals, or institutions has no governmental status or function, and is not created by a government, nor is its agenda set or implemented by a government.” – www.SIL.org • “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” – www.WorldBank.org