NGO

Key Takeaways

NGOs are independent organizations that advocate for social, ecological, and humanitarian goals.
They play a significant role in political opinion formation and offer innovative solutions for complex problems.
Working at an NGO offers the opportunity to actively contribute to shaping a better world. Learn more about NGO Jobs.

What exactly are NGOs?

Definition and Origin

NGOs, or in English Non-Governmental Organizations, have become an integral part of our global society. But what does NGO mean in English, and why is it called NGO? The abbreviation NGO (pronunciation [ɛnɡeˈoː]) stands for 'Non-Governmental Organization', which means an organization that operates independently from governmental influence. These organizations commit to a variety of social, ecological, and political goals, without being for-profit.

Is Greenpeace an NGO? Yes, and it's just one of many examples of how NGOs are changing our world for the better.

The history of NGOs goes far back. When was the NGO founded? The first predecessors can be found in the 19th century, but the term 'NGO' only became established after 1945. This point also marks the beginning of rapid growth of these organizations worldwide.

Is an association an NGO? Yes, many NGOs are organized as associations and learn more here about NGO Founding.
What is an NGO and what types are there? There are countless NGOs with various missions, from environmental protection to human rights.

The meaning of NGO and the role they play in our society are immense. They're not only important actors in political opinion formation but also in development cooperation and in the fight for a more just world.

NGO vs NPO

To better understand the difference between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs), it’s worth looking more closely at the aspects of focus, goal setting, and methods of engagement:

Focus and Goals

NGOs:
- Mainly focused on influencing politics and legislation.
- Operate independently from governmental influences and pursue specific social, ecological, or political goals.
NPOs:
- Have a broader goal setting that can include education, research, culture, and more.
- Not necessarily focused on political advocacy.

Commonalities

Both types of organizations are not profit-oriented and aim to have a positive impact on society, whether through supporting communities, promoting education, or protecting the environment.

Main Differences in Engagement

NGOs:
- Often utilize campaigns, education, and public pressure as means to achieve their goals and influence political decisions.
NPOs:
- Focus more on direct services and aid, providing immediate support for their target groups.

NGOs and NPOs mainly differ in their approaches to effect societal change: NGOs focus on political influence through advocacy and campaigns, while NPOs provide direct support with a broader range of objectives. Nonetheless, both are essential for promoting social, ecological, and cultural concerns within civil society.

The Role of NGOs in Society

NGOs play a crucial role in our modern world. They fill the gaps left by state institutions and offer innovative solutions for a variety of problems. From environmental protection to human rights and development aid – NGOs are there wherever help is needed. They strengthen civil society and promote international cooperation.

NGOs use various means such as education, consulting, and protest to achieve their goals and bring about positive changes.

Some of the most important fields of action for NGOs include:

Health
Social
Humanitarian Aid
Environmental Protection
Human Rights
Development Cooperation

These organizations operate independently from state institutions and have a significant impact on the global political agenda. They are an indispensable part of the social fabric, contributing significantly to social change and environmental protection. The growing number of NGOs highlights the increasing need for qualified employees and the importance of their work.

Famous NGO Examples

Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Doctors Without Borders are just a few of the most well-known names. These organizations have one thing in common: they all strive to make the world a better place.

In Germany, there are numerous NGOs committed to various fields. A list of NGOs in Germany can be found here.