Non-governmental Organizations (NGO’s)

What is an NGO? NGO’s are non-profit organizations independent from government. The World Bank defines NGO’s 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" (Operational Directive 14.70). For a further description see Categorizing NGO’s. Examples of NGO’s include Amnesty International, International Federation of University Women, and Greenpeace.

Eldis Gateway to Development Information

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Called "the gateway to development information." It aims to share development, policy, practice and research. Includes 30+ Guides to resources on topics that range from Aid and Debt, Food Security, Globalization, Climate Change, Forestryand much more. This site is also searchable.

Country Profiles
Articles on development issues.

InterAction (American Council for Voluntary International Action)

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Web site for more than 160 of the world’s relief, development and refugee assistance agencies working in developing countries.

Issues
Includes list of what organizations are working on development issues. Organized into Current Crises, Humanitarian Topics, Development Topics etc.

Library
Use to search their database of documents and press releases.

NGO Café

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The objectives of the Café are to assist NGO’s in improving their programs and activities. Link on NGO Bungee Jumps for index of NGO indices and resources on the internet.

Non Governmental Organizations Research Guide (Duke University)

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List of NGO’s that focus on human rights, women and the environment but cover other aspects of development as well. Nicely organized into categories of NGO’s.

Issues

Geography

Affiliations
The largest NGO’s often have formal relationships (and sometimes official status) with intergovernmental organizations (IGO’s) such as the United Nations. Nine IGO’s are listed, each describing their cooperation with NGO’s.

Statistical Data
NGO’s that provide access to data on human rights, development, women and the environment.

NGO Network

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A resource for Central-Eastern Europe and Former Soviet Union NGO’s. Includes links to cross-border networks and think tanks for Central and Eastern Europe