Definition

1. Noun:
   • An independent, non-profit group not affiliated with any government: A nongovernmental organization is a legally constituted body that operates independently from any form of government. It is typically founded by citizens and is value-driven, focusing on a wide range of social, environmental, or humanitarian issues.

Usage

• A nongovernmental organization is often funded through donations, grants, and membership fees. Its work can include advocacy, research, education, and providing services. The term is commonly abbreviated as NGO.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The international nongovernmental organization provided emergency aid to the disaster zone.
  • She works for a nongovernmental organization dedicated to protecting human rights.
  • Funding for the project came from a private nongovernmental organization.

Advanced Usage

• "to operate as a nongovernmental organization": to function under the principles and legal status of an NGO.
  • The charity decided to formally register and operate as a nongovernmental organization to increase its credibility.

Variants and Related Words

• NGO (n.): The standard acronym for "nongovernmental organization."
  • The UN works closely with many NGOs.
• Nonprofit organization (n.): A broader category that includes NGOs; an organization that uses its surplus revenues to achieve its goals rather than distributing them as profit.
• Civil society organization (CSO) (n.): A term often used interchangeably with NGO, emphasizing its role within the sphere of civil society.

Synonyms

• Charity: An organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
• Nonprofit: An organization not conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit.
• Voluntary organization: An organization that uses voluntary labor.

Related Phrases

• International nongovernmental organization (INGO): An NGO that operates internationally.
  • Oxfam is a well-known international nongovernmental organization.
• NGO sector: Refers to the collective sphere of all nongovernmental organizations.
  • He has spent his career working in the NGO sector.

Noun

1. an organization that is not part of the local or state or federal government