Koperazzjoni Internazzjonali  

(Malta)

A Working Definition of NGDOs

This working definition of NGDOs is based on points taken from Striking a Balance - A guide to Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organisations in International Development (1997) by Alan Fowler, Earthscan Publications, London.

NGDOs (Non-Governmental Development Organisations) are voluntary, non-profit, non-governmental organisations working within the framework of International Development Cooperation. They are concerned with poverty reduction, social justice, human rights, and the problems of marginalisation within society, especially with regards to women. Some characteristics of NGDOs are:

• They are not established for and cannot distribute any surplus they generate as a profit to owners or staff.

• They are not required nor prevented from existing by law, but result from people’s self-chosen voluntary initiative to pursue a shared interest or concern.

• Formed by private initiative, they are independent, in that they are not part of government nor controlled by a public body.

• Within the terms of whatever legislation they choose to register themselves, they also govern themselves.

• They are legitimised by the existence of the world’s poor and powerless and by the circumstances and injustices they experience.

• By and large, NGDOs act as intermediaries, providing support to those who legitimise them; they are not mutual benefit organisations or associations.

• They retain voluntary values and principles as the primary force in their way of working.

Vince Caruana (July 2000)