Non-governmental organization (NGO):

Non-governmental organization (NGO) is a term that has become widely accepted as referring to a legally constituted, non-governmental organization created by natural or legal persons with no participation or representation of any government. In the cases in which NGOs are funded totally or partially by governments, the NGO maintains its non-governmental status and excludes government representatives from membership in the organization. Unlike the term intergovernmental organization, "non-governmental organization" is a term in general use but is not a legal definition. In many jurisdictions these types of organization are defined as "civil society organizations" or referred to by other names.

The number of internationally operating NGOs is estimated at 40,000. National numbers are even higher: Russia has 277,000 NGOs. India is estimated to have between 1 million and 2 million NGOs.

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NGOs and Business:

NGOs do not have a single type of relationship with business. Some NGOs have very close ties to business or have been specially created by companies or business associations – such as the powerful International Chamber of Commerce or the influential Business Council on Sustainable Development. Other NGOs have mixed attitudes, partly critical, partly not. While still other NGOs tend to systematically differ from business firms in their views of the world and their sense of international priorities. Big companies increasingly seek to have "dialogue" with critical NGOs and to coopt them through grants, "partnerships," "multi-stakeholder dialogues and other means. While leading public relations firms pioneer ever-new forms of "proactive" business policies towards NGOs, global justice movement NGOs pioneer ever-new forms of criticism and public accountability for private firms.

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Non Government Organisations:

AusAID works with non-government organisations (NGOs) to maximise the impact and reach of Australian aid.

NGOs, like Australian Red Cross and World Vision, have long been important partners of the Australian Government in delivering overseas aid.

The Australian Government recognises the valuable role of non-government organisations (NGOs) and works with them to deliver around seven percent of the aid program.

Australian NGOs bring particular strengths to Australia's aid program. They mobilise public support and voluntary contributions for aid; they often have strong links with community groups in developing countries and they often work in areas where government-to-government aid is not possible.

Many also have expertise in meeting people's basic needs, particularly in emergency situations where quick and flexible responses are essential.

All Australian NGOs funded through AusAID undergo a rigorous accreditation process. This ensures that Government funds are channelled through NGOs that have strong community support and are of sufficient size and professionalism to be able to deliver aid programs overseas.

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