Nongovernmental Organization Today

The modern concept of an NGO emerged as territories sought independence from colonial powers, transitioning from top-down rule to community-led problem solving. After World War II, the number of international NGOs skyrocketed; today, there are over engaged in relief and development work. The global NGO sector is now so vast it is comparable to the eighth largest economy in the world , employing 19 million workers and spending over $500 billion annually. How They Make an Impact

NGOs act as "boots on the ground," often reaching the "poorest of the poor" more effectively than bureaucratic government programs. Their work typically falls into two categories: nongovernmental organization

A is a nonprofit, mission-driven group that operates independently from any government. These organizations form the "third sector" of society, stepping in to solve social, environmental, and humanitarian problems that neither the government nor private businesses are able or willing to address alone. The modern concept of an NGO emerged as