Understanding Types of NGOs

Study Notes

Charity-Oriented NGOs

Focus on addressing needs of disadvantaged people.
Beneficiaries often participate in programs.
Example: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides humanitarian medical aid in conflict zones, during epidemics, and for those excluded from healthcare.

Service-Oriented NGOs

Provide health, family planning, or education services.
NGOs design programs and people participate in implementation and service receipt.
Example: Marie Stopes provides contraception and safe abortion services globally.

Participatory-Oriented NGOs

Emphasize self-help projects involving local communities.
Local people contribute resources (cash, tools, land, materials, labor) to the project's implementation.
Example: The Water Project provides water projects in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing water scarcity and sanitation issues.

Empowering-Oriented NGOs

Aim to help the poor understand social, political, and economic factors impacting their lives.
Seek to strengthen awareness of personal power and control over one's life.
Example: Dress for Success empowers women economically through support and development tools.

NGO Categories by Operational Level

Community-Based Organizations

Originate from community initiatives, often informal or not formally accredited.
Raise awareness of rights for urban poor and support access needed services.
Example: Al-khair Welfare Society focuses on education in underprivileged Pakistani areas.

City-Wide Organizations

Include chambers of commerce, business coalitions, ethnic/educational groups, & community associations.
Example: GDM Foundation (Grano de Mostaza) works on educational programs.

National NGOs

Include national organizations, professional associations, and similar groups.
Can have state/city branches and support local NGOs.
Example: H.I.J.O.S. (Children of the Disappeared) in Argentina.

International NGOs

Range from secular agencies (e.g., Save the Children) to religiously motivated groups.
May fund or implement projects for local NGOs and institutions.
Example: Amnesty International advocates against human rights abuses.

Description

This quiz explores the different types of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and their roles in society. It covers charity-oriented, service-oriented, participatory-oriented, and empowering-oriented NGOs, highlighting their objectives and examples. Test your knowledge about the vital functions these organizations serve for communities worldwide.