A Definition of NGDOs

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A working definition of NGDOs (Non-governmental Development Organisations)*

NGDOs are voluntary non-profit and 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, particularly with regard to women.

Some characteristics of NGDOs:

• They are not set up to generate profit. Therefore, any surplus would not be distributed to the staff or members of the particular organisation;

• Their existence is not sanctioned or hindered by law, but results from the self-chosen voluntary initiative of a number of individuals pursuing a shared interest or concern;

• Formed by private initiative, they are independent - they are not part of government or controlled by a public body;

• They are governed by the terms of whichever legislation they choose to be registered under;

• They are legitimised by the existence of the world’s poor and powerless, by the circumstances these live in, and the 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 driving force in their working practice.


The Platform members believe in the following values:

• Social justice, equity and respect for human rights;
• The participation of the people with whom they are working;
• The centrality of civil society in development cooperation;
• Working with southern organisations – aiming for common development goals;
• Equality of opportunity.

The Platform members believe in the following approach to development cooperation:

• Taking a professional approach in their work;
• Providing support to southern partners to help increase their capacities;
• Supporting the empowerment of disadvantaged groups in particular.
• Working to reduce gender inequalities;
• Using responsible fund-raising methods;
• Ensuring that their actions produce sustainable results;
• Engaging in development education, awareness raising, and advocacy in the North;
• Using their bridging capacity to link different sectors of society.

The organisations must be:

• Malta-based;
• Non-governmental;
• Non-profit distributing;
• Non-partisan: the organisation must be motivated by broadly humanitarian and developmental objectives, which should not be secondary to political or religious agendas having partisan tendencies. Such an organisation would be a legal entity registered in Malta. Such organisations must not seek to serve the interests of a commercial or profit-making organisation.
 

* This Document is based on points taken from Alan Fowler, Striking a Balance - A Guide to Enhancing the Effectiveness of Non-Governmental Organisations in International Development.