Key Takeaways 

• NGOs are non-profit organizations that operate independently of the government and contribute to social change and community development. 

• One of the main roles of NGOs is to function as advocates and agents of social change, influencing policies and legislation that benefit minority groups and promote social justice. 

• Although the terms are often confused, not all non-profit organizations are NGOs. Many NGOs operate under specific classifications that differentiate them from other non-profit organizations. 

• NGOs play a key role in disseminating health information and responding to public health crises, working in areas such as HIV, tuberculosis, and maternal and child health. 

• NGOs facilitate community engagement and empowerment by acting as a bridge between citizens and government entities. 

What is an NGO?  

Named this way for the first time in Article 71 of the United Nations Charter, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) encompass a wide range of activities that contribute to social change and community development and are defined as non-profit entities independent of government influence. 

One of the primary roles of NGOs in a country is to act as advocates and agents of social change, working for policies and legislation related to the communities they serve – usually minority social groups or those focused on environmental protection, social justice, education, health, and development. 

Approximately 1.5 million NGOs operate in the United States and engage in a wide range of activities. Their funding sources include donations from private individuals (both U.S. and foreign), private for-profit companies, philanthropic foundations, and grants from federal, state, or local governments.  

NGOs vs. Nonprofits 

While the terms “NGO” and “nonprofit” are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand the distinctions between them. All NGOs are categorized as nonprofits, but not all nonprofits qualify as NGOs. In the United States, nonprofits refer to organizations that do not aim to generate profit beyond what is necessary to pay staff and support their programs. These organizations are structured without public shareholders or stocks and benefit from tax-exempt status as defined by the U.S. tax code. 

NGOs typically operate under classifications such as 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) within the nonprofit sector, allowing them to remain tax-exempt. However, the term nonprofit encompasses a broader range of organizations, many of which do not necessarily align with the civil society mission that characterizes NGOs. For instance, churches are considered nonprofit organizations but are not typically classified as NGOs. 

Blending these terms is common, particularly among those unfamiliar with the sector’s nuances. However, awareness of their differences is essential for clarifying organizational purposes and structures.  

R&D in the NGO scenario: an auxiliary agent in the dissemination of information and health in the USA. 

According to reports from the past decade, NGOs have been instrumental in the dissemination of health responses in the United States, with global health activities operating in the country in all major program areas, including: 

• HIV; 

• tuberculosis (TB); 

• malaria; 

• family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH); 

• maternal and child health (MCH); 

• nutrition; 

• other public health threats (which include neglected tropical diseases or NTDs); 

• pandemic influenza and other emerging threats (PIOET); 

• and water supply and sanitation 

According to the data, HIV had the largest number of NGOs and the largest share of funding, approximately $1.65 billion. 

A list compiled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a clearer view of national and international NGOs currently operating in the scientific field and dedicated to Global Health Research. 

The presence of think tanks – many of which are also NGOs – demonstrates their involvement in research and development (R&D). Think tanks are institutions dedicated to producing and sharing research, analysis, and recommendations that aim to communicate scientific information and data. They create a direct link between academia and society. Typically, think tanks are affiliated with universities, foundations, advocacy groups, and other organizations that generate research, often focusing on political, economic, and social issues. 

In this way, it is possible to highlight the significant role that NGOs play in the social, political, and economic arenas, being fundamental players not only in advocating for social welfare and human rights but also in addressing critical issues such as poverty reduction, education, access to healthcare and environmental sustainability. Their multifaceted contributions span multiple sectors, demonstrating their adaptability and responsiveness to societal needs. 

In addition to their advocacy efforts, NGOs facilitate community engagement and empowerment, allowing marginalized populations to have a voice in decision-making processes. They often serve as a bridge between citizens and government entities. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of their operations, methodologies, and impacts is vital to appreciate how these organizations drive meaningful change and promote communities and access to useful information. 

FI Group can help you! 

If your company engages in R&D activities, you can count on us: we specialize in helping companies recognize innovation and secure funding for their Research and Development (R&D) activities through the comprehensive management of R&D Tax Credits. With over 1,400 qualified employees, including specialists from different fields, we are dedicated to supporting companies of all sizes and sectors. With our expertise, FI Group specialists can help your company identify the qualifying activities conducted and access the available benefits, optimizing your research and giving it even more space and investment.