Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)
Private organizations that pursue activities to promote the interests of the poor, protect the environment, provide basic social services, relieve suffering or undertake community development.
(World Bank Glossary of Poverty and Social Impact Analysis Terms)
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The following is drawn from the World Bank's Glossary of PSIA Terms.
"NGOs often differ from other organizations in the sense that they tend to operate independent from government, are value-based and are generally guided by principles of community and cooperation. There are two major categories of NGOs: i) operational NGOs, whose primary purpose is the design and implementation of development-related projects, and; ii) advocacy NGOs, whose primary purpose is to defend or promote a specific cause and who seek to influence policies and practices."