Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are private entities that operate independently from the government and work towards addressing various social, economic, or environmental issues.
Related terms
Civil society: Civil society encompasses all voluntary organizations outside of the government.
Advocacy groups: Advocacy groups are NGOs that specifically focus on influencing policies by raising awareness about certain issues or lobbying decision-makers.
Humanitarian organizations: Humanitarian organizations provide aid and assistance during emergencies or crises, often focusing on areas such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, etc.
"Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)" also found in: