Groups and bodies, outside of the government, that are involved in advice, support, funding and development work. Also called "NGOs".
An NGO is any nonprofit, voluntary citizens' group that is organised on a local, national, regional or international level. NGOs perform a variety of services and humanitarian functions, bring citizens' concerns to governments, monitor policies and encourage political participation at the community level. Some are organised around specific issues, such as human rights, the environment or health.