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What Are the Different Types of Social NGOs?

Osmand Vitez
Osmand Vitez

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are usually nonprofit entities that aim to help society in ways that governments cannot. Social NGOs most often work for a society as a whole, though some of these organizations may work on behalf of specific groups. Common types include social public service, international welfare, and government-sponsored entities. Each type helps individuals to achieve some type of goal; in some cases, social NGOs may be better at allocating resources due to the lack of government bureaucracy. These organizations also encourage volunteers to help work on various projects, which result in individuals essentially helping individuals.

Public service social NGOs are exactly what they sound like — entities that engage in a service for an entire society, whether local or national. These organizations may carry goals of promoting the spirit of public service or creating a civil society among individuals. In short, the goals of these social NGOs are mostly altruistic and may work beyond the standards of governments. A board of directors usually acts as management for these NGOs and selects goals or allocates resources necessary to complete tasks. Some government funding may be found in these organization types.

Social NGOs most often work for a society as a whole, though some of these organizations may work on behalf of specific groups.
Social NGOs most often work for a society as a whole, though some of these organizations may work on behalf of specific groups.

International welfare NGOs are another common type of organization that may fall under the broad description of social NGOs. These organizations work specifically with promoting democracy or other altruistic goals in other countries. In most cases, social NGOs operate in a democratic or other stabilized country; their goal is to spread democracy to countries that do not have such freedom. An international welfare NGO may have multiple locations or partners in order to succeed. For example, a home base in the original country may also have locations in the countries in which it works.

Providing adequate shelter for people is one possible goal of a social NGO.
Providing adequate shelter for people is one possible goal of a social NGO.

Government-sponsored entities are a form of social NGO that works closely with the government on certain operations. In some cases, these organizations make the work of government more palatable to those in society who may be leery of the government as a whole. For example, governments may appropriate funds for certain types of work, with the funds going to specific social NGOs prior to the final goal or end project. The government may be able to control the work of these organizations more than other types of NGOs in society. This can be both good and bad as most NGOs typically want to work outside the bounds of government control in order to promote proper society.

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    • Social NGOs most often work for a society as a whole, though some of these organizations may work on behalf of specific groups.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Social NGOs most often work for a society as a whole, though some of these organizations may work on behalf of specific groups.
    • Providing adequate shelter for people is one possible goal of a social NGO.
      By: Andrea Izzotti
      Providing adequate shelter for people is one possible goal of a social NGO.
    • Social NGOs may focus on individuals struggling with homelessness.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Social NGOs may focus on individuals struggling with homelessness.
    • Social NGOs help young women get access to proper health care during pregnancy.
      By: Africa Studio
      Social NGOs help young women get access to proper health care during pregnancy.
    • Social NGOs might focus on education by sending teachers to communities with children who are unable to afford traditional schooling.
      By: Monkey Business
      Social NGOs might focus on education by sending teachers to communities with children who are unable to afford traditional schooling.