NGO coordinating bodies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America

Abstract

As non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, and international assistance agencies seek ways to strengthen the capabilities of NGOs, they are looking increasingly to NGO coordinating bodies. These membership organizations perform a variety of functions for NGOs, including serving as a forum, providing services, facilitating contact between government and NGOs, and allocating donor funds to NGO projects. Most coordinating bodies are relatively young organizations still in the process of defining their roles and functions. As they develop, they must balance the needs of diverse memberships, as well as the expectations of governments and donors.