Non-governmental organizations or NGOs are non-profit organizations that are independent from the direct control of any government and usually operate on an international level. To be recognized by the United Nations an NGO cannot be a political party and has to be non-profit and non-violent.1 There are thousands of NGOs working around the globe on every field of human activity providing aid, technical assistance, disaster management, education and training, food and shelter, and more to those in need. In addition to the essential services provided in every part of the world, their records can shine a light on international events and deepen our understanding of global issues.
This page offers information sources for understanding the work of NGOs, directories of NGOs, and resources for finding publications produced by NGOs. If you are researching a specific NGO and their activities, their website would be a good place to start: their project reports, annual reports, and financial statements are usually posted there. If you need assistance with your research Ask a Librarian.
The following collection titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content, including finding aids for the collections, are included when available.
The subscription resources marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.
Listed below are online directories, research guides, and other websites that provide information on NGOs and their activities.