What Is the Difference Between an NGO and a Nonprofit?

When you’re thinking about a career in service, it can feel like there are a lot of overlapping terms. NGOs, nonprofits, charities, community organizations — they’re all working to make a difference, but the way they operate and the places they focus their efforts can vary greatly. If you’ve ever wondered how these organizations compare or where you might fit best, you’re in the right place.

What Is an NGO?

A non-governmental organization, or NGO, is a not-for-profit entity that operates independently from direct government control. NGOs can work on a local, national or international scale, depending on their mission and resources. While some NGOs receive government funding, they typically maintain their independence in how they set priorities and deliver programs. 

Many NGOs are structured as nonprofit organizations, though not every nonprofit qualifies as an NGO. What sets NGOs apart is their focus on advancing social, environmental, humanitarian or development goals, and their work generally exists outside the private, for-profit sector.

NGOs play a wide-ranging role in driving social change. Some advocate for issues like human rights, gender equity, global health and climate action. Others focus on delivering essential services in communities facing poverty, conflict or natural disasters. NGOs may also lead large-scale development efforts that improve education, expand public health access or strengthen critical infrastructure, such as building clean water systems. Many conduct research and shape public policy by providing data and analysis that influence key decision-makers. 

NGOs often work closely with governments, international organizations and local communities to extend their reach and deepen their impact. In addition to providing services, NGOs frequently monitor whether institutions are meeting human rights and environmental commitments.

NGOs usually hold legal status in the countries where they operate, and they are commonly protected under laws that support freedom of association and expression. In many cases, they benefit from tax-exempt status, which allows them to direct more resources to their missions. Some governments offer grants or contracts to NGOs to help deliver public services or humanitarian relief. At the same time, NGOs are known for holding governments accountable, especially when it comes to protecting rights and meeting social obligations. 

In cooperative environments, NGOs and governments may work together on policy development or joint programs. In more restrictive regions, NGOs sometimes face legal or logistical barriers, including monitoring or limits on their ability to operate freely.

Examples of Prominent NGOs

Even if someone cannot define an NGO, they have likely heard of one of the following organizations. Across the globe, these NGOs address a wide variety of urgent challenges, focusing on a specific mission and operating at varying levels of scale, from local projects to international campaigns.

• Amnesty International works to protect human rights around the world. The organization investigates cases of injustice and advocates for people whose rights have been violated, often pressuring governments and institutions to make systemic changes.
• BRAC began in Bangladesh and has grown into one of the largest NGOs globally. It focuses on poverty reduction through programs in education, health, social development and financial services.
• CARE International focuses on fighting global poverty and supporting humanitarian response efforts. The organization often works in communities affected by natural disasters or conflict, providing critical services such as food, healthcare, shelter and education.

• Greenpeace is known for its environmental activism, working to address climate change and protect critical ecosystems. The organization often leads campaigns that challenge harmful corporate and governmental practices.

• Heifer International helps families achieve sustainable livelihoods, often through agriculture and livestock programs that provide both food security and economic opportunity.
• Human Rights Watch investigates and reports on human rights abuses around the world. Their detailed research holds governments and other powerful actors accountable for violations.

• International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) networks are among the most recognized humanitarian organizations in the world. They provide disaster relief, emergency medical services and community health support in nearly every country.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC) supports people whose lives have been disrupted by conflict or disaster. Their programs help displaced individuals access shelter, education, healthcare and employment while also supporting long-term recovery.
• Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) provides emergency medical care in regions experiencing conflict, disease outbreaks or natural disasters. Their teams bring essential healthcare to areas where local systems are either overwhelmed or inaccessible.
• Mercy Corps operates in regions affected by conflict, climate disasters and economic instability, supporting communities in rebuilding local economies and developing sustainable solutions to ongoing challenges.

• Oxfam is dedicated to ending global poverty through long-term development programs, emergency response efforts and advocacy for economic and social policies that promote equity.
• PATH focuses on global health innovation, developing and delivering tools and strategies to fight diseases and improve health outcomes in low-resource settings.
• Save the Children focuses on improving the lives of children by expanding access to education, healthcare and emergency aid, often responding to humanitarian crises that put children at immediate risk.
• Transparency International tackles corruption at local, national and international levels. The organization works to build systems that promote transparency and accountability across governments and industries.

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is committed to protecting the environment and preserving species through conservation projects and community-based programs that help sustain natural resources.

What Is a Nonprofit Organization?

A nonprofit organization is built to advance a mission rather than generate profits for private individuals or shareholders. When a nonprofit earns revenue, those funds are reinvested into its programs and services to strengthen its impact. Many nonprofits are created to support social, educational, cultural or community-driven goals. These organizations may serve a specific community, operate across an entire country or expand their work internationally.

Nonprofits are deeply woven into a variety of sectors. Some focus on education and public health, while others concentrate on social services, conservation or the arts. To fund their efforts, nonprofits rely on charitable giving, grants and fundraising campaigns that directly support their missions. Volunteers and professional staff often work together to deliver programs and connect with the people they aim to help. 

Advocacy is also central to many nonprofits, which may focus on issues such as public health, education equity, environmental protection or social justice. Many organizations form partnerships with schools, businesses and government agencies to expand their reach and drive meaningful change. 

Nonprofits are held to government regulations and, in many countries, benefit from special tax-exempt status. In the U.S., for example, many are recognized under the 501(c)(3) designation, which informs how they operate and raise funds.

Examples of Prominent Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations shape communities in countless ways, often providing critical support and long-term programs that touch millions of lives. The following represent just a fraction of the organizations creating meaningful change, but each demonstrates how nonprofit missions can take many forms and operate on vastly different scales.

• ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) defends and advances civil liberties through legal action, advocacy and public education. The organization focuses on protecting individual rights and challenging laws or policies that threaten constitutional freedoms.
• American Red Cross responds to emergencies by offering disaster relief, blood donation services and emergency preparedness education. The organization is recognized for mobilizing volunteers and resources quickly during crises, both domestically (in the U.S.) and abroad.

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides safe, supportive spaces where young people can participate in after-school programs and access academic support. The organization plays a central role in healthy youth development, particularly in underserved communities.
• Feeding America addresses hunger by connecting retailers, manufacturers and farmers with surplus food to community pantries, food banks, and meal programs. The organization operates a nationwide network that focuses on food security for individuals and families facing hardship.
• Goodwill Industries International creates employment and job training opportunities through its network of thrift stores and community-based programs, helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and gain new skills in a supportive environment.
• Habitat for Humanity helps build affordable housing in partnership with families and local communities. Through volunteer-driven construction efforts and homeownership programs, Habitat creates opportunities for people to secure stable housing and improve their long-term well-being.

• Make-A-Wish Foundation brings life-changing experiences to children with critical illnesses by granting wishes that offer joy and hope. Each wish is uniquely tailored to the child’s dreams, creating memorable moments that provide emotional support.
• National Public Radio (NPR) provides independent journalism and public broadcasting that reaches millions of listeners. NPR produces in-depth reporting and thoughtful storytelling that serves the public interest and promotes informed civic engagement.
• The Nature Conservancy focuses on conservation and sustainable climate solutions. The organization leads efforts to safeguard natural habitats and works closely with communities and governments to ensure the long-term protection of critical ecosystems.
• Planned Parenthood provides accessible reproductive health services, education and advocacy, supporting millions of people with preventive care, sexual health resources and public policy work focused on health equity.
• Susan G. Komen Foundation leads efforts to fight breast cancer through research funding, patient support and public awareness campaigns. The organization is well known for mobilizing communities through events and fundraising initiatives that support survivors and their families.
• Teach For America addresses educational inequity by placing teachers in high-need schools with the goal of expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities.
• United Way Worldwide works to improve education, financial stability and health outcomes in communities across the globe by strengthening local partnerships and directing resources toward initiatives that create lasting impact at the community level.

• World Central Kitchen delivers freshly prepared meals to people affected by natural disasters, conflict and humanitarian emergencies. Founded by chef José Andrés, the organization works quickly to meet urgent food needs in crisis zones around the world.

• YMCA offers a wide range of programs that promote youth development, healthy living and community engagement. With local branches across the country, the YMCA provides child care, fitness facilities and educational support to individuals and families.

NGO vs. Nonprofit: Similarities and Differences

Aspect	NGO	Nonprofit Organization
Definition	Non-Governmental Organization; operates independently from government control, often focused on international or cross-border issues	Organization that reinvests revenue into its mission rather than distributing profits; often community-based
Primary Purpose	Advocates for social, humanitarian, environmental or development goals, often with international reach	Provides services, support and programs that meet local or national community needs
Scope of Work	Can operate locally, nationally or internationally; many focus on global issues and humanitarian efforts	Can operate at local, national or international levels; most commonly focused on serving local or national populations
Legal Status	Must register with a government to operate legally in a country; often has nonprofit status, but not all NGOs are classified as nonprofits	Typically registered as nonprofit entities with formal tax-exempt status (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the U.S.)
Funding Sources	May receive funding from governments, international agencies, private donors, foundations and partnerships	Relies on charitable donations, grants, fundraising campaigns and sometimes government contracts
Relationship to Government	May collaborate with governments on development projects or humanitarian aid; can also act as watchdogs and may face restrictions in some countries	Often partners with local governments for community programs; generally regulated and may receive government support or tax exemptions
Common Focus Areas	Human rights, disaster relief, global health, education, climate action, poverty reduction	Education, healthcare, social services, housing, hunger relief, arts, environmental protection

Which Should You Work For?

Deciding between working for an NGO or a nonprofit organization depends on what drives you. Your interests, values and long-term goals will help determine the right fit. Some people are drawn to local, community-focused work where they can see the immediate impact of their efforts. Others feel more aligned with global development or humanitarian aid.

It’s also important to think about the kind of work environment where you thrive. Some roles involve grassroots organizing or direct service in neighborhoods, while others center on research, policy analysis or international fieldwork. NGOs, especially those working abroad, can involve complex political dynamics that require navigating challenging regulatory environments. For some, that’s an exciting part of the work; for others, it may not be the right fit.

Your preferred career path can also help guide your decision. Both NGOs and nonprofits offer opportunities in program management, fundraising, communications, research and leadership. You might explore direct service positions, or you may be interested in building a career around advocacy, strategy or community partnerships. 

For those passionate about international development or humanitarian work, NGO careers offer unique opportunities in those fields. Working with an NGO may involve frequent travel and a focus on large-scale issues like climate change, human rights or global health.

Nonprofit organizations may feel like a better fit if you’re motivated by strengthening your local community or supporting causes that improve everyday life close to home. Nonprofits often focus on areas like education, housing, youth programs or social services and typically build lasting relationships within the communities they serve.

Both paths offer meaningful ways to contribute to positive change — you’ll simply need to decide where you feel your skills and passions can have the greatest impact.

If you feel inspired to make a lasting mark through nonprofit work, building the right skills can help you lead with confidence and purpose. The University of San Diego’s online Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management is designed for individuals who are passionate about serving communities and driving meaningful change. Through this program, you can deepen your understanding of nonprofit operations, leadership and strategy, preparing you to grow your career and make a difference where it matters most.

Explore the program page or connect with an advisor to learn more.