Limiting factors
Factors which limit the impact of the work of NGOs
Most people would not disagree with the aims and objectives of the many NGOs who are trying to make the world a better place for those who are most vulnerable and have least influence.
However, as in any walk of life, NGOs often find barriers in their way.
Public support
There are millions of NGOs (depending how you define them) across the globe and it can be difficult to understand how they differ, why we need so many and which ones do most with the money they receive.
Most people鈥檚 daily lives are stressful and demanding and it is hard for NGOs to find a way to stay in the forefront of people鈥檚 minds when there is so much else going on.
Funding
Raising funds for NGOs is a vital but complicated task. Funding requires campaigns which cost money themselves and NGOs must find a balance between spending money on campaigns and getting it to the people that need it.
Raising and distributing large amounts of money requires staff, offices, transport and communications and this all costs money. NGOs have to be careful that they do this efficiently.
Staffing, volunteers and resources
NGOs rely on the services and support of volunteers who give their time and energy for free. The supply of workers is not always steady which can make it difficult to plan and deliver projects.
Other resources may also be provided free of charge (such as transport or communications) but setting up these services and making sure they continue is difficult and time consuming.
Corruption
It is not always easy to ensure that the money is spent in the right way. Many small countries are run by corrupt officials who try to divert some of the financial aid to themselves.
Stories about such corruption often weaken people鈥檚 confidence in charities and make them less likely to donate.
Some NGOs are better than others at making sure that their aid is spent in a responsible way. Some NGOs have been found guilty of stealing donations and keeping them for themselves.