What is an NGO and how do you start one?
An NGO is a non-profit organisation with a societal, social, or scientific purpose. An NGO operates on a national or international scale and often has one clear goal.
What is an NGO?
NGO is a collective term for organisations that want to achieve a specific social, societal or scientific goal. NGOs do not aim to make a profit and are not part of the government. Dutch NGOs usually have the legal structure of a foundation. An NGO usually works with volunteers and money from donors. An NGO offers assistance with social problems that require more support than the government or other (commercial) organisations can provide. Examples include food parcels in the event of disasters, school supplies for poor children, or refugee shelters.
NGOs can also be conversation partners for governments. For example, for advice or mediation in matters like climate, child labour, or human rights abroad.
Well-known examples of NGOs are Greenpeace, Médecins Sans Frontières, Oxfam Novib, and UNICEF.
How do you start an NGO?
Make sure you have a clear goal. What problem do you want to solve? How do you want to tackle it? And what do you need to do so? Make a business plan for this. Include:
- why your goal is important
- your target group
- the financial plan
- the feasibility
Register your NGO as a foundation with KVK
The first step in starting an NGO is setting up a foundation (stichting). This is the legal structure most suitable for an non-profit organisation. You need a civil-law notary to set up the foundation. Then you have to register at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. You do not need permisson to use the term NGO.
Check if there are suitable subsidies
There are several government subsidies and funds to boost your activities with a social purpose. For example, for sustainability, innovation, and international cooperation. View all subsidies that may be of interest to your non-profit organisation.
Find donors for your NGO
An NGO receives money from donors. You can start looking for donors in your own environment. For example, by networking during meetings and events. You can expand your reach via your own website or by being active on social media. You can also get publicity through advertisements or interviews on the radio and TV.
Recruit volunteers
A foundation often works with voluntary workers. If you wish to work with volunteers, you must comply with certain conditions. For example, if you wish to give your volunteer an allowance (to cover expenses). Find out what to consider when working with volunteers.
Working with the United Nations
The United Nations (UN) may invite international NGOs to offer advice or mediation. For example, for sending supplies or services to disaster areas. But also as a conversation partner for development cooperation. Make certain your non-profit organisation is eligible to participate in UN projects.