How to Research NGOs Before Applying: A Comprehensive Guide

When considering applying to a non-governmental organization (NGO), it is crucial to research the organization thoroughly to ensure alignment with your values and goals. This process involves reviewing the NGO’s mission statement, organizational goals, and history to gain a deeper understanding of their purpose and operations. In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to research NGOs before applying, highlighting key points to consider and examples from top NGOs.

Understanding the Importance of Research

Researching NGOs is vital for several reasons:

1. Alignment of Values: Ensuring that your values align with those of the NGO is crucial. This helps you determine whether you will be comfortable working with the organization and whether your contributions will be meaningful.
2. Understanding Goals and Operations: Knowing the NGO’s goals and operations helps you understand how they plan to achieve their mission and whether their methods align with your own.
3. Assessing Impact: Researching the NGO’s history and impact helps you evaluate their effectiveness in achieving their mission and whether they have a track record of success.

Reviewing Mission Statements

A mission statement is a concise summary of an organization’s purpose and goals. It serves as a guiding principle for the organization and helps to define its identity. When reviewing mission statements, consider the following:

1. Clarity and Conciseness: A good mission statement should be clear and concise, avoiding jargon and technical terms that may confuse outsiders.
2. Alignment with Goals: Ensure that the mission statement aligns with the NGO’s goals and operations. This helps you understand how they plan to achieve their mission.
3. Inspiration and Motivation: A well-crafted mission statement should inspire and motivate both internal and external stakeholders.

Examples of Effective Mission Statements

Here are some examples of effective mission statements from top NGOs:

1. United Way Worldwide: “United Way seeks to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.”
2. Feeding America: “Our mission is to advance change in America by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all in partnership with food banks, policymakers, supporters, and the communities we serve.”
3. Salvation Army: “Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”

Organizational Goals and History

In addition to reviewing mission statements, it is essential to understand the NGO’s organizational goals and history. This includes:

1. Programs and Services: Review the NGO’s programs and services to understand how they plan to achieve their mission.
2. History and Impact: Research the NGO’s history and impact to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving their mission.
3. Leadership and Governance: Understand the NGO’s leadership and governance structure to ensure transparency and accountability.

Examples of Effective Organizational Goals and History

Here are some examples of effective organizational goals and history from top NGOs:

1. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: “The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.”
2. Direct Relief: “Direct relief’s mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergency situations by providing essential medical resources needed for their care.”
3. Habitat for Humanity International: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”

Conclusion

Researching NGOs before applying is crucial for ensuring alignment with your values and goals. By reviewing mission statements, organizational goals, and history, you can gain a deeper understanding of the NGO’s purpose and operations. This helps you evaluate their effectiveness and determine whether your contributions will be meaningful. By following these steps and considering the examples provided, you can make an informed decision about which NGOs to support and how to best contribute to their missions.

Additional Tips

• Read Reviews and Ratings: Look up reviews and ratings from reputable sources such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance to gain a broader perspective on the NGO’s reputation and performance.
• Contact the NGO: Reach out to the NGO directly to ask questions about their mission, goals, and operations. This can provide valuable insights into their inner workings and help you better understand their purpose.
• Evaluate Transparency: Ensure that the NGO is transparent about their finances, operations, and goals. This helps to build trust and ensures that your contributions are being used effectively.

By following these steps and considering the examples provided, you can make an informed decision about which NGOs to support and how to best contribute to their missions. Remember to always prioritize transparency, accountability, and alignment with your values and goals when researching and applying to NGOs.