Fundamental to the very character of each NGO is that it be not-for-profit, nongovernmental,
organized, independent, self-governing, and voluntary. While these general criteria may appear self-evident, particularly for those NGOs whose national law codifies and requires such
standards, they remain basic for the integrity and conduct of an NGO.

A. Nonprofit

1. Not-for-profit. An NGO is to be organized and operated as a not-for-profit organization. Any surplus that is generated through its operations is to be utilized solely to help the organization fulfill its mission and objectives. No part of the net earnings of an NGO is to inure to the benefit of the directors, officers, members or employees of the NGO, or to any other private persons,
except that an NGO may provide reasonable compensation for services provided to the NGO.

2. Trade or business. An NGO is not to be operated for the primary purpose of carrying
on a trade or business, unrelated to its mission and stated objectives.

3. Governing instrument. The NGOs governing instrument should prevent the organization from distributing profits or assets for the benefit of individuals both during operation and when winding up.

B. Nongovernmental

1. Non-governmental. An NGO is not to be part of, or controlled by, government or an intergovernmental agency.

2. Political independence. An NGO should maintain independence and not be rigidly aligned or affiliated with any political party, although it may share a common political or legislative cause within the limit of its mission, stated objectives and legal structure. By itself, being non-governmental does not mean that an NGO is prohibited from political activity, although certain types of NGOs may be proscribed by their nations from political and legislative activity, such as tax-exempt organizations in the United States, which are prohibited from participating or intervening to any substantial extent in attempts to influence legislation or
participating in political campaigns to support or oppose any candidate(s) for political office. However, an NGO that is permitted to do political and legislative activity should only engage within the limit of its mission and stated objectives.

3. Foreign policy. An NGO should not act as an instrument of government foreign policy,
but act independently of governments. An NGO should not seek to implement the policy of any government, unless it coincides with the mission of the organization and the organization’s own independent policy.

C. Organized

1. Organizing features. An NGO should have an organizing document, an executive board, officers, and regular meetings and activities.

2. Organizing document. The organizing documents (such as bylaws, a written constitution, or memorandum of association) should clearly define the mission, objectives, governance structure, membership rights and obligations, if any, and rules of procedure.

3. Legal recognition. These organizing principles apply whether or not an NGO is legally recognized by any government.

D. Independent and Self-Governing

1 . Independence. An NGO should be independent. Its policies, vision, and activities should not be determined by any for-profit corporation, donor, government, government official, political party, or other NGO.

2. Self-governing. An NGO should govern itself autonomously, according to whatever governance structure it selects for itself. It should be equipped to control its own activities.

E. Voluntary

1 . Voluntary values and principles. Rather than being required to exist by law, NGOs are
formed by private initiative, resulting from the voluntary actions of individuals who have chosen to pursue a shared interest or concern. The retaining of voluntary values and principles should remain a primary force in the way of working of an NGO.

2. Contributions from volunteers. In order to achieve its mission and objectives, an NGO
should have meaningful contributions from volunteers. These may include both the target
group and supporters.

3 . Volunteerism of governing board. Those who are part of an NGO’s governing body (generally the board of directors) should serve in a voluntary capacity, for no pay.