Basic Principles of NGOs which you should know

by Kanan James NGO INDIA

NGOs in India are spearheading the work of creating a safer and better environment for the suffering beings with tremendous speed. Whether it's safeguarding orphans, women and child development, rural healthcare, elder care facilities, animal care and sheltering, environment conservation and other concerning issues, NGOs are constantly trying to tackle problems one after the other. These organizations mostly run on donations therefore, at times, they face roadblocks due to the shortage of funds. But despite all odds, they are contributing significantly to the growth of the country. How do they do it? There are certain principles that govern them. These principles are the foundation of every NGO. Although it varies from one organization to the other, there are certain commonly noted factors that bind them together. Let us observe a few of those.

Responsibility of Action
The foremost aspect for which an NGO India is known for is to serve humanity and make a safer and secure environment for all. Whether it's at the socio-cultural, economic, legal, technological or international level, the organization stands accountable for their actions. They ensure sustainable growth and constant progress for the sector in which they are working. It should treat everything/everyone with affection and carry the tasks with the right attitude.

Judicious Use of Resources
An NGO functions on the funds and donations received through various means, which they invest in their projects and use it to support the in-house operational costs. Since individuals and organizations entrust these charitable institutions with their contributions, it becomes an act of stewardship to use the capital to their best so that the society benefits and secure trust from all sides. Proper financial records should be maintained, the accounting standards should be followed and consistency should govern when it comes to financial matters.

Strategic Planning
There's a popular saying that goes, 'a goal without a plan is just a wish'. Like every other organization, it's important for social organizations to plan every initiative before the implementation phase. Strategic planning involves a lot of elements that include setting goals, utilisation of resources, bolstering operations, deployment of labour and making the stakeholder as part of the goals, which are the primary factors. It’s a future-oriented process and should be properly done in order to achieve the goals (societal or organizational). Planning makes the vision and mission clear to every person involved in the project/team. Planning also brings civility into effect because if people work according to the plan, there are lesser chances for hassle, and productivity is achievable.

Transparency
Transparency makes an NGO a dignified institution. Transparency includes honest ways of working. The intentions should be very clear to the public, donors and all the members. This means providing knowledge about their dealings with the government, the people, contributors and beneficiaries. Of course, this does not include internal matters. This also means providing the correct information to everyone about a project, an individual, legal issues, etc.

Truthful and Accountable
Morality is the backbone of an NGO. Since it strives for a better future, it must make sure every project that is being planned or carried out is terminated with absolute faithfulness. The fate of disadvantaged rely on NGOs, thus they shouldn’t indulge in corrupt means of functioning, or illegal activities. A non-profit organization is liable to answer for its actions and decisions. Whether it's intra-organizational, associates, investors, government, media and the general public.

Those were the basic principles to which NGOs abide by. Be it elderly health care, issues regarding women and children, environment, animals, etc. these few principles are a mandate without which it’ll be impossible to function.