How to Start an International NGO

The Pemba tree-planting project grew very quickly. As more and more villagers joined the movement and more trees were planted I realized that we needed to put an organization behind the grassroots effort in order to continue to build momentum. I’d never worked for an international development organization. Hell, I’d tree-planted, bussed tables at a restaurant and painted houses for a summer. What did I know about starting an international organization? So I did what anyone would have done.

I googled ‘how do you start an NGO?’.

So the first thing I learned is that there are several different types of organizational structures out there, which are basically divided into two types: for-profit and not-for profit. Not-for profit organizations are the most popular vehicle used to drive community change. Although not-for profit organizations can conduct almost any type of activity, the laws that govern not-for profits prohibit ownership. Basically where a for-profit would have shareholders and owners with an equity stake in the company, not-for profits have a volunteer board of directors that ensure that profits are used to carry out the organization’s mission. In a not-for profit the board of directors cannot be paid.

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