Voluntary organizations (VOs) / Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) include organizations engaged in public service, based on ethical, cultural, social, economic, political, religious, spiritual,philanthropic or scientific & technological considerations. VOs include formal as well as informal groups, such as: community-based organizations(CBOs); non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs); charitable organizations; support organizations; networks or federations of such organizations; as well as professional membership associations.
VOs / NGOs should broadly have the following characteristics:
They are private, i.e., separate from Government
They do not return profits generated to their owners or directors
They are self-governing, i.e., not controlled by Government
They are registered organizations or informal groups, with defined aims and objectives
In India a Voluntary Organization / Non Governmental Organization can be registered as Trusts, Societies, or a private limited nonprofit company, under section-25 Company of the Indian Companies Act, 1956.