An NGO is a non-governmental organization: a group that tries to help people, protect nature, or push a cause, and that is not a government office. Many wildlife groups, some education charities, and disaster-relief groups are talked about as NGOs. They may take money from the public, from companies, or even from governments, but they are not “the state.” The word is common in news, civics class, and international work. It is a little formal; in casual talk people often say charity, even when the fit is not perfect. Some NGOs are huge and worldwide; some are tiny and local. The label only says the group is not the government. It does not tell you if the group is wise, honest, or well run. British spelling also uses organisation.