When international agencies select NGOs to become their partners for delivering community-based programs, it is often a question for many as to what kind of criteria they use for this selection. Although different agencies have different norms for selecting NGO partners around the world, yet there are certain common standards used by them to judge an NGO and make it a partner.
So what are these common standards? Dóchas, an association of Irish organizations working internationally has developed a fact sheet in consultation with its members to come out with a set of minimum standards in selecting NGO partners.
This fact sheet has explained the various types of NGOs such as those working for protection (providing relief work), prevention (reducing vulnerability of the community), promotion (increasing people’s chances like helping build a community cooperative) and transformation.
The paper emphasizes on the fact that effective NGOs are those that are able to make the best use of the skills of their staff members as well as their community. It is not important for the NGO to serve a large size of the population, but a strong bond even with a small community matters a lot.
The paper further lists out what attributes a donor or an international agency should look for in NGOs before partnering with them. From communication to professional delivery of the programs, there have to be some essential systems within these NGOs.
It also advises on some of the basic elements which should not be used in judging an NGO.
Although this paper has been written for international agencies, it is still a very useful tool for local NGOs so that they can use the tips outlined in there for improving their own management and services and ultimately project themselves as potential partners for international agencies. You can download this paper from the ChildFund Ireland’s website at this link.
