Organizations like the Ramacrisna Institute play a fundamental role in social development, offering opportunities and transforming realities
Do you know what an NGO is for? Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play a fundamental role in society, acting where public authorities and the private sector often fail to reach efficiently. These institutions promote social inclusion, defend human rights and offer opportunities to vulnerable populations.
Learn more about the role of NGOs, how they came about and their current importance.
A Non-Governmental Organization is a non-profit entity, i.e. independent of the government, which works in various social, cultural, environmental and humanitarian areas. Its main objective is to meet demands that are not fully met by the state or the private sector, mobilizing resources and promoting projects to generate a positive social impact.
NGOs can act on various fronts, such as:
Through these actions, NGOs help to reduce inequalities, offer support to needy communities and influence public policies.
Although social assistance and philanthropy have existed for centuries, modern NGOs began to stand out on the international scene in the 1940s, when the United Nations (UN) began to use them as partners in humanitarian and development initiatives.
In Brazil, the role of NGOs grew especially since the 1980s, with the strengthening of civil society and the creation of various organizations aimed at promoting human rights, fighting poverty and protecting the environment. Today, the country has around 526,000 NGOs, according to the IBGE, working in various areas and transforming lives.
Recognition of the role of NGOs at a global level was reinforced at events such as the World Conference on Human Rights, held in Vienna in 1993. On that occasion, more than 2,000 organizations took part in the “NGO Forum”, consolidating their importance as key players in the defence of human rights and sustainable development.
NGOs play an essential role in acting on causes that often don’t receive enough attention from the public sector, such as:
– gender equality,
– inclusion of people with disabilities
– environmental protection
– fighting hunger.
NGOs also play an essential role in monitoring public policies and lobbying for legislative changes that benefit marginalized populations. They often offer direct services, such as medical care, food distribution and educational programs.
Many companies use NGOs as partners to implement corporate social responsibility actions. These partnerships not only strengthen the companies’ institutional image, but also increase their positive social impact on society.
In Brazil, legislation allows part of investments in social projects to be deducted from the income tax of companies and individuals, as long as they fall under tax incentive programs. This has encouraged more and more corporations to support initiatives aimed at education, culture, health and sports.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of global targets aimed at eradicating poverty, promoting education, gender equality, combating climate change and other socio-environmental challenges.
NGOs play a crucial role in implementing these goals.
Among the SDGs most impacted by the work of NGOs are:
SDG 4: Quality education;
SDG 10: Reducing inequalities;
SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions.
Get to know Ramacrisna, an NGO with over 65 years of experience.
Founded in 1959, the Ramacrisna Institute is one of the most recognized NGOs in Brazil. Located in Betim (MG), in Greater Belo Horizonte, the social organization’s mission is to provide opportunities for children, adolescents and adults in situations of social vulnerability.
Over its six decades of activity, Ramacrisna has benefited thousands of people through its educational, cultural and professional training projects. Its initiatives include:
Cultural and sporting activities for young people;
Supporting the work of NGOs through the Ramacrisna Institute is an effective way of generating social impact and transforming lives. Companies can contribute in various ways, such as through investments via incentive laws, direct donations, corporate volunteering, apprenticeship programs, partnerships in social projects and professional training. These initiatives strengthen corporate social responsibility and promote opportunities for vulnerable communities.
If you would like to contribute to this cause, find out more about our projects and how you can help.
