IN RECENT YEARS, the NGO sector working on development issues has been through considerable changes, and this book seeks to guide NGOs in formulating their strategies and approaches. The book is intended primarily for leaders and managers of NGOs but is also meant to be of interest to the larger international NGOs and official aid agencies and specialists within the NGO world. Points made in the text are illustrated with examples contained in boxes and key lessons are also highlighted.

The book is divided into three parts. Part I (Chapters 1 and 2) is scene setting, with the first chapter providing an introduction to current concepts within international development assistance and exploring the tasks that NGOs need to undertake to be effective in contributing to the achievement of sustainable development. The summary to Chapter 1 reflects the title of the book, in identifying a number of “balances” that NGOs must seek to achieve. Chapter 2 then identifies and discusses defining characteristics of NGOs.

Part II looks in more detail at five specific areas within the development of the organization: appropriate organizational set-up with a discussion on strategic planning; leadership and human resources; external relationships (primary stakeholders or target groups, other NGOs including North-South NGO relationships and the state); mobilizing financial resources; and managing through achievement. The third part of the book is forward looking, seeking to show how NGOs can develop effectiveness, and looking more than 15 years ahead to suggest how NGOs can remain appropriate within a changing context.