NGO Guidelines for Good Policy and Practice (Commonwealth Foundation): Part I: NGOs: what they are and what they do: 5. A typology of NGOs: 5.12 Fraudulent NGOs

NGO Guidelines for Good Policy and Practice (Commonwealth Foundation)

Part I: NGOs: what they are and what they do

5. A typology of NGOs

		(introduction...)
		5.1 Why a typology is needed
		5.2 Component 1: A descriptive typology
		5.3 Organisational terms
		5.4 Main forms of control
		5.5 Location between government and civil society
		5.6 Level of operation
		5.7 Legal forms
		5.8 Links with parent and subsidiary bodies
		5.9 Links between NGOs
		5.10 Component 2: An organisational typology
		5.11 Organisations in civil society which engage in NGO-type activities
		5.12 Fraudulent NGOs

5.12 Fraudulent NGOs

Unscrupulous opportunism, often occurring when funds are on offer from less than diligent donors, has unfortunately led to the emergence of fraudulent NGOs. They are often referred to as Mom and Pop NGOs, Come'N Gos, or Briefcase NGOs or NGIs (Non-Governmental Individuals). Whatever their outward appearance these are in reality the NGO equivalent of phoney private companies set up with intent to defraud or to act as vehicles for other forms of personal advancement.

They are often established when there is an emergency, or where funders are perceived to be interested in providing resources for a particular type of project. While having or claiming to have aims which make them NGOs, these types of organisation have in fact the principal purpose of enriching those involved or advancing the personal interests of their leaders. Only close scrutiny of their finances, structures and operations reveals the fact that these organisations fail to meet either or both of the third and fourth defining characteristics of NGOs. They are pests that need to be stamped out. The greater the transparency of all NGOs, the more they will be exposed.