At present, there isn't a formally agreed definition of an NGO. However, it can be described as an independent voluntary association of people acting together on a continuous basis and for a common purpose, other than achieving government office, making money or being involved in illegal activities. As such, NGOs have four features that are fairly distinctive from either the public or the private sector (and this is why NGOs are sometimes called "The third-sector"). NGOs are:

• Independent from any direct control of a public authority
• Non-profit making (any profit must be reinvested into the organization's mission)
• Not constituted as a political party and
• Non-violent, non-criminal