Using IGOs & NGOs in Research
Non-governmental organizations are active in direct service around the world. They also prepare a variety of documents that can be useful in research—annual reports, country studies, position papers, and so on.
Some non-profits are devoted to research. These "think tanks" can be great sources.
IGO & NGO Directories
- International Development [UW Libraries]Includes sections on Organizations (NGOs and IGOs) and Data and Statistics.
- Yearbook of International OrganizationsComprehensive, worldwide directory of Intergovernmental Organizations and International Nongovernmental Organizations.
Encyclopedia of Associations: International OrganizationsGuide to more than 31,000 multinational, national and international membership organizations in more than 190 countries of the world, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe - including U.S.-based organizations with a bi-national or multinational membership. Entries provide the names of directors, executive officers or other personal contacts; telephone, fax, electronic mail and websites; the group's history, governance, staff, membership, budget and affiliations; the goals and activities of the international organization, including research, awards, certification, education, lobbying and other important activities; and publication and convention information.
- Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) [Berkeley Library]Includes sections on Economic Development & Think Tanks.
IGO/NGO Search Engines
Use the search engines below to search keywords across many IGO (inter-governmental organization) or NGO (non-governmental organization) websites. For example, a single search for "microfinance" using the Union of International Associations IGO search will find reports and research on this topic from USAID, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and many more.
- Union of International Associations IGO SearchThis service allows you to search the websites of all intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), comprising over 3000 bodies including the United Nations, the European Commission, the World Bank, etc.
- Intergovernmental Organization search engineCustom Google search engine that searches across hundreds of IGO websites.
- NGO search engineCustom Google search engine designed to search across hundreds of NGO websites.