NGOs play the following roles: NGOs in Nepal have focused their efforts on development projects, largely because financing is readily accessible and individuals are drawn to it. They function through multi-dimensional initiatives, rather than focusing on one or two sectors at the village level. This is due in part to their integrated approach philosophy and/or financial opportunities, since several INGOs and funders aid the majority of them. NGOs have developed an integrated strategy to raising awareness and providing services. They generally work in groups. NGOs’ activities have centered on raising awareness, acting as a catalyst for accessing existing services, developing human resources, and, in certain situations, delivering services. More particular activities under these broad categories include community development, income production, health, agriculture, informal education, drinking water, population, and the environment. To encourage participation, most NGOs have introduced income generation/saving credit components to their programs. However, the program’s focus varies from NGO to NGO based on funding availability and donor priorities. Some NGOs, such as NIRDHAN, are structured primarily as banking for the poor under the Bangladesh Grameen Bank Model.
The role of INGOs is as follows: A great number of INGOs operate in Nepal, some of which have been doing so for more than four decades, such as UMN and Helvetas. A significant quantity of resources pass via them. INGOs, for example, spent $17.4 million in Nepal in 1998. In 1998, the major INGOs contributors were Foster Parents (32%), UMN (16%), International Nepal Fellowship, Action Aid, and Lutheran World Federation.Local involvement techniques of INGOs are similar to those of NGOs outlined above. However, INGOs also serve as funders to non-governmental organizations. Almost all programs include group formation for generating awareness and credit. The priority of financing and input components is determined by the aims and leadership vision of each INGOs. Nonetheless, their operations have been focused on area development and health. Many INGOs have focused their emphasis in recent years, notably after 1995, on the most disadvantaged areas and people, including women (see Bhattchan, 2000).