Final answer:
NGOs are independent organizations that often rely on volunteers, but can also have professional staff, and are involved in various causes globally, from humanitarian aid to environmental protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are indeed organizations that operate independently from the government, often relying on volunteers and donations to fund their activities. These organizations can be charitable groups, advocacy groups, or other types of entities focused on various social, environmental, or humanitarian causes. Although they may be run by volunteers, this does not mean all NGOs are only volunteer-sector based; many do have paid staff and professionals handling different operations.
Well-known NGOs such as the Red Cross, CARE, and the World Wildlife Fund, engage in providing aid in response to crises like natural disasters or wars, and also work on long-term development programs. Their efforts are essential in areas where government support is limited or absent, and their transnational efforts address wide-ranging issues that surpass national borders, from healthcare to environmental protection.
NGOs can vary in size from tiny local organizations to global entities with thousands of employees and large budgets, like the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC), one of the largest in the world. These organizations play a crucial role in global governance and facilitate the work of the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations (IGOs).