NGO support toolkit (English)  >  NGO Support Programmes  >  Types 

NGO-led NSPs

The majority of NGO support providers (NSPs) are NGOs themselves. There are a variety of models, some of which are outlined below.

Stand-alone NGO support providers

These are organisations whose mission is to provide support to other organisations with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness and impact of NGOs and CBOs. They do not actually implement HIV/AIDS programmes themselves. These NSPs take on a variety of functions and often provide a combination of financial and technical support to partner organisations. Examples of NSPs working at the international or regional level include the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, PACT and the Southern African AIDS Training Program (SAT). NSPs working at the national level include multi-functional NSPs such as KHANA (Khmer HIV/AIDS NGO Alliance) in Cambodia, or Kimirina in Ecuador.

Implementing / service delivery organisation with NSP functions

Many implementing organisations that have gained sufficient expertise, knowledge and skills valuable to other, more recently established organisations take on support functions over time. These organisations are primarily service providers but may also give technical support to other organisations in their field of expertise. Examples of such organisations include YRG Care in India, Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT) in Zimbabwe, and The AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) in Uganda.

Networks

Networks are groups or co-ordinating bodies of individuals and / or organisations that collaborate to achieve common goals. Although their missions may not identify them as NGO support providers they often fulfil support functions. For example, networks provide a venue and structure for member organisations to communicate and share information with each other. They often co-ordinate advocacy action on issues of mutual interest to members and they provide opportunities for enhancing the skills levels of their member organisations. Networks such as International Council of AIDS Service Organisations (ICASO) and Uganda Network of AIDS Service Organisations (UNASO) are increasingly developing technical support functions, although information sharing and advocacy are often prioritised over capacity building.

Networks differ from each other in terms of their geographical scope, thematic focus, membership involvement and structure. They exist at local, national, sub-regional, regional and international levels. Some examples of networks include La Red Mexicana de PVVIH (national), Thai NGO Coalition on AIDS (national), Southern African Network of AIDS Service Organisation (regional), European Network of Male Prostitution (regional), Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (international), International Network of Sex Worker Projects (International).

Training organisations

Training organisations include organisations that provide technical support on a variety of topics and skills. NGOs and CBOs may utilise their services for developing and improving their administration (for example, accounting systems and IT) or for learning specific skills required for their work. Training organisations solely provide training on specific issues and are not necessarily involved in the NGO/CBO’s ongoing activities and long-term capacity building. Examples of training organisations include Organisation Development and Training (OLIVE), International Training and Research Centre (INTRAC), and Centre for African Family Studies (CAFS).

Issues to consider

• It cannot be assumed that excellent implementing organisations will make good NSPs, as different skills, attitudes and perspectives on HIV/AIDS are required for this role. Although experience in HIV/AIDS work may help an implementing organisation in some support functions (for example, technical support provision), the key to good NGO support is a commitment to helping others to strengthen their work, combined with the ability to transfer skills and knowledge effectively.
• There are potential tensions for membership organisations that take on a funding or grant-making role. By definition, member organisations are all involved in decision making which affects the group. Any perception of bias around grant giving will undermine the membership.
• Implementing NGOs taking on support functions may need to pay greater attention to networking and to creating a culture that will enable the organisation to provide the services that NGOs/CBOs need.
• Sometimes the credibility of NSPs can be affected by having close links with the government or with donors. NSPs needs to be aware of the potential pros and cons of particular relationships and the multiple accountabilities they must maintain.

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