The number of nongovernmental organizations has grown exponentially over the years. But as new NGOs are being set up, often at the onset of a humanitarian emergency, existing ones are closing down.
Kenya, for instance, deregistered more than 500 development organizations last December after failing to submit their financial reports. The same month, Invisible Children, the group behind the contentious Kony 2012 video campaign, announced it is folding up. A few months prior, two Irish agricultural development organizations finalized a merger to leverage each other’s strengths and efficiencies.
These examples show how starting an NGO needs more than just an idea and goodwill. There is paperwork that needs to be taken care of, as it is vital in mobilizing funds and claiming tax exemptions. There are laws that need to be learned and be familiar with, especially if you will be setting up and NGO in a country with strict rules and procedures for charities.