The Civic Knowledge Base
Understand civil society,
clearly.
An independent reference on civil society, CSOs, NGOs and the nonprofit sector — plain-English definitions, side-by-side comparisons, country guides and free interactive tools.
Interactive tools
Explore the sector, hands-on
CSO vs NGO vs Nonprofit Interactive explainer that untangles the three most-confused terms in the sector. Open tool Global CSO Directory Browse major civil society organizations by country and type. Open tool Which Structure Fits? A short decision guide to the right legal form for your organization. Open tool Glossary & Full Forms Every acronym and term — CSO, NGO, GONGO, CBO and more — defined. Open tool Volunteering Guide Types of civic engagement and how to get involved. Open tool
Definition
What is civil society?
Civil society is the “third sector” — the space between the state and the market where citizens organize voluntarily around shared interests and the public good. It includes charities, NGOs, community groups, unions, faith-based organizations and social movements.
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CSO vs NGO vs Nonprofit
| CSO | Advocacy-focused; influences policy |
| NGO | Service delivery; independent of the state |
| Nonprofit | Any non-profit-distributing organization |
Browse by topic
Fifteen pillars of civil society
Human Rights How civil society defends rights, monitors power and holds states to account. Philanthropy & Giving Foundations, donors and charitable giving that fund the sector. Community Development Grassroots initiatives that strengthen local communities. Sustainable Development The sector’s role in the SDGs and long-term change. Social Impact Frameworks and metrics for measuring what organizations achieve. Volunteering Civic engagement, volunteering and why participation matters. Environment Conservation groups and environmental advocacy. Social Innovation New models and technology reshaping civic action. Local Governance Civil society, participation and accountable local government. Social Entrepreneurship Mission-driven enterprise at the edge of the third sector. Advocacy Campaigning, lobbying and the craft of influencing policy. Capacity Building Strengthening organizations to deliver on their mission. Technology & Privacy Digital rights, privacy and civil society online. Income Inequality How the sector responds to economic disparity. What Is Civil Society The foundational concept, defined and explained.
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Essential reading
Foundations What Is Civil Society? A Clear Definition 6 min read Definitions CSO vs NGO: The Key Differences Explained 5 min read Foundations The Core Functions of a Civil Society Organization 6 min read Reference Types of Civil Society Organizations 7 min read Human Rights The Role of Civil Society in a Democracy 6 min read Foundations Why Civil Society Matters 5 min read