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Synopsis Not only official development policy, but also the work of NGOs has come under pressure to reform. The optimistic belief that cooperation with NGO partners in the south would lead quasi automatically to better results has faded. In this sector, too, questions are being asked about efficiency control, better coordination, and focus instead of a 'shotgun' approach to the work. In the case of NGOs engaged in development policy, it is not only their standing that has become greater. Their number, budgets and influence--and their closeness to governments--have also gained in quantity and strength. NGOs are now 'in' with governments, the media and international development cooperation agencies. NGOs are seen as the 'miracle weapon' in the battle against increasing poverty in large parts of the world. The NGOs closeness to grassroots organisations in the south, their emphasis on help for self-help, and their independence from the foreign policy and economic interests of the north, allows them to orient their cooperation activities on the basic needs of the people in developing countries. And that enables the NGOs to make a credible and effective contribution to social change. But this self-made claim leads the public to expect big things of the organisations, which perhaps cannot be fulfilled.