Civil society organization

"The wide range of citizens' associations that exists in virtually all […] countries to provide benefits, services, or political influence to specific groups within society."
(International Monetary Fund (IMF), The IMF and civil society organizations, 2008, visited 2009-07-28)

"CSOs include: business forums, faith-based associations, labor unions, local community groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), philanthropic foundations, and think tanks. Usually excluded are not only the branches of government (government agencies and legislators) but also individual businesses, political parties, and the media."
(International Monetary Fund (IMF), The IMF and Civil Society Organizations, 2008, visited 2009-08-07)