The article deals with the status of non-governmental organisations since the creation of Czechoslovakia up until the present. In the first part, we focus on NGOs that were creating the first democratic society. These NGOs were oriented towards equality, charity and health, but especially focused on environmental organisations and organisations for free-time activities. The next part describes the totalitarian regime era – Fascism and Communism. These two periods boldly influenced peoples’ thinking and behaviour. All organisations were under control of the totalitarian regime and their activities were dictated by the communist dictatorship. The last part shows the problems of the new democratic society. NGOs have a major role in human rights development and the creation of civil society. Moreover, the basic principle of volunteer work, support of NGOs financial funds by people is described here. In this part we also consider the contribution of NGOs to the employment and deinstitutionalisation of care for handicapped people. The ongoing effort of the state to control the development of the NGO sector and its influence on civil society is also mentioned here.