From 2001 to 2002, 88 NGO representatives were cross-examined via a questionnaire by United Way Belarus. 47.7% of them completed the questionnaire in 2003, 33% in 2002 and 9.3% in 2001.

This survey gives an initial idea of which kinds of people are involved with NGO activity. The following elements make up our so-called portrait of NGO representation.

·              What kind of education NGO representatives possess;

·              In which profession they work;

·              For how long they have been working in the not-for-profit sector ;

·              The practical experience obtained during the time of their work in the not-for-profit sector;

·              The degree to which they are capable of using information technology.

In conclusion, it seems that the most active, educated and wealthy echelons of Belarusian society (i.e. the elite) has found for itself a place in the not-for-profit sector. Specifically, they are those who are able to see self-perpetuating social issues that remain unresolved and try, both on their own and with help from their social connections, to address such recurring problems.