What exactly *is* the difference between an NGO and a political party? They’re both volunteer-based groups formed to promote certain political viewpoints in public government. Both are primarily funded by donation or personal wealth and achieve their goals through support of ideologically similar candidates and targeted demographic advertising. 

## Possible Distinctions I Discarded ##

**Non-For-Profit**

[Political organizations are tax-exempt.][1]

And really, would any but the most Objectivist of parties tell you they *are* for profit?

 **Ability to Run Political Candidates**

[The Nation of Islam ran Abdul Alim Muhammad, Shawn Brakeen, and George X Cure for various state government positions in 1990.][2]

**Capacity to Operate Transnationally**

[The Arab Socialist Ba’ath Party is active in multiple Middle Eastern countries.][3]

**Independent of Government Influence**

And parties aren’t? 


  [1]: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/political-organizations
  [2]: https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1990/05/05/nation-of-islam-plans-to-run-1st-candidates-in-area-elections/0939cd0a-c050-4c6c-80e0-42db7c553a7e/
  [3]: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Bath-Party