"Can NGOs provide alternative development in a market-based system of global economics?" Today, a full ten years after the author first asked this question, individuals still have only partial answers. There is no doubt that NGOs are playing in a more significant role in global ODA (overseas development assistance). While the reasons for supply of aid are varied, certainly furthering the institutional or national strength of the donor is a primary consideration. While NGOs may not entirely voice this agenda, NGOs are increasingly linked to the economic and political motives behind such aid. Additionally, NGOs' position between governments and economies means that they face controls that government recipients of international aid funds do not often face. This positions the NGOs in a constrained environment. In this context, NGOs sometimes act as agents of state or global economic forces. This article addresses these four points as a means of addressing the author's original question. (Contains 3 tables and 2 notes.)