NGO perspectives on policy issues are solicited in a number of ways. Since 1990, the regular IFAD/NGO Consultations have provided the opportunity for NGOs and IFAD staff to discuss policy and operational issues. The latest Consultation, the largest to date, focused on how, tripartite partnerships among IFAD, governments and NGOs can be improved in practice, to maximize impact on poverty.

Increasingly, efforts are being made to draw on NGO knowledge and experience in the earliest stages of country strategies, when programmes and projects are being articulated and formulated. For example, in India and The Philippines, NGOs were widely consulted during the preparation of the "country strategic opportunities paper" (COSOP). They also participate in the subsequent "reality check" workshops to review IFAD’s country strategy.

Finally, a number of grants are extended to NGOs to draw upon their knowledge and expertise in specific areas, such as microfinance. In addition, special studies are commissioned with NGOs to elicit their views on IFAD's regional assessments.