ngo's also count on help from public service city offices such metrô rio and light, government ministers such as the ministério da cultura and and the secretaria de cultura do estado do rio de janeiro, and various philanthropists.

in addition to all the ngo's operating inside rio's communities, over the years, favelas' residents united into associação de moradores (neighborhood associations), and fought for recognition, education, and for urban development. 

through these neighborhood associations, contact information can be found about the local groups and activities, and should be the first step in planning any research, or visit.  especially if interested in communities that are not normally visited.