The article analyzes the growing influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and their implementations in the policies on international, European and national levels. The role and influence of NGOs in the processes of creating and implementing policies related to the protection of cultural heritage is growing. This is explained both by the democratic processes in the management and implementation of policies, and by the growing need for active civic participation in these processes. Positive examples for the role of non-governmental organizations in non-formal education as an alternative form of education related to the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage are given. Good practices and partnerships of various cultural institutions and NGOs from Bulgaria and abroad are presented.