Teaching Paper: Glossary of Legitimacy Concepts in Non-Profit Governance

Legitimacy is a multidimensional and contested concept in non-profit governance, shaping how organizations build trust, accountability, and authority. This Teaching Paper provides a comprehensive glossary of legitimacy-related terms drawn from theory and practice, encompassing legal, moral, representational, epistemic, and procedural dimensions. Each entry combines academic definition with practical application, enabling accessibility for scholars, students, and practitioners. By translating abstract concepts into actionable language and linking them to governance tools such as audits, participatory reviews, and stakeholder mapping, the glossary bridges theory and implementation. Designed as both a companion to legitimacy assessment frameworks and a standalone learning resource, it supports capacity building, institutional learning, and shared understanding of legitimacy across diverse NGO contexts.