The voluntary sector is often perceived as effective in reaching poor and disadvantaged groups in developing countries. Drawing on the results of a series of project evaluations in Asia and Africa, this work lends support to the view that voluntary organizations are effective in reducing rural poverty, through a participatory approach, the involvement of committed staff, and a skilled and competent leadership. However, it also shows that voluntary agencies do not always reach the poor through economic programmes, that small-scale projects designed for the poor are often very costly, and that it can be difficult to sustain these efforts once outside support is withdrawn.