In order to maintain relations with the nongovernmental sector and to channel propaganda to interested parties, intergovernmental organizations such as United Nations bodies and the European Community "sponsor" creation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). These NGOs often duplicate the work of existing organizations which have been created from a genuine coming together of groups or individuals with common concerns, and which are either unknown to the intergovernmental body because of lack of research or which are wary of becoming to closely dependent on the intergovernmental body and thus losing their autonomy. Because of superior resources and access to the media provided by the intergovernmental body, the "synthetic" NGO may easily displace the genuine, grassroots organization and thus stifle independent activity.