Voluntary agencies have played many roles in the developmental sectors of the country. These roles have ranged from that of a provider of relief during disasters to a facilitator of long-term development programmes and a social activist. Over the years, these agencies have gained a great deal of grass-roots experiences in managing development programmes. This paper is a preliminary attempt to identify some of the critical choices they have made with respect to goals, services, and sections of the community to be served, technology and organization. Through an analysis of the experiences of three voluntary agencies in backward areas, the paper presents some pointers for development programme managers and interested others for further work and deeper reflection.