The decades from the 1960s to the 1980s were prolific in the emergence of a significant and diverse movement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Latin America. In the case of Chile, grassroots educational organisations navigated various political contexts. Initially, they played an active part in the process of social mobilisation and the emergence of new progressive trends of thought and political behaviour. Later, in reaction to the civic-military dictatorship, they were forced to adapt themselves and played an oppositional role. Drawing on the review of academic literature and interviews with researchers and activists, the article establishes a macro and meso political-historical analysis of this period. Analysis is focused on the transitions experienced by organisations, the changing role of the State and international alliances, and the different forms of linkage between governments, ideological currents, and social actors during these diverse political and social contexts.