Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are non-profit, voluntary, autonomous civic bodies driving community empowerment.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Distinctive institutional characteristics of NGOs:
1. Service-Oriented (A): Dedicated to humanitarian welfare, poverty alleviation, and social development.
2. Voluntary (B): Formed and driven by voluntary citizen initiative without statutory coercion.
3. Flexible (D): Free from rigid bureaucratic red-tape, enabling rapid grassroots adaptation to local needs.
(NGOs are non-profit [not money-minded] and autonomous [not government-controlled]).
Thus, features A, B, and D only are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the features are A, B and D only, corresponding to option (D).