In Vietnam, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially those related to science and technology under the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), are increasingly implementing community research and development projects. Survey findings, which are based on the segregation and analysis of data of the state-level scientific research project entitled “Improving the state management of associations and non-governmental organisations to meet the requirements of building a socialist rule of law state” hosted by the VUSTA for the period 2018-2020, show that many diverse practical models are being researched and piloted in practice by NGOs. The organisations not only play a role in technical assistance, but are also sometimes responsible for “free” services that provide practical benefits to the community. The article also focuses on clarifying the strengths, advantages, contributions, difficulties, and limitations of the NGOs under the VUSTA as a case study for community research and development and sustainable development in different regions of Vietnam at present.