In partnerships we trust: NGO-donor relations. A case study of Romanian civil society support and development NGOs

摘要

In Romania, as in other Eastern European countries, the non-profit sector developed with funds and expertise from international donor organizations. This paperconsiders the relationship between non-profit organizations and their sponsors; particularly the influence funding has had on the structure of the former and their peer partnerships. To develop, NGOs have had to build a funding record; consequently, they have put a strong emphasis on the vertical relationship with their donors and the requirements of the latter for funding. Competitions to secure funding, access to specific know-how, the consolidation of the grants’ market have had a bearing on peer networks between non-profits. Ultimately, NGOs have been left with the difficult task of having to navigate between a pragmatic approach, to stay active in the sector, and their mission, to support the development of civil society.