Similarly to CSOs in other countries, financial sustainability is among the key challenges for the non-profit sector in Moldova.
Moldovan CSOs are overly dependent on external funding, according to the 2014 USAID CSO Sustainability Index, over 80% of CSO budgets continue to be from foreign donors’ funding.
To explore the potential of domestic funding for CSOs, ECNL contracted Moldovan experts to carry out a study on fundraising and philanthropy in Moldova. National Assistance and Information Center for NGOs Center Contact led the group in carrying out survey among CSOs in and outside of Chisinau, mapping the legal framework and developing a study report. Our team assisted with methodology, legal review and providing comparative examples from EU.
Two core problems identified during the research:
- unclear and non-harmonized legal framework on philanthropy; and
- lack of local capacities to raise private funds.
These issues will be further addressed under Moldova Partnerships for Sustainable Civil Society (MPSCS), implemented by FHI 360 and ECNL. The study was made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).