Approaching its financial sustainability
The Slovene NGDO Platform is in the process of developing its long-term financial strategy. It shall include various fundung resources; the governmental support (Slovene and other governments), private fundraising and self-financing through the income generating programmes.
Understanding the situation
In order to fully understand the successes, obstacles and future challenges regarding the financial sustainability of Slovene NGDO Platform initiative, we have to recognise the Slovene specific situation. At this point we will enlighten some main aspects/questions that arise in this situation:
• Addressing the developing cooperation issues in Slovenia
Although the development cooperation issues have become subject of discussions in recent years Slovenia has no strategic document, approved by the national Government and Parliament, giving an evidence of government systematic approach that would assure transparent mechanisms for implementation of the development cooperation programmes in near future.
• Capacity of Slovene NGOs is being questioned
The Slovene development NGOs have not been in position to benefit from recent global funding trends. Both, international community and the national government authorities have paid little attention to the development of civil society in Slovenia during the last decade. In comparison with other European countries in transition, the overall support to NGOs remained law. As a result, the majority of NGOs lack sufficient human and financial resourses, often relying on the volunteerism. Additionally, their capacity to manage larger grants is often questionned by potential donors, therefore funding is partially inaccessible to the demands of Slovenian NGOs.
• Special role of Slovene NGOs – possibility to strengthen their position
The Slovene NGOs have little experience in implementing development cooperation programmes beyond the Balkans region. Strong link with the region is based on historic, cultural and social continuities. Therefore the Slovenian NGDOs posses good knowledge and understanding of the situation/s in the region and are able to develop quality programmes.
Many of the European NGDOs have recognised the advantages of the Slovenian NGDOs in the Balkans’ region and expressed interest for possible partnerships. Therefore Slovenian NGDOs may have an opportunity to strengthen their position and capacities in this field...
