Civil society in Russia is still a fledgling sector, and a controversial subject to many.  While there has been a lot of growth in the years after the Soviet collapse, with some estimating that there are as many as 600,000 NGOs operating in the country (International Center for Non-Profit Law), civil groups have recently come under pressure from the Kremlin because they are seen as aiding the opposition or, in some cases, promoting a "color" revolution in Russia.  Civil society in Russia, as anywhere else, is extremely diverse in terms of size and structure.  Many Russian NGOs are now facing the question of viability without active support from Western organizations - support not only in terms of funding, but also in management and planning.  Despite several federal laws governing their activity, "On Public Associations", "On charitable Organizations and Charitable Activity", and "Non-Profit Organizations," NGOs still have a questionable legal status, which also threatens their growth. The recently passed amendments to the law "On Public Associations" have the potential to greatly disrupt NGO activity within Russia and the extent of the fallout from this action has yet to be determined. On July 4th 2006, President Putin told an NGO forum in Moscow "I admit the document has shortcomings" and has submitted presidential amandments to the Ministry of Justice (See Ria Novosti article here).

The idea of a civil society is developing in Russia, though strongly influenced by a tradition of philanthropy in Russian society. At present over 80% of all Russian companies make charitable donations, averaging between 11%-17% of profits. However, given the nebulous profit declaration environment in Russia, real figures are difficult to ascertain. Suffice to say a typical Western corporation will donate 1% or 2% of its profits to charities or NGOs.

A common misconception found in press reportage is that Russian NGO leaders are liberal and/or pre-western (particularly in the light of criticism of recent amendments to the Law on NGO's). This is plain wrong. Russian philanthropy is overwhelmingly directed towards supporting state approved projects and state-run institutions such as orphanages and hospitals. Contributions from corporations total about 70% of all charitable donations in Russia. Foreign private donors constitute 8% and primarily fund NGOs which in Russia could be seen as troublesome or even parasitic (See here for further details).

A majority of respondents to a 2005 Survey conducted by donorsforum.ru felt that NGOs should work primarily in health, family support, housing, education and social services. 1% felt NGOs should foster an independent mass media. The Institute of Urban Economics 2004 Survey on the Role of the Non-Profit Sector in Economic Development of Russia is also available here.

In this section, as well as providing information on the NGO sector in Russia, we are also building a database of NGOs organized by type.  Most of them are based in Moscow, though some have extended their endeavours to the regions. If you know of a group we are missing, please email ivor@russiaprofile.org. NGO's operating in several fields (ie. poverty alleviation, health, education, business development) are found on the "Other" page listed below.

last updated January 31, 2006