Keywords
state funding of NGO
institutional constraints
civil society
How to Cite
Abstract
The article presents a study of the dual nature of state funding for non-governmental organizations in Russia during the period 2006–2021. Based on statistical data analysis, expert interviews, and surveys conducted among NGO managers, it demonstrates how state funding simultaneously generates formal and informal institutional constraints, leading to organizational isomorphism and limited autonomy. On the other hand, it creates new opportunities for NGO development within state-approved formats of activity. In response to this duality, NGOs develop various adaptive strategies: from conformism to balancing between different resource sources.
The research findings confirm the hypothesis about the transformation of Russian NGOs from independent civil society actors into integrated partners of the state in implementing social policy. The study contributes to the development of resource dependence theory and the concept of “managed civil society” in the context of hybrid political regimes.
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