Publication Date
Fall 2002
Abstract
This study investigates the financial conditions of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) in Africa with emphasis on the sources of funds. Africa faced with the enormous task of development and improving the general well being of its people could benefit from the services of nonprofit organizations. However, the ability of these NPOs to accomplish development goals and represent the interest of the marginalized depends on the availability and adequacy of resources. The results of this study contradict the common notion that the growth of the sector is fueled by the financial support of governments in the industrialized countries. Grassroot NPOs in Africa have minimum local access to international funds as well as minimal support from their governments. Most African NPOs in the study depend mostly on individual contributions, volunteer labor and self-effort. These sources are inadequate because of poor economic conditions. NPOs financial circumstances can improve tremendously with improved economic conditions.