The ex-ante evaluation was carried out by Gerry van der Kamp-Alons, Rikke Ponger, Liza Steultjens (Nijmegen School of Management), Luuk van Kempen and Lau Schulpen (Faculty of Social Sciences). They investigated what the consequences would be for civil society organisations if the so-called threshold criterion were to be raised: the requirement that organisations derive a minimum proportion of their income from sources other than the Ministry. The researchers analysed financial data from civil society organisations, conducted a survey among more than 160 organisations and interviewed representatives and policymakers to gain an understanding of the potential opportunities, risks and areas for consideration.
The research shows that raising the threshold criterion could result in more organisations struggling to meet the conditions for funding, and that the consequences may not be the same for all organisations. Van der Kamp-Alons: “In particular, (smaller) Dutch NGOs that collaborate with local partners, and Southern NGOs, may face additional challenges. Unlike larger international NGOs, these organisations find it more difficult to find alternative donors.” The study also shows that financial dependence on government grants is a complex issue. This is because it is not solely influenced by grant conditions. Van der Kamp-Alons: “You also need to take broader policy objectives into account. After all, you want NGOs to become less dependent on a single donor, but you do not want the policy designed to achieve that to come at the expense of diversity or innovation.”
The researchers’ recommendations are organised across three levels: strategic, tactical and operational. At the strategic level, the researchers call for a clear vision of the relationship between the government and civil society organisations. At the tactical level, they recommend examining whether the threshold criterion is actually the most suitable way to encourage financial independence. Or are there other measures that might work better? And at the operational level, they emphasise the importance of clear rules, a careful transition phase and good support for civil society organisations when changes are implemented.
The research we carried out on behalf of the Ministry shows that the contribution of the measure to the desired outcome is limited, whilst the measure would also entail undesirable side effects.
The researchers are pleased that the report has contributed to the policy-making process. Van der Kamp-Alons: “Political considerations may give rise to the need to consider a higher threshold criterion. The research we carried out on behalf of the Ministry shows that the contribution of the measure to the desired outcome is limited, whilst the measure would also entail undesirable side effects. It is encouraging that the Minister is taking the research findings seriously and using them to reconsider the Ministry’s previous policy intentions.”
Read the full research report and letter to Parliament here: https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/brieven_regering/detail?id=2026Z17041&did=2026D38681