Soft issues in resource attraction and retention: An exploration of the determinants of funding levels for NGOs in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study investigated the soft issues fundamental to the determinants of funding levels of local NGOS in Zimbabwe. Local level NGOs are indigenous non-profit making organisations who are owned and run by locals and they include organisations such as national NGOs, Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) and Community-Based organisations (CBOs) whose activities fall within the functional categories of advocacy and service delivery. The overall objective of the study was to explore the determinants of funding levels for local NGOs in Zimbabwe. The main hypothesis of the study stated that “the determinants of funding levels of local NGO in Zimbabwe is determined by factors other than the political image”. In endeavouring to measure the stated hypothesis, the study adopted an experimental research design which took the form of a descriptive survey. The study adopted a systematic random sampling technique to sample 100 respondents who were drawn from the local NGOs who constituted the studied sample. Data was collected using a structured research tool which was in the form of a five point Likert scale. Collected data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The findings were presented graphically using pie charts, histograms, bar graphs and statistical tables. The major findings of study indicated that soft issues played a catalytic role in the determinants of funding levels for local level NGOs inZimbabwe. Thesoft issues that emerged prominent in thefindings were sex of leader, network affiliation, and management style and market presence. Network affiliation and market presence were found to exert more weight compared to the sex of leaders and the management styles, in determining funding levels of local NGOs. The study produced landmark findings which give important clues to local level NGOs on the impact of soft issues in determining donor funding. The study has made significant theoretical contributions in that it has demonstrated the value of soft issues in determining funding for local level NGOs in Zimbabwe. This has been an inherent gap since local NGOs believed the narrative that NGO funding levels were affected by the political image of the country. The major recommendations of the study were that, local level NGOs should prioritise sprucing up soft issues which have been found to be key determinants for funding. This involves ensuring gender balanced management mix, forging like-minded coalition for local level NGOs, as well as making an aggressive market presence. The study concluded by suggesting areas for further research which included determining the impact of free entry and free exit on the determinants of local level NGO funding in Zimbabwe.