Socially Oriented NGOs in the Context of Regional Challenges: The Case of the Republic of Karelia

Abstract

This article analyzes the development of socially oriented non-profit organizations (SONPO) in the Republic of Karelia in the context of regional socio-­economic and spatial challenges. The study aims to identify key issues affecting the functioning of SONPOs, compare the structure of the sector with the social needs of the population and describe the factors contributing to its regional specificity. The theoretical framework is based on a subjective approach to civil society, enabling us to consider the contributions of organizations and citizens as actors. The empirical basis includes semi-formal interviews with the heads of Karelian SONPOs, materials from a themed roundtable, as well as official statistics and industry ratings. It is evident that there is an imbalance in the region between pronounced social needs, such as a high proportion of the elderly, people with disabilities, and poverty levels, and the structure of the sector. Organizations providing direct social support account for a small proportion of the sector and are concentrated in Petrozavodsk. The key barriers to the sustainable development of SONPO are revealed, including grant dependence, staff shortages, a lack of transparency and low volunteer involvement. A typology of Karelian SONPO is proposed (resource-­mature, 'working' adaptive and 'club' local) and the influence of territorial and demographic conditions on their strategies is shown. This intelligence-­based study is limited to a small, targeted sample, but the results can inform the development of targeted support measures, such as diversification of financing, human resource development, strengthening information support, and interregional exchange.