Public attitudes toward non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the Republic of Georgia

The growth of civil societies depends on many factors; a key component is the development of a robust variety of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide programs and services that a government cannot, will not or should not provide. NGOs also hold government and corporations accountable through efforts to increase transparency. But, NGOs can only sustain their efforts and succeed with public support. This descriptive research project gauges levels of public support for NGOs in different sectors of Georgian society. In 2012, using the chain-referral (or snowball) methodology, 961 respondents completed an online questionnaire to assess these attitudes. Key results indicate strong support (69%) for NGOs that are “helping people in Georgia live in a free country” by focusing on such issues as “voting, freedom for the press, television and individual rights.” This contrasts with the generally negative opinion (55%) that shows respondents perceive NGOs as “not effective” or ‘somewhat effective” in the broad mission of “meeting people’s needs.” In addition, 56% of the respondents reflected these negative views when asked about “NGOs helping people in Georgia with basic needs (food, housing, health services, clothing).” Noting the research limitations, the article concludes with suggestions for NGOs, the government and corporations, the three key components in developing civil societies.   Key words: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Georgia, Republic of Georgia, civil society, public attitudes.