Resource Mobilization and Performance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Ethiopia

The objective of the study was to establish the influence of resource mobilization on performance of local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Ethiopia. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach (descriptive survey and correlational research designs) to collect quantitative data using a survey questionnaire. The study’s unit of analysis was the local NGOs, while the units of observation were the CEOs and board chairpersons of the sampled organizations. Systematic sampling technique was used to select every 6th NGO in the sampling frame. SPSS aided in data analysis. Suitable responses for analysis were received from 475 out of 654 questionnaires distributed. Of these, there were 276 responses from CEOs and 199 from board chair persons. The study established that financial resource mobilization influence performance. However, there is very limited access to external foreign sources of funding. Even though donors are available to support Ethiopian NGOs, just a few are available for each NGO. Most NGOs lack operational resource mobilization strategies, have inadequate resources and mainly rely on the limited external foreign resources with little or no effort to operationalizeinternal resource mobilization strategies. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for NGOs, policymakers, academicians, and other stakeholders, enabling them to develop effective strategies for financial resource mobilization that can enhance the performance and impact of NGOs. The study was conceptualized on the overall effect of financial resource mobilization. A comparative analysis based on the source (internal versus external) would be welcome. Moreover, findings can be generalized to local NGOs in Ethiopia but international NGOs and NGOs outside the country may require a separate study due to differences in operational context. Studies at different time zones would provide more insights. The study focused on internal stakeholders, and other studies should aim to incorporate viewpoints from external stakeholders for a more comprehensive understanding.