Beyond the Immediate Effects of COVID-19: Exploring the Consequences of the Pandemic on the Southern NGO Partners of Dutch INGOs

Abstract

Covid-19 has a significant impact on societies and individuals but also on organizations. Using a survey and focus group discussions, this article examines (perceptions of) Covid-19’s impact on the Southern NGO partners of Dutch INGOs in the context of international development. The analysis explores how Covid-19 has affected Southern NGOs’ (SNGOs) organizational capacity and relations with donors. This article finds that Covid-19 has had substantial and largely negative consequences on SNGOs’ financial situation, staffing, and activities. Furthermore, the findings suggest that Covid-19 contributed (at least temporarily) to more equal relations between Southern NGOs and donors. The results emphasize the need for donors, including INGOs, to offer financial safety nets to ensure that SNGOs remain operational when crises hit and the need for both sides to keep up the momentum to shift the power relation.