The effects of the 2008/9 economic recession on NGO sustainability and functioning in the South African social services, health and education sectors

Abstract

A quantitative electronic survey conducted to explore and analyse the impact of the recent economic recession on South African NGOs in the social service, health and education sectors revealed that they received less funding and that this had a negative impact on organisational output. Despite the threat to their sustainability and functioning during this period, the recession also created opportunities to develop and implement strategies that minimised such negative impacts and ensured sustainability. While most respondent organisations were optimistic about their longterm sustainability, a significant number expressed concern about their ability to survive the long-term effects of the economic recession.