The sustainability of Civil Society Organizations has been stagnant since 2014, shows the Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for 2016 that was presented by a group of experts and representatives of SCOs, public institutions and development partners on August 8. According to the Index, the general score for 2016 is of 3.9 on a scale of 1 to 7. This remained unchanged for a period of three years even if particular minor progress was made in some areas, IPN reports, with reference to the Center for Organizational Consultancy and Training.
Among the minor results achieved is the partial restoration of tax concessions for private companies that make donations to SCOs for philanthropic or sponsorship purposes. The number of persons who were involved in volunteering activities increased, with the certification commission of the institution that hosted these activities issuing over 500 volunteer permits.
Changes were made to the legal framework on SCOs, but these didn’t considerably influence the activity of these organizations. There was approved the 2% Law that enables private individuals and legal entities to direct 2% of the income tax to an eligible organization. Even if the law came into force, its effects will start to be felt in 2017. The law on social entrepreneurship hasn’t been yet approved in the final reading. Thus, the concept of social enterprise in Moldova hasn’t been yet defined.
The sustainability of SCOs in the Transnistrian region continues to be rather low. On the pretext of taking security measures, the self-styled Transnistrian authorities intimidate the participants in the activities staged by SCOs, denigrate in public the image of SCOs and threaten their managers.
The Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index for Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia follows the progress of civil society in 24 states of the region, being compiled by USAID together with the partners from each analyzed state. In Moldova, the study is coordinated by Center for Organizational Consultancy and Training.
