Understanding the Funding Priorities of Pakistani NGOs: Insights and Overlooked Areas

Note: The NGOs had the option to select multiple priority areas, resulting in the total percentage exceeding 100%. It was an online survey conducted between 1st and 15 Jan 2025. Total 184 responses received. We took help from ChatGPT in analyzing data and writing this article.

Pakistan’s NGO sector plays a vital role in addressing the country’s social, economic, and environmental challenges. With limited resources and competing needs, NGOs often rely on external funding to carry out their programs. A recent survey of 184 NGOs highlights the key areas where they are seeking financial support, shedding light on both their priorities and the sectors they have largely overlooked.

Key Priorities for Pakistani NGOs

The survey data reveals that NGOs in Pakistan are most focused on addressing issues related to health, education, vulnerable populations, and climate change. Here are the primary areas of interest:

1. Health and Education: Health and education emerged as the most sought-after sectors for funding. Nearly 69.6% of respondents identified education as a priority, while 58.2% highlighted health. This reflects a strong focus on improving access to healthcare services and quality education—key areas for long-term development.
2. Child Protection and Women’s Issues: Issues like Child Protection (51.6%) and Women’s Issues (50%) are high on the agenda, indicating a commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of vulnerable groups, particularly children and women.
3. Climate Change and Environmental Concerns: With 48.4% of respondents interested in funding for climate change and pollution-related projects, there is a clear acknowledgment of the environmental challenges Pakistan faces and the urgency to address them.
4. Youth, Livelihood, and Disaster Management: Youth programs (51.1%), Livelihood initiatives (45.7%), and Disaster Mitigation/Management (37.5%) are other significant areas of interest. These priorities reflect the importance of equipping young people with opportunities, fostering economic stability, and building resilience in disaster-prone regions.
5. Minority Rights and Transgender/LGBTQ Issues: While less prominent, Minority Rights (28.3%) and Transgender/LGBTQ Issues (20.1%) were identified as areas needing funding. This demonstrates a growing awareness of inclusivity and the importance of supporting marginalized communities.
6. Water and Sanitation: With 39.7% of respondents focusing on water and sanitation, the need for improved basic infrastructure remains a critical concern.
7. Governance and Peacebuilding: Governance (32.6%) and Peace/Countering Extremism (28.3%) reflect ongoing challenges in fostering stability and good governance, as well as addressing extremism.

Neglected Areas in NGO Priorities

While the survey highlights areas of significant interest, it also reveals sectors that are largely overlooked:

1. Arts, Culture, and Language Development: Only 0.5% of respondents expressed interest in funding for arts, painting, and language development. This suggests limited focus on cultural preservation and creative expression, which are critical for fostering national identity and innovation.
2. Vocational Training and Senior Citizens: Vocational training and programs for senior citizens received minimal attention, with just 0.5% of responses. These areas are crucial for promoting economic self-reliance and addressing the needs of Pakistan’s aging population.
3. Energy Rights and Infrastructure Development: Issues such as Energy Rights and Infrastructure/Human Rights were virtually ignored, despite their importance for sustainable development and addressing systemic inequities.
4. Institutional Development and Capacity Building: Only 0.5% of respondents prioritized Institutional Development and Organizational Development, indicating a lack of focus on building the internal capacities of NGOs. This gap could limit the effectiveness of their programs.
5. Support for Journalists and Lawyers: The lack of interest in funding for Journalist Funds and Lawyer Support reflects a missed opportunity to strengthen accountability, transparency, and access to justice—essential pillars of a democratic society.
6. Interactive Theater and Community Engagement: Interactive theater, a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering community dialogue, was mentioned by only 0.5% of respondents. This indicates that NGOs may not fully recognize the potential of creative and innovative engagement strategies.

Implications and Recommendations

The data underscores both the strengths and gaps in the priorities of Pakistani NGOs:

• Strengths: The emphasis on health, education, women’s issues, and climate change is commendable, as these sectors address some of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges. Increased funding in these areas can significantly impact the socio-economic development of the country.
• Gaps: The neglect of arts, vocational training, institutional development, and creative engagement strategies highlights the need for a more holistic approach. Addressing these overlooked areas can open up new funding streams and create opportunities for innovative solutions.

Conclusion

The survey provides valuable insights into the priorities and gaps within Pakistan’s NGO sector. While health, education, and climate change dominate the funding landscape, there is an urgent need to diversify focus and explore underrepresented sectors. By doing so, NGOs can ensure a more balanced and inclusive approach to development, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more resilient society.