Abstract
This article examines how international resources can be used to strengthen local support for civil society initiatives in
China to improve the circumstances of poor and vulnerable populations. It identifies ways in which international resources
have strengthened civil society in other countries, such as enhancing access to financial resources, building capacity of
leaders and organizations, reducing sector fragmentation, building public legitimacy and improving cross-sector relations.
It examines the characteristics and special circumstances facing civil society in China, arguing that institutional constraints
are particularly problematic. Then it explores how international resources might be applied to each of the problem areas identified
given the constraints of the Chinese context. Finally the article articulates five principles that might guide international
donors for building more local support for civil society activity in China.
China to improve the circumstances of poor and vulnerable populations. It identifies ways in which international resources
have strengthened civil society in other countries, such as enhancing access to financial resources, building capacity of
leaders and organizations, reducing sector fragmentation, building public legitimacy and improving cross-sector relations.
It examines the characteristics and special circumstances facing civil society in China, arguing that institutional constraints
are particularly problematic. Then it explores how international resources might be applied to each of the problem areas identified
given the constraints of the Chinese context. Finally the article articulates five principles that might guide international
donors for building more local support for civil society activity in China.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original paper
- Pages 1-23
- DOI 10.1007/s11266-011-9231-3
- Authors
- L. David Brown, Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Xing Hu, Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations, Harvard University, 79 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Journal Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations
- Online ISSN 1573-7888
- Print ISSN 0957-8765