Russia steps up support to NGOs
Russian federal authorities are stepping up the support to NGOs in the country. This year, a total of 1,5 billion RUB will be allocated to the support of the organisations.
For the third year in a row, Russian authorities are offering open funding to NGOs. While the money offered in 2006 totalled 500 million RUB, the sum has increased rapidly to 1,5 billion RUB this year. According to Rossiiskaya Gazeta, as many as 4500 NGOs last year applied for the money. A total of 1225 organisation were among the lucky recepients. -This shows that the public organisations are gaining strength with the help of the state and that their influence in society is increasing, the Rossiiskaya Gazeta concludes. Russian President-elect Dmitrii Medvedev has himself underlined the importance of civil society in the development of Russia
