In Russia, the landscape of socially oriented non-profit non-governmental organizations numbers around sixty thousand. This figure was highlighted by the General Director of the Presidential Grant Fund, Ilya Chukalin, during the International Exhibition and Forum Russia, aligned with the Day of Non-Profit Organizations. The event brought together leaders from civil society to reflect on the sector’s scale and its public impact.
Chukalin noted that roughly three out of ten of these organizations have benefited from funding support provided by the Presidential Grant Fund. He described the fund’s seven-year track record, during which approximately 70 billion rubles were allocated to support civil society activities. He also projected that the total annual revenue of non-profit organizations could approach one trillion rubles, underscoring the sector’s significant economic footprint alongside its social contributions.
The official traced the growth of the non-profit sector in Russia to decisions made at the federal level that shape both the policy environment and the funding landscape. He emphasized that public support for civil society institutions, including non-profit organizations, became a constitutional responsibility after amendments adopted in 2020. Under constitutional provisions, the government undertakes measures to bolster civil society participation in state development. The continuation of Presidential grant support was also highlighted as a persistent element of Russia’s framework for nurturing non-profit activity. Additionally, President Vladimir Putin has declared that reduced insurance premiums for NPOs would remain in force, a policy designed to ease operational costs for these organizations.
Chukalin argued that the Russian approach to taxation and funding for non-profit organizations stands out on the global stage. He asserted that the country has crafted a tax and support system that is unusually well-coordinated for civil society entities, with a level of forethought and clarity that, in his view, is unmatched elsewhere in the world. The discussion around these fiscal measures aimed to illustrate how public policy can sustain a robust ecosystem for non-profit work, enabling social programs to reach communities more effectively and with greater continuity.
During the theme day, NGO leaders from across the country gathered at the Russia exhibition to engage in a program filled with discussions, talk shows, master classes, quizzes, and performances. These activities were organized by non-profit organizations themselves and served as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and capacity building. The event highlighted the dynamic role that civil society plays in addressing social needs, promoting transparency, and fostering citizen engagement across diverse sectors such as education, health, culture, and human rights. It also offered attendees practical insights into program design, fundraising strategies, governance best practices, and public accountability. Throughout the exhibition grounds, participants shared experiences, showcased projects, and explored new avenues for partnerships between non-profit entities, government bodies, and the private sector. The gathering reinforced the idea that civil society thrives when policies align with on-the-ground needs, enabling nonprofits to scale impact while maintaining organizational integrity and accountability. The overall atmosphere reflected a sector that is both deeply committed to social purpose and increasingly adept at navigating the complexities of public funding, regulatory frameworks, and donor expectations. The conversations underscored the enduring importance of stable financing, transparent reporting, and strategic collaboration as non-profits strive to maximize their contributions to citizens’ welfare and social development. In sum, the day highlighted a robust ecosystem in which policy, practice, and public trust reinforce one another to sustain civil society for the long term. The event’s outcomes suggest a continued emphasis on fiscal prudence, meaningful impact measurement, and inclusive governance that invites broad participation from communities and stakeholders alike. The ongoing support mechanisms for non-profit organizations are presented as integral to Russia’s broader objectives of social resilience and democratic engagement, with the hope that sustained investment will translate into measurable improvements in public services and civic life. This perspective aligns with a growing view among policymakers and civil society leaders that a thriving non-profit sector is a catalyst for social innovation and long-term national well-being.