On the specifics of institutionalization process of non-profit organizations in Russia

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the institutionalization process of non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Russia, defined as the entrenchment within society of norms, rules, and behavioral patterns associated with their functioning. The study covers the period from the emergence of the non-profit sector from the 1990s to 2024. A central issue addressed is the low level of popularity and trust among Russian citizens towards NPOs. This is attributed primarily to insufficient public awareness about the actual activities of these organizations. An important aspect of the research involves tracking the evolution of state policy regarding NPOs. It reveals that while during the 1990s–2000s, the focus was on developing NPOs as promoters of civil society institutions, since the 2010s they have been increasingly seen by authorities mainly as partners for implementing social policies. This thesis is supported through an analysis of legal regulations governing third sector entities. Introducing the concept of “socially oriented nonprofit organization†into legislation, providing tax benefits, allowing NPOs participation in public-private partnerships, and creating registries of social service providers are shown to aim specifically at integrating the non-profit sector into the national system of social services. The conclusion draws that, notwithstanding considerable progress, it is premature to declare the full-fledged institutionalization of third sector organizations. Nevertheless, they currently function as highly efficient partners for the state in tackling social problems, a feature typical of the European non-profit sector model, albeit with a Russian particularity manifested in intensified state oversight.