The political foundations of state support for the nonprofit sector: An analysis of the distribution of "presidential grants" in Russia

Abstract

This article addresses the issue of support for civil society organizations in an authoritarian regime. Autocracies and civic associations are traditionally viewed as antagonists as the former frequently suppress the activity of the latter. However, recent research demonstrates that these relationships are more complex, and that autocracies can use such institutions to legitimize and strengthen their political resilience: autocracies use NGOs as feedback mechanisms, for monitoring problem situations, monitoring mobilization, and divide the non-profit sector into loyal and disloyal. Using data on the distribution of the "presidential grants" among human rights NGOs in Russia in 2017-2018 and data on the inclusion of the representatives of these organizations in state-sponsored institutions (consultative bodies, the All-Russian People's Front, and parliamentary parties), we analyze the relationship between these two indicators and find evidence for political bias in providing financial help. In particular, we find that affiliation with the All-Russian People's Front (a Kremlin initiative) and systemic opposition both positively affect the likelihood of obtaining a larger grant. Affiliation with the ruling party is not a factor in this regard. We conclude that the promotion of the political loyalty of NGOs via the redistribution of state financial help is a more subtle mechanism than might seem at first glance.