In 2014 there were some notable developments in the CSO Sustainability Index of Armenia. According to the joint study, conducted by USAID and Civic Development and Partnership Foundation (CDPF), Armenia is in a good position as compared with other countries.

CSO Sustainability Index  measures advances and setbacks in the development of CSOs acting in 29 countries in Eastern Europe and Eurasia, and focuses on the legal environment, organizational capacity, financial viability, advocacy, service provision, infrastructure and public image.  

In 2014 Armenia recorded progress in 4 (organizational capacity, advocacy, infrastructure, public image) out of the 7 dimensions.

“We recorded that last year CSOs had more chances for development. The European Union started funding various programs aimed at organizational development. NGOs also better realize the importance of the development of their own organizations”, said CDPF expert Tatevik Margaryan during 2014 CSO Sustainability Index launch event on September 11.  

The report states that the CSOs are rather vulnerable in terms of their financial viability, which leads to jeopardized sustainability.    

The lack of strategic approach is among the challenges and main problems: CSOs are dependent on donor priorities and match their programs with those priorities.

“The international funding still remains the main source of funding. However, more grants are awarded to developed CSOs with rich track record and history,” Tatevik Margaryan mentioned.