Cambodian NGOs Face Worsening Financial Crisis Amidst Declining Foreign Aid

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Cambodia are facing unprecedented financial pressure due to a decline in foreign aid, according to a report from the Asian Charity and Social Center (CAPS) titled 'The 2026 Doing Good Index.' The report states that a staggering 93% of NGOs in Cambodia currently rely on foreign funding. Despite these challenging circumstances, Cambodian civil society organizations continue to strive to maintain their operations, the 113-page report emphasizes. Furthermore, the activities of these civil society organizations still command significant public trust, with approximately 55% receiving societal confidence. This financial challenge could have long-term implications for Cambodia's social development and humanitarian efforts. For NGOs working in areas such as poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and environmental protection, a lack of funding could mean scaling back or halting operations. The Cambodian government may need to explore new funding mechanisms and promote the utilization of domestic resources to ensure the sustainability of the NGO sector. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer