Funding from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are very important contributions to the implementation of poverty reduction and socio-economic development. To ensure the success of these projects/programs, the role of foreign NGOs and their contribution must be thoroughly understood. However, how to maintain and improve the effective role of foreign NGOs in implementing the projects is a difficult question for policy making agencies in developing country. My research will focus on identifying the concept of NGOs - What are NGOs? What are their functions in development? How have NGOs grown in Vietnam? And what are their contributions to poverty reduction and development process in the country? From the findings, the research will explore and list out the limitations and existing problems of foreign NGOs, and proposed solutions to enhance the effectiveness of projects/programs funded by foreign NGOs to promote long-term and sustainable achievements of the country.
I used quantitative and qualitative methods for my research. For field research, I conducted either face-to-face or Internet phone (Skype) interviews with foreign NGO employees, government officials at central and provincial levels, and local beneficiaries to determine the levels of contribution of foreign NGOs in development. Also, I collected site documents produced by foreign NGOs, stakeholders, and government agencies such as working reports, training materials, newsletters and websites, and minutes of meetings for my research.
In my thesis, I proposed that in order to maintain the level of foreign NGOs’ involvement, funding sources, and to ensure the sustainability of development programs in the country, Vietnamese governmental agencies should continuously enhance their efforts in maintaining and securing more fund from foreign NGOs and international donors by amending related legal documents with simplified and speedy procedures, building capacity for local partners to facilitate foreign NGOs operation in the country and advocate, raise funds and communicate with foreign NGOs and donors more effectively to achieve local needs.