Since 2010 some 50,000 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have been founded across the country, with only 216 ceasing their operations.
This growth contrasts with the broader economic landscape, where thousands of service, trade and manufacturing firms suspend operations annually, whereas the nonprofit sector sees only a handful of closures, though the reasons for such a stark difference may be rooted in more areas than merely financial performance.
Over the last 14 years, the nonprofit sector in Poland has grown by 50 percent, with an average of nine NGOs being registered daily.
As of the end of 2023, Poland boasted over 155,000 associations and foundations, with more than 900 new entities emerging since the beginning of 2024, according to data from the National Court Register (KRS) analyzed on behalf of the Dr. Clown Foundation.
Despite this thriving ecosystem, the https://www.drclown.pl/, a pioneer in laughter therapy for children, seniors and people with disabilities, emphasizes the need for education about the operations and benefits of such organizations to foster more comprehensive support.
Polish citizens show a relatively low awareness of nonprofit activities, with correspondingly low levels of financial support. Compared to 2022, last year saw a decline of 3 million taxpayers who directed the allowable portion of their income tax to public benefit organizations.
The analysis, performed in early March by the consulting company Dun & Bradstreet, reveals that approximately 121,000 of these organizations are various associations, with a projected increase to 123,500 by year-end.
Despite the challenges, nearly 87 percent of these entities are in good or very good financial health. However, the sector experienced a slight dip between 2018 and 2019 when 7,600 entities were removed from the REGON register for not transitioning to the National Court Register, marking the only decline in an otherwise upward trajectory.
Agata Bednarek, head of the Dr. Clown Foundation, noted that the growing number of public benefit organizations reflects an increasing social awareness and the development of a civic society. Yet, 40 percent of Poles do not associate at all with the activities of these organizations, and the drop in tax-deductible donations highlights an urgent need for greater public education on the impact of nonprofit work.
"According to our observations, the more donors know about the activities of the organization and how it utilizes funds, the more willingly they provide support, not just financial," said Bednarek. "Therefore, education about the actions of foundations and associations is very important and allows for more effectively building the common good."
The foundation itself stands as a testament to the sector's vitality, leveraging its large network of volunteers to bring smiles to nearly 41,000 beneficiaries annually across Poland. Through laughter and joy, Dr. Clown volunteers contribute to the wellbeing of patients in hospitals and specialized facilities, showcasing the potential for positive influence of nonprofit initiatives on societal health.
(rt/gs)
Source: pap.pl/mediaroom