Russia Business Directory

This section covers different aspects of the Russian society. The section is under construction. Information will be added soon

Civil society and non-governmental organisations

More than 300 thousands NGOs are registered in Russia, and the number is increasing. However, quite a few of these are sleeping entitites.

In accordance with the Civil Code of the Russian Federation NGOs can be established in the form of public associations, religious organizations, funds, institutions, consumers’ co-operatives, and also autonomous non-commercial organizations, non-commercial partnerships, units of apartment’s owners and others. The law also determines the aims of NGOs activities like philanthropic, cultural, educational, scientific, managerial, public health, development physical training and sport, satisfaction of spiritual and other immaterial needs, human rights protection, conflict and controversy solving, legal assistance, and also other goals, aimed at the attainment of public goods.

There are four main groups of Russian NGOs:
1) NGOs receiving governmental financing in the framework of target programs usually on the base of tender. Donations of the Russian companies and private persons, membership fees can be additional funding sources;
2) West-oriented NGOs living on grants and support of foreign companies.
3) NGOs that are equally successful both in getting of governmental and municipal support, and in effective cooperation with international granting programs and funds.
4) NGOs that work on the principles of self-financing. These organizations receive significant financial support due to individual and collective donations and investments, and membership fees. At the same time voluntary resources and “social capital” of leaders of the organisations are actively used.

Source: Socmag.ru, article "The third sector in Russia" by O.I.Borodkina and A.N. Smirnova.

Some business-related NGOs

Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises (FASIE) - eng

Woman and Society - rus

PR-Association - rus

SMB Association (Opora) - rus

Union of Journalists - rus

Religion
Russian churches - information about churches in the Russian Federation (nor)
The Russian Orthodox Church Patriarchy  - official site (rus/eng)
The Russian Patriarch Cathedral of the name of Jesus Christus (rus)
The Moscow Church of the Veil of Our God blessed Mother (eng)
Russian Orthodox Life – news and events from Russian Orthodox Life (rus)