Sustainability Partnerships for NGOs in International Development: Towards an Adapatable Model of Social Franchising for Achieving and Sustaining a Wider Scale of Impact

Abstract

This major research paper discusses and assesses the prospects for achieving a wider, cross-boundary scale of reach and impact in a sustainable manner for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social enterprises, and the roles that a new wave of sustainability partnerships can play in making this possible. This assessment is grounded in an analysis of the primary and secondary literature currently available on the subject, as well as an analysis of pre-selected case studies of current examples of social franchising among non-profit actors in development and other forms of sustainability partnerships which resemble franchising. Certain aspects of these case studies are carefully dissected and contrasted against their counterparts to emphasize and highlight specific modalities and mechanisms which seem to contribute significantly to the overall success of the partnership venture. In chapter one, the roles of the nonprofit sector in development is contextualized through the consideration of the Sustainable Development Agenda and the re-orientation of international development best practices around sustainability, roots-based approaches and results-based work. A comprehensive review of the literature and current cases of social franchising establishes the debates and arguments in which this paper will situate itself. This is followed by a brief discussion of the paper’s chosen theoretical frameworks and research methodology. In chapter two, the first two case studies - CARDTS and the ShasthyaSena intervention - are examined, under the banner of short term relief intervention. In chapter three, the final two case studies - Farm Radio International and Care & Share Associates - are examined, under the banner of long term capacity building. In chapter four, a discussion of the findings drawn from the comparative analysis between the two major analytical categories is laid out, along with a table summarizing the comparison according to a sustainability gradient that is defined within the research methodology section of the first chapter. Implications for future sustainability partnerships in developing regions and recommendations for the relevant actors are also offered.