“This is all a bottomless mess”: Reader on NGO administrative costs

A report on the “Democracy Lives!” sparks emotional debate: Readers heatedly debate how NGOs use taxpayers’ money. Calls to end state funding and widespread criticism of the bureaucracy are at odds – many want radical change, but others emphasize the need for increased control and transparency. Other debates revolve around the political role of NGOs and accusations of politically one-sided funding. Overall, there is a skeptical and often sarcastic attitude that expresses fundamental doubts about the efficiency and legitimacy of funding practices.

Criticism of state funding of NGOs

Readers sharply criticized the fact that tax money was channeled to NGOs. They see this as a waste of public resources and complain about a lack of transparency, control and political neutrality. Many have called for the total abolition of state funding and for NGOs to be financed exclusively from private donations. There are often accusations that state funding encourages corruption, nepotism and political partisanship.

Money is earned in a free economy. It is then distributed to groups who use it to earn a comfortable living. However, due to bankruptcy and layoffs, the amount of tax that must be collected is getting smaller. It would make sense to immediately eliminate everything that doesn’t make sense, but no, to do that we have to go into debt, which will then burden future generations on an ongoing basis. For original comments

“As far as I know, the German Society for the Rescue of Stranded People is financed exclusively by donations and other contributions (e.g. bequests) from people who are confident in their work and happy to support them. ‘Something’ went wrong.” For original comments

“First of all, stop tax support for all clubs. Since they may be generally tax-exempt and non-profit, they can continue their work with donations. Plus, there are no more administrative costs. The solution could be as simple as that.” For original comments

“Simply put, NGOs do not receive tax money! If services are needed, they must be officially advertised.” For original comments

Criticism of bureaucracy and administrative costs

The enormous administrative effort and high administrative costs involved in allocating funds are a major annoyance to readers. They complain that most of the funds do not go to projects, but instead flow to administration. Many see this as a waste of taxpayers’ money and an inefficient use of resources. The complexity of the system and the large number of participants were seen as structural problems – some commentators suggested a radical simplification of the bureaucracy or the elimination of the system altogether.

“It is nothing new for NGOs to use administrative costs to finance the lives of people who are unable to manage anything. Another question is why the state does not take over funds to finance tasks in the interests of NGOs.” For original comments

“This is an industry with thousands of employees who want their money at the start of the month. Many of them have no chance of finding work outside of NGOs due to their lack of qualifications. That’s why there are always loud protests when funding is supposedly cut.” For original comments

Critique of political influence by NGOs

Many readers expressed concern that state-funded NGOs pursue political goals and specifically promote left-wing or green positions in society through tax money. There is criticism that some NGOs ignore democratic principles or that their political influence is used as a one-way street. There are concerns that state funding will encourage the formation of one-sided opinions and weaken the neutrality of NGOs. Some parties see this as a threat to the democratic process.

“NGO Concept: Enforcing political extremes that would not gain a majority in a legitimate democratic process. These parties divert the enforcement of their interests outside the process of democratic governance. In this way, they can also carry out illegal actions that are contrary to the opinion of the majority. Example: Antifa, attacking Bernd Baumann. Paid with tax money. Sympathizes with Lars” Against the original comment

“The state should not support NGOs. NGOs is an abbreviation for non-governmental organizations. It is a paradox when the state funds them. What surprised me was that they were just green, left-wing NGOs. Many of them have a good life there.” For original comments

“It has nothing to do with democracy if you fight one side of the political spectrum and relativize the crimes of the other side.” For original comments

Sarcasm to promote democracy

Many readers commented cynically or ironically on the practice of promoting democracy. Bureaucracy is considered an end in itself and the actual social benefits of the program are questioned. The basic tenor is a skeptical distance towards the effectiveness and usefulness of state funding programs.

“Leave the NGO alone – its employees are supposed to live with what? Klingbeil has close connections or should he screw it up..:” Open original comment

“Grandmothers who oppose the right wing increase their meager pensions in this way. But politicians who are no longer needed due to shrinking percentages or incompetence in their previous positions can also survive in NGOs. New ways in the welfare state. Creative.” For original comments

“Many NGOs simply “accommodate” colleagues, friends and acquaintances because they don’t have opportunities elsewhere. This is a self-serving mentality that is primarily red-green, which leads to taxpayers being further cheated.” For original comments

Criticism of transparency and accountability

In the eyes of many readers, providing funds is seen as irresponsible and irresponsible. They complain that there are too many actors involved so no one is left in charge. This leads to a lack of control, possible corruption and distrust of the entire system. Demands for consistent accountability and comprehensive audits are increasing.

“It’s a symptom of everything. No one knows where the precious tax money is going to waste. But one thing is certain, everyone’s coffers are empty, everyone wants more money. Germany is bankrupt and the economy is in decline. Soon, there will be no more rich people left to chance.” For original comments

“NGOs have the right to determine which organizations receive funding from tax dollars. I’ve always thought that decision-making regarding tax dollars is the responsibility of the state. Well, there’s at least something wrong there.” For original comments

“The only way to clean up this mess is to stop payments completely and then see where the leaves start to wither. If something that seems reasonable then withers, then you can continue funding the newly designed program.” For original comments

Skepticism towards NGO independence

From this perspective, there are doubts about the independence of NGOs if they depend on government funding. According to Lese, receiving funds from tax revenues makes NGOs organizations affiliated with the state and unable to play an important role in relation to politics. The question is whether the initial goals of civil society initiatives can actually be achieved and whether alternative, purely private funding models are needed.

“Why don’t the activists of these NGOs fund their own causes and organizations, but let the state do it? The answer is simple, because without them working in these NGOs, they would not have the income to keep their NGOs running. Almost all NGOs depend on state financial resources. Therefore, the name NGO is just a joke. The letter N can be removed.” For original comments

“The name of these newly founded NGOs (non-governmental organizations) is a big lie; they are against democracy because they are funded to influence it.” For original comments

“NGOs are not democratic organizations if they are filtered by politics and supported only based on their own ideas. This is more reminiscent of the GDR or the Third Reich, when certain organizations were used to shape opinion. Democracies thrive on freedom of expression and not on state-financed opinion formation in the interests of established parties. Moreover, democracy should be a common goal. Stimulate discourse. This is no longer the case in Germany.” For original comments

Other sounds

Here you will find contributions that cannot be clearly assigned to one of the main perspectives. Many contributions are general in nature, expressing anger or resignation about taxes, administration or the political system, without directly addressing the core of the NGO debate. Some comments relate more to fringe political issues or a series of individual examples.

“The only thing that matters is that ever-higher taxes and duties are paid on time. Our rulers around the world and in this country are shouting louder and louder.” For original comments

“Replace NGO administration with AI. Invest the money saved in schools.” For original comments

Join the discussion: Is state funding for NGOs still appropriate, or do we need fundamental reform? Do transparency and efficiency need to be strengthened, systems radically eliminated, or funding eliminated altogether? Share your thoughts on the role of NGOs in democracy and suggestions from readers’ debates – your perspective matters!