Opinions of the public activists about the problems and prospects of development of NGOs and local communities in a small Russian city

The article examines the attitude of public activists to the problems and prospects of the development of non-profit associations and the local communities they represent in small-sized towns. The paper bases on an analysis of a comparative sociological investigation, realized in 2019 in 16 typical small Russian cities. The author shows the features of the public associations’ activity in small-sized towns and identifies both general and specific problems characteristic of the activity of NGOs and the development of local communities. Among the latter are the dependence on external sources of financing; limited funding opportunities in small towns; procedural and tax difficulties when creating and operating as a legal entity; weak or lack of coordination in the work of associations. In conclusion, the author gives an assessment of the place and role of public associations, as well as specific proposals regarding the prospects for the development of public associations and local communities in general.