ASSESSING THE FINANCIAL LIMITATIONS ON PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION IN NGOs A CASE STUDY OF FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATIONS OF MALAWI (FPAM)

This article investigates the pervasive challenge of financial limitations in Non-Governmental
Organization (NGO) project implementation, using the Family Planning Association of Malawi
(FPAM) as an in-depth case study. Framed by Resource Dependency Theory (RDT), the research
employs a qualitative methodology including semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions,
and document analysis to explore how donor dependency shapes operational realities. Findings
reveal financial constraints, manifesting as insufficient funding, delayed disbursements, and
restrictive donor conditions, critically disrupt project planning, compromise service quality, and
undermine community trust. While FPAM employs reactive coping strategies like cost-cutting and
donor negotiation, these are insufficient for fostering long-term resilience. The article identifies a
consequential power imbalance inherent in the donor-recipient relationship, which limits
organizational autonomy and strategic alignment with local needs. It concludes by proposing a
multi-stakeholder framework for action, advocating for enhanced internal financial governance,
strategic diversification of funding, donor policy reform towards flexibility, and stronger local
partnerships. This study contributes context-specific evidence to the literature on NGO
management in resource-constrained settings and offers pragmatic pathways from financial
vulnerability towards sustainable impact. The study also emphasizes the need for adaptive leadership, context-sensitive donor engagement, and stronger accountability mechanisms to support sustainable project outcomes in financially constrained NGO environments. The findings further highlight the importance of adaptive leadership, improved accountability mechanisms, and context-sensitive donor engagement in strengthening organizational resilience. Emphasizing learning, innovation, and locally driven decision-making, the study underscores how NGOs can gradually reduce dependency risks while maintaining effective service delivery and long-term development impact in resource-constrained environments globally applicable.