A Strategic Framework forPalestinian CharityNGOs;Nablus Governorate as a Case Study

This study has a significant importance since the Palestinian NGOs work in a dynamic environment with high uncertainty to sustain services and continue development. The research aims to deal with the source of dilemma regarding a strategic framework that entails service sustainability of NGOs up to the national Palestinian objectives and real status of development associated with the Palestinian struggle for independence. Currently there exist a gap between most Palestinian NGOs' programs and Palestinian priorities, needs and ambitions. Furthermore, NGOs are generally acting as a service sub-contractor to the international donors. To achieve the objectives of this study, the researcher employed the descriptive analytical approach; the study was conducted in Nablus Governorate as a case study, aquestionnaire has been designed, conducted, tested and circulated to the targeted audience of NGOs, pinpointing issues of planning, decision-making, and other related aspects. Interviews were also conducted with selected consultants, PNA officials from Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Interior and NGOs Board of Administration members in addition to observation, workshops, and documentary analysis. Study sample that responded to the questionnaire formed 40% of active registered NGOs under the authority of Ministry of Social Affairs. Also the researcher has chosen four samples of strategic plans to be studied and analyzed,in which three strategic plans from three NGOs, differ in their services, potentials,year of foundation and size, in addition to the NDC's strategic framework that aimed to provide a strategic direction to NGOs in addressing the key issues that Palestinians will facein the next five years. The study results indicate the real need of Palestinian Charitable Societies to a systematical strategic approach to sustain services. There were obviously missing strategic tools, improper employment of factors regarding SWOT analysis and inadequate programs and projects that does not fit within the priority of Palestinians, in addition to the absence of some stakeholders in the planning process such as beneficiaries and related ministries. Donors, on the other hand, forced out their policies and unfortunately, some NGOs become apprehensive about fundraising and instead of building self-defense strategies, they started to build up strategies that affiliate the donors’ policies. The researcher has developed a proposed framework based on the research findings, the proposed framework considered needed elements for a new strategical approach to enhance services sustainability of Charitable NGOs. This study recommends that NGOs should adapt a new strategical approach to affiliate their national goals by paying more attention to the strategic forces that can be engaged to enhance empowerment and impulse NGOs to be more effective and highly involved in the extent of national decision making.