Saudi Non-Profit Sector Sees Remarkable Growth in H1 2024

Saudi Arabia’s non-profit sector has experienced remarkable growth in the first half of 2024, with the registration of 46 new civil associations, five civil institutions, and ten family funds across various development fields, according to the National Center for Non-Profit Sector.

This expansion brings the total number of registered non-profit organizations in the Kingdom to 4,942, while the number of volunteers has surged to 105,000 individuals, underscoring the sector’s growing role in the nation’s social and economic development.

Context and Background

The non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia has been steadily evolving as part of the broader national transformation envisioned under Vision 2030. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector, established to regulate and empower the sector, plays a pivotal role in fostering transparency, compliance, and growth. The center’s efforts align with the Kingdom’s goals to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP and enhance social impact. The registration of new entities in the first half of 2024 reflects a continued commitment to expanding philanthropic and developmental activities across the country.

Key Details

During the first half of 2024, the National Center for Non-Profit Sector registered 46 new civil associations, five civil institutions, and ten family funds, spanning various development fields. These additions bring the total number of registered non-profit organizations to 4,942. The center also highlighted a rise in volunteerism, with 105,000 individuals now actively contributing their time and skills. This growth is a testament to the increasing awareness and engagement of Saudi citizens in charitable and community work.

Moreover, the center praised the efforts of stakeholders during the 1445 AH Hajj season. In collaboration with the Hajj and Umrah organization and other relevant entities, these efforts facilitated Hajj rituals for nearly two million pilgrims. The center also joined the Siqaya and Rifadah committees, which oversee non-profit activities related to water and food distribution for pilgrims, approving over 70 non-profit organizations to provide these essential services during Hajj.

Regulatory Actions and Compliance

In its regulatory role, the center acted against certain non-profit organizations and individuals, issuing warnings, dissolving boards of directors, appointing temporary boards, revoking licenses, and issuing violations for improper fundraising practices. Last month, the center referred 11 social media influencers to relevant authorities for promoting donations to non-profit organizations without proper disclosure, violating advertising requirements on social media platforms. The center reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all parties to ensure transparent oversight of donation collection and disbursement, emphasizing the importance of compliance with regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Implications and Impact

The growth of the non-profit sector in Saudi Arabia has significant implications for the Kingdom’s social fabric and economic diversification. An expanded non-profit sector can address social challenges more effectively, foster community participation, and contribute to job creation. The increase in volunteers reflects a growing sense of civic responsibility and aligns with Vision 2030’s aim to boost volunteerism to one million volunteers by 2030. Furthermore, the sector’s role during Hajj demonstrates its capacity to support large-scale national events and enhance the pilgrimage experience for millions.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The remarkable growth of the non-profit sector in the first half of 2024 is a clear indication of Saudi Arabia’s progress toward its Vision 2030 objectives. By empowering non-profit organizations and promoting a culture of giving, the Kingdom is not only strengthening its social safety net but also driving sustainable development. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector’s efforts to regulate and support the sector ensure that it operates transparently and effectively, contributing to a vibrant and resilient society. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey of transformation, the non-profit sector will play an increasingly vital role in achieving national goals and enhancing the well-being of all citizens.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the National Center for Non-Profit Sector?

A1. The National Center for Non-Profit Sector is a Saudi government body established to regulate, empower, and support non-profit organizations in the Kingdom, ensuring transparency and compliance with national regulations.

Q2. How many new non-profit organizations were registered in the first half of 2024?

A2. In the first half of 2024, 46 new civil associations, five civil institutions, and ten family funds were registered across various development fields in Saudi Arabia.

Q3. What is the total number of registered non-profit organizations in Saudi Arabia?

A3. The total number of registered non-profit organizations now stands at 4,942, reflecting significant growth in the sector.

Q4. How many volunteers are currently active in the non-profit sector?

A4. The number of volunteers has reached 105,000 individuals, demonstrating a strong culture of volunteerism and civic engagement in Saudi Arabia.

Q5. What role did the non-profit sector play during the 1445 AH Hajj season?

A5. The sector, in collaboration with the Hajj and Umrah organization, facilitated Hajj rituals for nearly two million pilgrims and approved over 70 non-profit organizations for water and food distribution.

Q6. What are the Siqaya and Rifadah committees?

A6. Siqaya and Rifadah are committees responsible for overseeing non-profit activities related to water and food distribution for pilgrims during Hajj, ensuring essential services are provided.

Q7. What regulatory actions did the center take against non-compliant organizations?

A7. The center issued warnings, dissolved boards of directors, appointed temporary boards, revoked licenses, and issued violations for improper fundraising practices to ensure compliance.

Q8. Why were 11 social media influencers referred to authorities?

A8. They were referred for promoting donations to non-profit organizations without proper disclosure, violating advertising requirements on social media platforms.

Q9. How does the center ensure transparent oversight of donations?

A9. The center collaborates with all parties to ensure transparent oversight of donation collection and disbursement, emphasizing compliance with regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Q10. What is the significance of the non-profit sector’s growth for Saudi Arabia?

A10. The growth enhances social impact, fosters community participation, and contributes to economic diversification, aligning with Vision 2030 goals for a vibrant society.

Q11. How does the non-profit sector support Vision 2030?

A11. It contributes to social development, volunteerism, and economic diversification, helping achieve Vision 2030 targets such as one million volunteers by 2030.

Q12. What is the target for volunteerism under Vision 2030?

A12. Vision 2030 aims to increase the number of volunteers to one million by 2030, and the current 105,000 volunteers are a step toward that goal.

Q13. How can individuals contact the National Center for Non-Profit Sector?

A13. Individuals can contact the center via its call center at 19918, visit the website ncnp.gov.sa, or connect through its social media accounts.

Q14. What types of entities are included in the non-profit sector?

A14. The sector includes civil associations, civil institutions, family funds, and other non-profit organizations registered under the center’s regulations.

Q15. What was the role of the center during Hajj 1445 AH?

A15. The center praised stakeholder efforts, joined Siqaya and Rifadah committees, and approved over 70 non-profit organizations to provide water and food services to pilgrims.

Q16. How many pilgrims were facilitated during Hajj 1445 AH?

A16. Nearly two million pilgrims were facilitated through the collaborative efforts of the non-profit sector and relevant entities during the Hajj season.

Q17. What are the consequences for non-profit organizations that violate regulations?

A17. Consequences include warnings, dissolution of boards, appointment of temporary boards, license revocation, and violations for improper fundraising practices.

Q18. Why is transparency important in the non-profit sector?

A18. Transparency ensures donations are used appropriately, maintains public trust, and enhances the sector’s credibility and effectiveness in achieving social goals.

Q19. How does the center encourage collaborative efforts?

A19. The center encourages collaboration among the center, individuals, and non-profit organizations to foster growth and amplify social and economic impact.

Q20. What is the overall impact of the non-profit sector’s growth on Saudi society?

A20. The growth strengthens social safety nets, promotes civic engagement, supports economic diversification, and contributes to achieving Saudi Arabia’s national goals under Vision 2030.

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