The rise of social media in China provides grassroots NGOs with a new channel for fundraising, which could enhance their independence in proposing and implementing projects. According to the China Association of Fundraising Professionals, in 2016, tens of millions of netizens donated at least 1.29 billion yuan (US$194 million) to Chinese NGOs. Given the popularity of online charitable crowdfunding, this thesis examines the extent to which charitable crowdfunding is influencing state-society relations. Based on an original database of charity programs currently active on online social platforms, we observe that over 80 percent of donations go to specific “less-controversial” fields like children’s education and health issues. Other more “sensitive” NGOs (e.g. right-oriented NGOs)...[ Read more ]

The rise of social media in China provides grassroots NGOs with a new channel for fundraising, which could enhance their independence in proposing and implementing projects. According to the China Association of Fundraising Professionals, in 2016, tens of millions of netizens donated at least 1.29 billion yuan (US$194 million) to Chinese NGOs. Given the popularity of online charitable crowdfunding, this thesis examines the extent to which charitable crowdfunding is influencing state-society relations. Based on an original database of charity programs currently active on online social platforms, we observe that over 80 percent of donations go to specific “less-controversial” fields like children’s education and health issues. Other more “sensitive” NGOs (e.g. right-oriented NGOs) mobilized less financial support due to institutional constraints. Thus, the thesis observes that charitable crowdfunding can increase the financial independence of China NGOs to a certain extent. However, the effect of empowerment is still highly circumscribed. Politically sensitive projects remain subject to censorship. The actual space for societal participation has not expanded in practice.