Can domestic resource mobilisation by civil society organisations (CSOs) open up civic space in the Global South?

In response to political and funding pressures, civil society organisations (CSOs) in the Global South are seeking to generate more funding from local sources. This article explores whether domestic resource mobilisation can also open up civic space by reviewing the evidence on the relationship between domestic resource mobilisation and civic space in the Global South. This article adopts a scoping review methodology and follows a literature search and screening process where 25 studies were synthesised. In addition, we draw on primary data from interviews with CSO representatives in Burkina Faso, India, Ethiopia, and Kenya to examine whether and how domestic resource mobilisation can improve the operating environment for civil society. We find that domestic resource mobilisation enhances CSOs’ legitimacy and credibility at the grassroots by increasing downward accountability, albeit with trade-offs. CSOs use domestic resource mobilisation as a platform for engaging citizens and opening spaces for collective action, which increases civic participation and demands for social accountability. We further find that political actors are more receptive towards CSOs with a local base, although this receptiveness depends on the context and the functions of CSOs. Finally, we identify some potentially negative aspects of domestic resource mobilisation for civic space.