Assessment of Project Appraisal Methods used by Non-Governmental Organisations in Tanzania

Background: Non-Governmental Organisations play significant role in community development, humanitarian-aid, and environmental conservation. However, the criteria used to assess and approve projects for funding in Non-Governmental Organisations remain an important area that has been understudied. Objective: This study examined the project acceptance criteria utilised by Non-Governmental Organisations in Tanzania, focusing on financial, social, and environmental appraisal methods. Method: Adopting descriptive survey research design, 90 project and program experts working in Non-Governmental Organisations were acquired. The participants randomly filled a questionnaire in form of a google forms. Results: Social appraisal methods are the most widely used, emphasizing social value over financial returns. Traditional financial methods are minimally applied, while modern financial techniques are rarely used, particularly in non-profit projects. Social enterprise adopts some financial appraisal methods to assess cost-effectiveness and sustainability while maintaining their social mission. Additionally, environmental appraisal remains severely underutilized. Conclusion: Non-Governmental Organizations in Tanzania prioritize social appraisal methods over financial and environmental considerations in project selection Unique Contribution: This study offers new insight into diverse methods used in appraising Non-Governmental Project not only in financial but social and environmental appraisal methods as well. Key Recommendation: Decision-makers should be trained in multi-criteria decision-making frameworks that incorporate social, financial, and environmental factors.