Abstract Programs implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are often more effective than comparable efforts other actors, yet relatively little is known about how implementer identity drives final outcomes. By combining a stratified field experiment in India with tripledifferences estimation strategy, we show that local development NGO's prior engagement target communities increases...

Civil society organizations (CSOs), also known as non-governmental (NGOs) or nonprofits, are facing difficult times. Since the mid-2000s, scholars, policy makers, and activists have been sounding alarm bells over growing tendency of governments around globe to restrict ability civil groups form, operate, advocate for particular causes, receive use resources, network with other actors. Different...