THE LEGAL STATUS OF PUBLIC FUNDS IN THE SYSTEM OF CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTIONS IN UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

The development of civil society in Uzbekistan has significantly increased the importance of non-governmental non-profit organizations, including public funds, in addressing social, educational, cultural, humanitarian, and charitable issues. This article examines the legal status of public funds within the system of civil society institutions in Uzbekistan and analyses the constitutional, civil-law, and institutional foundations governing their establishment and operation. Particular attention is paid to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Law “On Public Funds,” the Law “On Non-Governmental Non-Profit Organizations,” legislation on social partnership and public oversight, and the recent reforms aimed at strengthening state support for civil society institutions. The study applies formal-legal, systemic, comparative-legal, and analytical methods. The findings demonstrate that public funds possess a distinctive legal position based on their non-membership structure, independent property, socially beneficial purposes, and institutional autonomy. At the same time, the effectiveness of public funds depends not only on formal legal guarantees but also on financial sustainability, transparency, public accountability, diversified funding sources, and constructive cooperation with state institutions. The article argues that further modernization of the legal framework should focus on digital transparency, social impact assessment, endowment mechanisms, electronic philanthropy, and clearer standards for the use of public resources. These measures may contribute to the strengthening of public funds as independent and socially responsible institutions of civil society in Uzbekistan.