Approximately 18 percent of all Slovak NGOs cooperate with foreign partners. In a majority of cases, this involves financial and material assistance directed from abroad to Slovakia. The situation is different only among humanitarian organizations providing assistance to people in countries suffering from war or natural disasters.

The language barrier and generally poor communication skills prevent Slovak NGOs from achieving broader cooperation; low self-esteem is also a factor.

Besides views on the impact of foreign support for NGOs and their activities, survey respondents also expressed several criticisms, including:

• Some foreign partners are blamed for not making a distinction among the different characteristics, problems and needs countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
• Though on a decline, some foreign partners still attempt to graft their preconceptions onto the local cultural framework.
• Foreign associations are rather suspicious of their local counterparts. (Due to bad experiences in Poland over a number of years, they are afraid of embezzlement in Eastern Europe.)

The strict regulation of certain foreign donors is generally criticized, as this prevents funds from being used in the most efficient way by local NGOs. Similarly, support for ostentatious, high-profile conferences, to the detriment of other projects is frequently criticized.