Impact of digital tools on the sector of non-profit organizations that help less-favored sector of society

Abstract

The digital era, in which a large part of society has access to an almost infinite amount of information, has transformed the way companies operate and how people interact. Today, having a digital presence is a requirement for companies to remain relevant in the market. For this reason, it is essential that organizations that support underprivileged sectors make use of digital tools—not only to improve their positioning, but also to showcase the positive changes they bring to society. In doing so, more people can identify with their missions and be encouraged to actively participate.

Habitat for Humanity Bolivia is a nonprofit organization with 34 years of experience in the country. However, it is also part of a vast global network present in over 70 countries. Habitat for Humanity International is a non-governmental and nonprofit organization founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda. Its mission is to build housing for low-income individuals.

In Bolivia, its operations began in 1985, and it currently works across five departments: La Paz, Oruro, Cochabamba, Tarija, and Santa Cruz. In 2018, the national office relocated from Cochabamba to La Paz. Since its inception, the organization has carried out various initiatives, such as financial education and healthy housing workshops, as well as housing improvement, expansion, and/or renovation projects. It also runs the “We’ll Wait for You at Home” (TEC) program, which aims to improve the quality of life for children and young people recovering from cancer treatment.

Habitat for Humanity Bolivia has implemented numerous projects throughout its history. However, its visibility and impact have decreased over time. This highlights the importance of maintaining a strong digital presence. Despite having an extensive track record, the organization is not widely known and is sometimes confused with other associations. By applying digital tools, it will not only be able to promote its activities, but also attract resources to support various initiatives, including entrepreneurship programs for vulnerable youth.

The digital communication model proposed in this research can be applied to all nonprofit institutions seeking to promote their activities and support the entrepreneurial development of disadvantaged sectors of society.