Personal Transformation Among INGO Beneficiaries: Evidence from a Case Study in Honduras

Funders increasingly challenge INGOs in developing countries to provide evidence of their impact. While economic impact is often documented, the social impact on participants has received less attention. To understand INGOs’ social impact, we conducted a case study of Heifer International’s Values-Based Holistic Community Development program in Honduras. Based on interviews with 100 participants, our analysis shows that beneficiaries experience positive change across four dimensions: (1) self-identity, (2) communication competency, (3) state of leadership, and (4) civic and community engagement. The article emphasizes the importance of assessing INGOs’ impact beyond economic gain and contributes to the literature on personal transformation.