Local Solutions for National Problems: How Nonprofit Organisations Tackle the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

There are many studies on several actors (including organizations) attempting to tackle the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially at the strategic level. However, attempts by local actors in developing economies are often underexplored. Through multiple in-depth interviews with nonprofit organizations, this article provides evidence of how nonprofit founders develop solutions for national problems using local resources. The findings from multiple interviews with the founders revealed that they demonstrate pro-social behaviour but have distinct personal experiences and backgrounds that shaped their nonprofit model. Interestingly, both founders utilize knowledge of the local environment, grants from international NGOs, educational hubs, and local community actors to enact activities (and actions) to end period poverty, vocational skills gap, and gender inequality.