With over three million members or “Kapitbahays,” the moniker that members have created for themselves, Home Buddies has won funding from Meta’s 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program.
Cabatuando created Home Buddies during the pandemic to inspire and equip Filipinos with ideas on how they can live and work comfortably while stuck at home. Home Buddies is a safe, creative space where members can share and exchange home improvement tips and design inspirations.
In 2021, Home Buddies joined the program with 128 other Facebook Communities from various parts of the world, receiving USD$50,000. As of May 2022 Home Buddies has received an additional USD$30,000 in funding from Meta, raising the funding it received to a total USD$80,000. The last round of funding was only given to 6 communities in the APAC region, excluding India.
Meta’s 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program helps leaders harness the power of their communities to turn impactful ideas into action. This is done specifically through training and coaching. Meta’s mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together.
People have always come to Meta’s apps to connect with the community they know well, among them friends and family. But over time, it has become more than that. It’s now a place to connect with neighbors, colleagues and people around the world who share common interests and experiences. Through these connections, people can learn, explore and do more together.
“We have been impressed and inspired [by] the incredible impact these communities have made in the first 8 months. [The] Philippines is home to vibrant community groups!” said Fiona Budihardja, Strategic Partner Manager for Community Partnerships at Meta.
Participants learn to organize and strengthen their communities through custom training, one-on-one coaching, and meaningful partnerships. They are also given access to new products aimed at helping community leaders manage and activate their communities.
“This group has brought people together. It’s a real community where you allow yourself to inspire and be inspired, share wins and learnings in life in a safe space. A home is more than the material it’s made of. We believe that everything— our relationships, our dreams, our sense of self— all start at home. And when we inspire people to improve their personal spaces, we also empower them to live better lives,” Cabatuando said.
“Home Buddies is an example of a creative force and the power of digital communities coming together. We are delighted to work with Frances and her vision to continue cultivating the needs of the 3 million and growing kapitbahays,” said Kat Bautista, Head of NYMA.
Cabatuando is one of the exclusive talents under NYMA, a talent agency focused on nurturing trailblazers to break through all media spaces. NYMA’s vision is to be the home of the best Filipino talents in the country and the world.
NYMA is one of eight brands under tradigital entertainment company KROMA. To know more about NYMA, visit nyma.ph.
