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FSD supports the efforts of grassroots development organizations in the developing world that are working to better their communities, environments, and the economic opportunities around them. We believe economic development begins with community development and is only sustainable if it comes from and is supported by the members of these communities. Also, through our programs, we aim to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

FSD holds internship programs in which we send volunteers from around the world to Latin America, Africa, and Asia to work with local development organizations. These individuals work in a variety of different areas, including youth education, community development, health, the environment, microenterprise, human rights, and women's empowerment. They live with local host families to better integrate themselves into the communities. We also provide small grants for development projects and provide material donations, such as school supplies, clothing, and medicine.

See the Foundation for Sustainable Development Group on WiserEarth!

Our model incorporates three unique programs that develop underserved, international communities in a collaborative and sustainable manner.

1. Sustainable Development of Community-Based Organizations

Sustainable development practiced by FSD involves cultivating relationships, building trust between stakeholders, and integrating local value systems in a community-centered approach. Our development model is a response to traditional development’s treatment of local communities as passive recipients of "top-down" solutions. Our professional field staff, roving consultants, and program participants provide on-site technical training and capacity building to over 200 community-based organizations throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Our partner organizations address economic, social, environmental, and educational needs.

2. Development Training for Interns and Volunteers in the Field

FSD provides a comprehensive training and immersion program for interns and volunteers seeking hands-on development experience in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Program participants collaborate with one of our 200 partner organizations to design and implement projects that reflect community needs and sustainable goals.

Designed to run throughout your program, FSD has adopted an experiential approach to teaching you essential development skills focused on deepening your understanding of grassroots development and capacity building. These tools become a lasting and marketable skill in the field of development as they are methods commonly used by development professionals around the world. Topics include:

* Community and Organizational Needs Assessment Tools
* Local and Rights-Based Approach to Development
* Participatory Learning and Action Approach (PLA)
* Community Mapping and Partnership Building
* Collaborative Project Design and Management (PDM)
* Grant Proposal Writing
* Integrating Sustainability into Project Work
* Project Monitoring and Evaluation

3. Grantmaking to Projects and Initiatives Lead by Our Partner Organizations

FSD delivers funds from donors and institutions directly to the projects and initiatives implemented by our partner organizations, site teams, interns, and volunteers. We are proud to say that 100 percent of all funds given to FSD are allocated toward project work in the field.

These three program areas work in-tandem to strengthen our partner organizations and their communities, while providing interns and volunteers with the skills necessary to effectively engage development. As a collaborative effort, FSD facilitates sustainable solutions in nine program locations in six countries:

Argentina               Bolivia               India               Kenya               Nicaragua               Uganda

For a current description of what our interns and volunteers and doing and experiencing in the field, visit the FSD Blog.