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About Foundation for Sustainable Development

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. FSD believes 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 programs, FSD aims to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

Join the Foundation for Sustainable Development - www.fsdinternational.org - in working with local communities to support economic, social, and educational transformations around the globe. Learn the hard skills needed to enter the competitive field of development, while building capacity and delivering financial resources to over 200 partner organizations located in:

Argentina - Bolivia - Ecuador - Nicaragua - Peru - Kenya - Uganda - India

Since 1995, FSD has relied on volunteers and interns to support grassroots organizations in addressing the challenges faced in the following areas:

Micro-Enterprise/Microfinance - Health - Environment - Youth and Education
Women's Empowerment - Community Development - Human Rights

Program Highlights

Development Training - Throughout your program, FSD provides you with a series of tools to help maximize your project work and increase your understanding of sustainable development principles in-practice. Beginning during orientation, you'll learn the most pressing issues and initiatives in the region. Later, regular group sessions and a midterm retreat will offer you the chance to share and compare your experience and insights with other participants. Throughout this time, you will learn how to:

• Perform an effective needs assessment
• Build partnerships and assemble key community members (community mapping)
• Design and manage a cohesive work plan that reflects sustainable objectives
• Prepare a persuasive grant proposal
• Integrate organizational and/or community ownership of your project work

Participants also learn to be effective global leaders, manage community-based programs, understand legal and cultural frameworks, evaluate program viability and impact, raise funds for project work, and build professional relationships in the development field.

Program Fees and Dates

Fees start at $1,150 and are 100% tax deductible for all U.S. citizens. Programs are available year round in each country and development subject. For a list of program fees and start dates, please visit our website. FSD is a not-for-profit charitable organization with 501c(3) status. We are a non-endowed foundation and rely on the annual support of generous individuals, foundations, and corporations. Our non-profit model gives 100% of our grant funding to the international communities we serve.

International Voluntary Service Activities

FSD sends more than 350 people abroad annually. There are numerous opportunities.

Program Overview

To meet the various skill levels and needs of participants, FSD offers three programs - Internships (9+ weeks), Pro Corps (1-52 weeks), and Short Term Volunteering (1-8 weeks). Each of these programs encompasses the following structure: One Week Orientation - You'll begin your work with a small group of participants in-country. Our field staff will prepare you for the work ahead through a series of Development Trainings (see below), as well as helping you learn about the customs, protocols, and expectations in your community. Throughout your time with FSD, the Site Team will be there to support you and ensure your safety.

Host Organization - You will be hosted by a locally managed FSD partner organization that matches your skills and interests. After familiarizing yourself with the people, resources, and projects currently in progress, you will have the opportunity to put together a project proposal and enter the FSD Grant Competition (see below). To ensure full immersion in the challenges and opportunities of your work environment, you will be the only participant placed with your organization.

Accommodation - You will live individually with a host family for at least the first 9 weeks of your stay. These accommodations allow full immersion into the local language and culture, while providing a chance to form relationships with an extended family and community.

Seed Grant/Grant Competition - Once you've collaboratively prepared a work plan, you and your organization will be given a $200 seed grant to support the plan's implementation. If you would like to further develop your project work, FSD offers the Grant Competition. Grants are awarded to projects that best exemplify sustainable practices.

Veteran Community - Upon completion of your program, you will have access to a large network of program veterans that, through FSD, share common experiences, values, and a willingness to help each other achieve their vocational goals.

How to Get Involved!

1. Visit our website - www.fsdinternational.org. Our participants come from over 300 universities and a wide variety of professional vocations. Read about their projects recently funded by FSD and review our database of over 200 unique host organizations in eight countries.

2. Select a program that matches your skills and interests.

3. Complete an application and email it to: info@fsdinternational.org. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and space is limited to a maximum of 12 participants for each program site.

4. FSD will evaluate your application and respond within 10 business days. If accepted, you will be given an offer letter from the host organization that optimally fits your needs. You will also receive information about how to comprehensively prepare yourself for the work ahead.

We are happy to speak with you about how FSD can meet your needs in gaining hands-on development experience. Please feel free to forward this email to others who may be interested in participating in one of our international programs.