Overview
The Change for Development Foundation provides resources and support to build the capacity of local institutions (e.g., universities, public health institutions, NGOs, etc.) around the world. Our work is to assist local organizations in building operational systems so they can more effectively work to address local development issues on the front lines.
The Change for Development Foundation is an officially recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit entity registered in the state of Louisiana, USA. The Foundation has the ability to receive funds as donations, contract awards, research driven activities and any other form of legal income generation recognized in the United States.
Mission
To build human and institutional capacity and knowledge capital to improve the social and economic wellbeing of people across the globe.
History
The Change for Development Foundation was originally established in 1990 as The Foundation for Support of Health and Development in Zaire. Founded by a group of dedicated international development professionals, the Foundation for Support of Health and Development in Zaire was created as a private foundation based in the United States with the sole purpose of raising and managing funds in accordance with United States financial regulations and other controlled regulatory environments for the newly established Kinshasa School of Public Health (KSPH). The Foundation for Support of Health and Development in Zaire served as a critical support mechanism by filling resource gaps and providing other operational support to the fledgling KSPH. Indeed, the Foundation was the only source of income during the period that the KSPH suffered from lack of government funding and for almost 5 years had no external income.
In 2003, the Foundation’s name was officially changed to The Foundation for Support and Development of Africa to expand its focus to the African continent. Over the years, the Foundation has provided support to other schools of public health in Africa including the Rwanda School of Public Health and the Institute of Health and Development at the University of Dakar.
In 2010, the current Board of Directors revisited the Foundation’s mission and scope to provide capacity building and operational support to locally based organizations across the globe. The Board voted unanimously to adopt a new name, The Change for Development Foundation, to reflect the organization’s evolution with its expanded mission.