My Nonprofit Reviews
glp
Review for Foundation for Sustainable Development, Oakland, CA, USA
I have just returned from Udaipur, India where I worked as a Pro Corp volunteer with FSD. Why did I choose to go with FSD? Because my son, fresh out of college had such s good experience through FSD. His work with them confirmed his desire to work on sustainable development through environmental/social issues, which he now continues with the Peace Corps in Panama. My experience was was excellent also. I worked with dedicated NGO workers to develop improved Financial Literacy teaching methods through the use of visual aids, role playing and games. The target students were very poor women who had taken out microfinance loans. FSD has proven itself to be a formidable partner to NGO's in Kenya, Uganda, Nicaragua, Argentina and India. The FSD staff on the ground in India had such a broad base of experience and such high levels of energy and enthusiasm. They were able to help individual volunteers deal with their own personal challenges, while achieving worthy goals with the partner NGO's. Every project that was worked on put the volunteers in contact with skilled professionals. Everyone gained from the interactions. For the volunteers the experience built awareness, developed important skills and left them feeling that they could make a difference. Does my project meet the "green" requirement. Yes, in as far as the literacy training helps the poor in whatever field of work that they take loans for. I intend to find other ways to support FSD as their work is so important
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
India. Projects include the full spectrum of environment, education, health, women's rights.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I intend to try to volunteer and get into the running of this organization to help it grow.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The ability to provide help where it is so desperately needed, and yet also gain so much personally from the interactions with qualified staff and coworkers. FSD provided a swift and efficient introduction to its parters that little time was wasted in getting started.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
FSD has 3 staff in Udaipur. Even as a seasoned professional I could not help but be impressed with their knowledge, commitment , enthusiasm and energy.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
With $10 million FSD could provide the equivalent of $100 million worth of benefits (compared to other agencies)to the communities it serves. Its stringent internal controls ensures that quality work and sustainable results are certain before any money is spent.
Ways to make it better...
I exceeded every goal I had for myself and my partner NGO. FSD also exceeded my expectations on what it could deliver.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Maintaining quality while expanding operations
One thing I'd also say is that...
Thank you FSD, for providing the best possible placement service for those who seek to give something back to those in need.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
