WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE 
DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL?

About CDI

Collaborative Development International seeks to engage Community Development practitioners in a dynamic, cooperative process.

We focus on strategic partnerships developed through intentional relationships. Our goal is to see all participants grow in their capacity to serve their constituency, whether they are working with those in their own backyard or among people on the other side of the world.

We are a consulting effort, and want to network with others who are seeking to make a strategic difference in improving the spiritual, social, physical, and economic needs of others.

Want to know more? Check out the information on this site, then contact us if you want to continue the conversation.

Who We Are

Collaborative Development International is a faith-based, non-profit consulting effort focused on strengthening and growing the capacity of existing community-based organizations through intentional and cooperative partnerships.

We are small by design, just a few individuals who see both the tremendous potential of locally-led Community Development organizations and the knowledge base and practical resources available from others. We are passionate to see these groups connect with one another.

What We Do

Collaborative Development International is a bridge between practitioners and resources.

Strategic organizations throughout the world are working to improve the leadership, health services, educational, economic, and infrastructure conditions within their local community or sphere of influence. However, their effectiveness is often hindered by inadequate knowledge of or access to critical resources.

CDI partners with these organizations to identify opportunities and constraints, develop strategic initiatives, then work together to see appropriate resources applied though creative, collaborative solutions. Our goal is to see barriers removed or mitigated and our partners flourishing in their efforts to make a difference in their local communities.

What People Are Saying About CDI

Rob is a fellow lifelong learner, with decades of experience in navigating the turbulent waters of cross-cultural partnerships around the globe. He is a teacher at heart, which springs from a commitment to asking hard questions – the right questions - of both himself and those he seeks to work with. Yet he does so gently within the context of the relationship. It’s something I’ve long admired in Rob and try to replicate in my own cross-cultural partnerships.

Andy Weigel
Lead Advisor, The Gabel Fund

Rob is the most strategic thinker I have met in 20 years of cross-cultural partnerships. He has extensive experience with CDI in a variety of cultures that uniquely equip him to encourage dynamic relationships and advance partnerships.

Craig Poston, PhD

With CDI, Rob has a unique ability to forge successful partnerships that bridge different cultures and organizations. His vast experience in cross-cultural work and community development have allowed him to help those in need while maintaining the distinctiveness and dignity of all those involved.

Dr. Richard “Jeff” Conner 
(Board Member, CDI)

I have served with Rob on the leadership team of a non-profit for the past four years. He is very strategic in his thinking and incredibly collaborative in his approach. He has been very effective in managing change: piloting the change; helping us understand the vision for the change; helping us to set appropriate expectations and experience small wins; and leading with passion toward a fruitful new approach.

Byron Lambert, PhD 
MAR, Abbott Vascular

Language, social norms, customs....just a few aspects of culture that can cause confusion when two people groups try to work together. If you are not equipped with the tools to navigate another culture, projects will end in frustration. With years of experience around the globe, Rob Foster has the ability to build bridges across cultures so that projects can flourish. I can confidently recommend Rob to anyone seeking to start a cross-cultural initiative.

Rebecca Bolt 
Project Director, Training Asian Young Adults

We have been working with CDI for nearly two decades. They have provided leadership, navigating through cross-cultural partnerships lined with challenges and time taking. Sensitive, passionate, and patient, Rob builds bridges and fills the gap between cultures and mindsets, individuals and organizations. His ability to work out innovative approaches to meet project goals make him an efficient strategic planner towards sustainable partnership.

Dr. Lorho Pfoze 
Director, InTOUCH Naturals, Manipur, India

Rob Foster is one of the most strategic thinkers I’ve worked with. He knows how to bring people and organizations together for a common goal, and will help any organizations avoid the common fails of partnerships without clear common goals and foundations.

Britt Sipe
Lead Pastor, Sunridge Community Church

CDI is sensitive to culturally appropriate ministry. I’ve worked with Rob and observed him come in as a student - seeking to understand the local culture, the resources, the opportunities, and to only contribute where he adds the most value. He also is passionate about strategic and healthy partnerships - where all participating parties are contributing and accomplishing their mission.

Jeff Ward
Director of Finance and Administration, Camp Eagle Family of Camps

860 Midland Way
Brookings, OR 97415-9732
rfoster@collabdev.org
©2012 - 2019 Collaborative Development International. All rights reserved. Collaborative Development International is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
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