Connected
Development
An international hub for community based development
OUR OBJECTIVE
Connected Development envisions a future in which international development cooperation leads to sustainable change. Our focus is on promoting community-based approaches designed by local and national civil society organisations.
Our consultancy services help grantmaking organisations to partner directly with locally led nonprofits, whom we guide towards financial sustainability through coaching courses. Through interaction and exchange, we work with both sides to build strategic partnerships that increase collective impact.
Our international network acts as a peer-to-peer learning hub for practitioners, research institutions and university volunteers. Connected Development aims to introduce more innovative, dynamic, and cost-effective ways of conducting international development cooperation. 
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ADVISORY SERVICES
Connected Development works with a wide range of clients including philanthropic foundations, high-net worth individuals, businesses, and international non governmental organisations, through 3 key themes.
Impact Assessments
We travel to the field to assess local nonprofit organisations and the impact of their programmes on behalf of private or corporate grantmaking foundations.
Grant Monitoring
We review philanthropic strategy, set up grant monitoring systems, and evaluate funding applications to enable donors to partner directly with local nonprofits.
Training Courses
Our accompaniment courses can be offered by funders to their grantee partners, whom we guide towards financial sustainability and increased impact.
IMPACT
13 locally led nonprofits in 10 countries are members of our international network.
25 internships completed in support of peer to peer learning for local nonprofits
9 long term partnerships initiated between donors and locally led nonprofits
$1,143,813
directed to community based initiatives
through new partnerships
10 public talks given to share insights into community based development approaches
MEET THE TEAM
Pamela Zamora
Pamela Zamora works at the intersection of business and technology, with experience across telecommunications, streaming, and IoT. Alongside freelance creative work, she volunteers with community organisations and values connection, adaptability, and learning through travel.
Pamela is based in Mexico City, Mexico
Network Coordinator
Ilse Meijer
Ilse has a background in cultural anthropology and philosophy, with experience in fundraising and impact consultancy for NGOs and universities. She is also a researcher, writer, and visual storyteller. At Connected Development, she combines research and communications.
Ilse is based in Sao Paolo, Brazil
Research & Communications Consultant
​Muhammed Naeem
Naeem is an FCCA with over 10 years’ experience providing accountancy, financial management, and UK tax services. He supports organisations from micro-businesses to e-commerce brands with compliance, bookkeeping, and strategic insight to build strong financial foundations.
Naeem is based in Faisalabad, Pakistan
Finance Officer
Ben Leatham
Ben is a strategist and trainer with experience leading local, national, and international projects for mental health charities, including a global wellbeing initiative and Covid student response. He teaches politics to young people and prioritises community-level, lasting change.
Ben is based in Hong Kong
Learning & Strategy Consultant
Rebecca Lin
Rebecca is a British–Taiwanese international development practitioner supporting community-driven organisations across the UK and Asia. As Programme Coordinator at Connected Development, she works in fundraising, youth mentorship, and programme delivery, using creative approaches to amplify marginalised youth voices.
Rebecca is based in Taipei, Taiwan
Programme Coordinator
William Harnden
William has over 17 years’ experience in international development, including roles as a charity CEO, NGO project manager, and UN training officer. He founded Connected Development in 2019 following extensive fieldwork across Southeast Asia and more than 20 countries worldwide.
William is based in Cheltenham, UK
Managing Director