CDS has experience as a practitioner/trainer working with international and emerging economies to help identify, cultivate and exchange financial and community development strategies.  In 1998 and 1999, CDS co-hosted three conferences in Poland for banks, NGOs and government officials to explore community development finance strategies in that country.  This conference was part of the Practitioners Working Group (PWG) program supported by the Ford Foundation to stimulate the development of community financial institutions in Poland.  CDS also worked with the Carpathian Foundation based in Slovakia to assist with a feasibility study on establishing a financial intermediary organization to support growth of the CDC/CDFI industry. 

International Peer Learning Exchanges: The Practitioners Working Group (PWG) is an international peer learning exchange created by CDS to strengthen the global CDC/CDFI industry. The PWG is an organized, in-depth training program through which participants develop partnerships with other practitioner organizations.  By examining relevant rural and urban models, practitioners are able to sharpen their skills.  Coalition building, strategic planning, legislative initiatives and resource development are key elements of the PWG.

CDS will work with an individual, NGO, or a group of NGOs interested in furthering common goals.  The holistic program typically includes a 10-day training in the U.S. with site visits to relevant CDCs and sessions with other community development organizations, an in-country forum with policymakers and donor organizations; and strategic consulting.