ABOUT
US.
Community Development Fund works towards a better future where nature's and human's health is promoted and respected.
Our Story
From Global Vision to Local Impact: The Journey of Community Development Fund
Community Development Fund (CDF) is a Vietnamese non-profit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged communities in Quang Tri province. We work at the intersection of environmental sustainability, healthcare, and inclusive education — believing that human well-being and nature’s health must grow together.
Our Roots
In the early 1990s, American entrepreneur and traveler Marcia Selva founded the adventure travel company Global Spectrum Travel (GS). She was among the first to pioneer tourism that brought Americans to Vietnam in the years following the war. Deeply moved by the country and its people, Marcia became committed to supporting underprivileged communities beyond tourism.
Driven by this vision, she established the Global Community Service Foundation (GCSF) as the philanthropic arm of Global Spectrum Travel. Registered as a 501(c)(3) charity in Virginia, GCSF provided humanitarian assistance in healthcare, education, and income-generation activities across Vietnam. Under Marcia’s leadership and guidance, GCSF collaborated with local partners from 2004 onward, earning recognition from both the Vietnamese government and the communities it served. With a capable Vietnamese staff, the foundation made lasting contributions until its closure in April 2018.
A New Chapter
In 2018, the Community Development Fund was established as the direct successor to GCSF, with a sharpened focus on Quang Tri — one of Vietnam’s most war-affected and environmentally vulnerable provinces.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant financial challenges. Rather than retreat, CDF restructured and renewed its commitment, placing stronger emphasis on environmental initiatives while continuing critical support in healthcare and disability inclusion. Today, we work alongside young environmental activists, local partners, and international donors to build resilient, self-reliant communities.
Our Approach
We do not simply deliver aid. We invest in long-term capacity: safe housing for ethnic minority families and Agent Orange survivors, inclusive education for children with disabilities, eye and dental care for remote villages, and community-led environmental restoration.
CDF stands as a bridge between global solidarity and local action — committed to a future where every person in Quang Tri can live with dignity, opportunity, and harmony with nature.
Marcia Selva
Senior Advisor
Meet The Team
Tam Nguyen
Founder / Executive CEO
Truong Nguyen
Environment program manager
Vi Tran
Accountant
Dat Hoang
Field officer
Cléa Brossault
Marketing & Social Media Advisor
Meet our international board members
In our pursuit of excellence and the selection of the most promising projects, we recognize the value of diverse perspectives and expertise. To ensure we make informed decisions, we have strategically surrounded ourselves with an international board of advisors.
This distinguished group brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and global insights to the table, enabling us to assess opportunities comprehensively and receive the best advice. By fostering collaboration with this diverse and accomplished advisory board, we enhance our ability to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately achieve success in our endeavors.
Steve Ball
Senior Advisor
Rich Paul
Health Program Advisor
Fin Longinotto
Environment/Conservation Advisor
Olivia Fernandes
Social Entreprise Advisor
Marcia Selva
Senior Advisor